Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jalin Hill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Jalin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
The start of my journey as a photographer is a fascinating tale. It all began in 5th grade when I received my first phone, the Apple iPhone XR. Despite being a budget option, it had an impressive camera, setting the stage for what would come. The turning point occurred during a family trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina. While at the beach, my mom asked me to take photos of her, and after some playful editing, adding a minimalist black and white touch, she loved the result and shared it on social media. My cousin noticed my knack for photography, leading me to consider pursuing it seriously. As I delved into landscape photography with my iPhone, my mom regularly credited my work on Instagram as “Photo By Jalin,” predating the birth of my brand, Jphotos. The journey continued with a surprise Christmas gift, a Canon EOS Rebel T-100, which became my tool for my first client photo shoot on March 6th, 2021, marking my transition to portrait photography. Building my business happened rapidly and somewhat in a blur, with successes outweighing the minimal failures. In early 2022, I completed the first version of my website, and by April 2022, I shot my first wedding, a valuable learning experience. June 2022 was pivotal as I upgraded to the Canon EOS R, a significant step forward for my business. Late in 2022, my Christmas mini-session marked a milestone by earning my first $1,000. The pinnacle of my journey occurred in 2023, highlighted by an internship with Smitha Lee Photography. Learning from him, especially in manual shooting and discovering my unique Jphotos style, has been instrumental. Proudly, he became my mentor, shaping my path in photography. Early 2023 sparked a desire to specialize in weddings and events. Now, in late 2023, as I wrap up Jphotos Fall Mini Sessions, work on Christmas Mini Sessions, and continuously strive to be the best photographer I can be, I reflect on the rapid growth and profound learning that define my journey.
Jalin , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
At the core of founding my business is a fundamental truth: the survival of Jphotos depends on its success. Each photoshoot isn’t just a transaction; it’s a commitment to constant improvement. When you pay for our services, you’re not just getting photos; you’re supporting the ongoing growth of Jphotos. Our money from clients is reinvested in top-notch equipment like cameras, lenses, and software. This creates a cycle where your current booking ensures a better experience the next time you choose Jphotos. In essence, our clients are vital contributors to both the success of Jphotos and the continual improvement of our service.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Embarking on my photography journey, I longed for essential resources that would mold my path, and foremost among them is the vast knowledge trove of YouTube. Its ever-changing nature and continuous updates by countless users made it an indispensable platform for learning and skill development, ensuring each visit held the promise of new discoveries. Equally vital was the guidance of my mentor, Smitha Lee, whose profound insights not only directed me towards my specialization but ignited a passion for constant growth. In terms of using language well, ChatGPT was really helpful. It made it easier for me to express my thoughts clearly and get quick, insightful responses., streamlining my ability to articulate thoughts with precision and garner quick, insightful responses. Together, these resources—YouTube’s extensive educational landscape, Smith Alee’s mentorship, and ChatGPT’s linguistic prowess—have elevated my photographic journey to extraordinary heights, shaping it into an exhilarating and ever-evolving adventure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jphotograph.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jphotos000?igshid=MWh0Ym5hd2oxN3B3MA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087087964538&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Jphotos