We were lucky to catch up with Jalen Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jalen , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I think success really starts with showing up for yourself. There are definitely days when I feel frustrated or not in the mood to plan a shoot, but I remind myself that I still have to show up. I’ve learned that momentum comes from consistency—even when motivation isn’t there.
Sometimes, I still feel like a small creator in a city full of photographers who are already working with big brands and top clients. It can be easy to feel overlooked. But over time, I’ve realized you never really know who’s watching your work. The likes and views on Instagram don’t tell the full story. Just because the algorithm isn’t in your favor doesn’t mean your work isn’t being seen.
That’s why I’ve learned not to be afraid to move on from a project if it’s not hitting the way I hoped. It’s okay to pivot. Opportunities don’t always come knocking—you really have to create them. If there’s a brand I want to work with, I’ll create a spec ad for them. That one piece might catch their attention, or it could open the door to paid work with other clients. Either way, it shows my range and what I can bring to the table.
A few months ago, I was part of an art exhibit, and my work was on display. That was a huge moment for me. I felt genuinely proud seeing my photos up for people to experience. What made it even more meaningful was having my close friends come out to support me. Strangers were coming up to me with questions, which was amazing, but seeing my people there—that hit different.
I’ve never really been someone who craves the spotlight. I’m more reserved, more behind-the-scenes. But that event reminded me that I belong in this space. That people actually connect with what I do. And honestly, that gave me even more motivation to keep going.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Jalen, and I go by JayOso as an Atlanta-based photographer. My brand is called JayOsoVsWorld, and the meaning behind it is that I’m challenging myself to go up against the world of photography—whether that’s through travel, portraits, or anything within the creative realm—to tell meaningful stories.
Growing up, I was really into movies, video games, and music. I think those things helped shape my imagination and the way I visualize storytelling through photography. I love taking pictures while traveling to different countries, just using my iPhone. It wasn’t even about having a professional camera—it was about documenting where I had been, and my phone was always right there with me to look back and reference.
I started taking photography seriously around 2021, post-COVID, after I was laid off from my corporate job. It caught me off guard because I had been there for a long time—and it was also my first career job after undergrad. At the time, I was conditioned to think the goal was to land a good-paying job, stick with it, and retire. Looking back, getting laid off was kind of a blessing in disguise. I had gotten so used to the 9-to-5 life that I had forgotten what it felt like to truly have free time. I used that time to buy a professional camera and teach myself how to use it. I spent countless hours on YouTube, then would go out and apply what I learned by driving around Atlanta and taking landscape photos. It started off as a fun hobby, but at that point, I didn’t quite consider myself a photographer yet.
Eventually, I began going to workshops and photowalks to network and get more involved in the creative community. Being part of those groups and meeting other creatives really helped me develop my style. I also realized how important it is to understand the business side of photography if I want to turn it into a career. A lot of this was out of my comfort zone—even just reaching out to models to collaborate with—but I knew I had to build my portfolio to show people I was serious about this.
When I’m on a shoot, I always try to bring a sense of comfort and a great experience. I believe trust between the photographer and client is crucial. I talk a lot about team chemistry, especially in collaborations, because I think it plays a big role in the success of the final product.
What separates my photography from others is that I’m experimental with my ideas. I’m not super traditional, especially when it comes to passion projects. I usually find a theme, build a story around it, and then write everything out. If I can clearly express my ideas through words and references, then I can bring them to life visually. I think that’s one reason people enjoy working with me—I’m able to communicate my concepts in detail and carry that clarity through to the final shoot.
A lot of my inspiration comes from movies and video games—learning how they build entire worlds and tell stories that draw people in. I try to apply that same kind of storytelling to all of my projects. I want my audience to see the thought process behind each photo and feel the narrative behind it.
I’m really proud of all my projects, and they’ve pushed me to take on more of a creative director role. Whether I’m using props, shooting in a studio, or working with multiple models at once, each shoot feels like a challenge that tests my ability to bring an idea to life. Being a photographer also means being a problem-solver—not just for my own creative vision, but for clients who come to me with theirs. My goal is always to bring their vision to life with the highest level of care and satisfaction.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goals with photography have changed a lot since I first started. In the beginning, I just wanted to capture the world through my lens—to create something I could look back on and relive those experiences. But now that I’ve expanded my business, my focus is on creating compelling stories through this medium.
I started off shooting strictly digital, but I’ve since experimented with film photography—using Kodak and Cinestill film stocks to bring a vintage feel to some of my projects. My latest endeavor has been exploring short videos and films to add another dimension to my craft.
What’s driving me on this creative journey is the desire to become one of the top visual storytellers in my city. I see what some of my peers are doing, and I want my name to be right up there with them—as a visionary that others want to work with.
Just because I don’t have the biggest following or the most high-profile clients doesn’t take away from my skills or what I bring to the table creatively. I want to be part of the conversation when it’s all said and done—and I’m working every day to make sure my name belongs there.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, to me, is the process—from the spark of an idea to a completed project. Sometimes I spend months pre-planning a concept. When I’m really passionate about something, I become super detailed with my approach. I treat it like a big-budget movie haha—but seriously, I’ll write out a full outline covering all the specifics.
Sometimes I have a particular person in mind for the project, or I’ll make a list of people I’d like to work with and reach out to see if they’re interested. Once someone agrees, we move on to the next phase: gathering supplies and setting a date for the shoot. After that, it’s on me to bring the vision to life.
Then comes the part where I share it with the world. That moment can be nerve-wracking—especially after spending countless hours editing, trying to make sure everything meets my standards before releasing it. But once it’s finally out there, I always look forward to the feedback. Hearing from my peers is really reassuring. It gives me the motivation to keep pushing, to try new things, and to grow.
You never really know who’s watching your work, so I’ve learned it’s always worth sharing—whether it’s for a future client, a collaborator, or simply to show what I’m capable of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jayosovsworld.com
- Instagram: Jayosovsworld
Image Credits
Personal Photo was shot by: James Ly
Additional Photos were all shot by me