We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jaleccia Ates a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jaleccia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?

At the beginning of my career, I really didn’t know what I was doing. I kind of just jumped in first and asked questions later. I had googled “photography contracts”, thinking some basic template would suffice for a whole business. Boy, was I wrong! I ended up losing some images from a wedding that I booked and ended up paying back more than what I should have. The whole situation made me feel defeated and like I was a failure because I couldn’t and didn’t stand up for myself or my business. I ended quitting for like 3 months with the mindset of never returning again. But after a few months of regrouping, and seeking wisdom from other seasoned photographers, I received the boost that I needed and discovered the many lessons that were within that failure.

One: Get a legit contract and get it looked over by a lawyer.
Two: Businesses cannot thrive without systems and structure. Learn how build your foundation first and then grow.
Three: You’re only defeated and a failure when you stop trying. Keep moving and failing forward.

Jaleccia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Since I was a little girl, memories has always been a fave of mine. I would always have a disposable camera every where I went, just snapping away, and then I would scrapbook the images. Any of the cool cameras that were out, best gifts ever on any holiday! I’ve never lost that passion for it. I actually didn’t know that I could make a career out of it until my mother mentioned it to me as she was making fun of me for taking the 1000th selfie. lol Once she mentioned it, my dad made a connection with my now amazing friend, PJ, and honestly, once I said yes, it was like all doors opened up for me. It was as if photography had been waiting for me to choose its path.

I have captured many beautiful moments and memories, but I have grown to love and specialize in wedding photography. The chaos and continuous moving and shaking of the day, the nerves of the couple before they say I Do, the crazy aunt or uncle always getting down on the dance floor, and the pure love I get to experience with my couples, it’s literally the best job to have!

Something that I am most proud of when it comes to my photography business is how involved I am with my couples. I am with you from the moment you said “hello, I’d like to know more” until forever. I have created such beautiful friendships through my couples and it brings me so much joy knowing they put so much trust into me to capture their precious moments. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Hiring me is like having an honorary bridesmaid or groomswoman lol I like to walk through the process with my couples so they not only can focus on their love for each other but their comfort levels with me are like with a best friend. I believe that’s what makes up dope photos and I’ll do what I can to make sure we get them!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz and We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rogers.

These two books have definitely been game changers for me! First and foremost, Mike is one of the best to narrate his book on audible. The way he reads it and talks, it feels more like a conversation than a book being read to you. Other than that, it was really helpful with getting my finances organized for both business and personal. In We Should All Be Millionaires, Rachel helped give me permission to want more for my life and for my business. She broke the mindset of thinking that I needed to play small just because I was a black woman. I reread that book twice a year.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’m sure this is a story for a lot of people, but Covid was a time that I had to pivot or fall behind. Being a wedding photographer during this time was not looking too good. Thankfully, I didn’t have terrible stories like many of my fellow wedding photographers during those times, but things did come to a halt and I had to branch out into another niche, branding photography. I wasn’t as open to a new niche prior to Covid, but I had to keep going. I ended up loving branding photography for women bosses and it opened up a whole new world and clientele for me!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jalecciaatesphotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalecciaatesphotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jalecciaatesphoto

Image Credits
Myself, Jaleccia Ates Photography