We were lucky to catch up with Jamar Cleary recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jamar, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The documentary “Raizal: The Jamaican Connection” has been the most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far. It all started when I was introduced to the unique community of Raizals, a group of black Caribbean people living on San Andres, an island owned by Colombia. This community fascinated me because they live on a Spanish-owned island yet speak English, Spanish, and Patwa, reflecting deep Caribbean and Jamaican cultural ties.

My journey into this project began through the guidance of Dr. Livingston, the Director of my department, who brought San Andres and its Raizal community to my attention. As I delved deeper into researching their history and culture, I realized there was a significant lack of accessible information about them. This realization ignited my passion to educate myself and others about their heritage and the profound influence of Jamaican migration on their identity.

Driven by a desire to fill this informational gap and share their story with a wider audience, I embarked on creating the documentary. Through interviews, footage, and exploration of cultural nuances, the film aims to highlight not only the historical connections between Jamaica and San Andres but also the resilience and cultural richness of the Raizal people.

The documentary has since been showcased at various film festivals, sparking discussions and raising awareness about this lesser-known community and their Caribbean roots. For me, this project is deeply meaningful because it combines my passion for storytelling with a commitment to shedding light on marginalized histories and cultures. It’s a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking in fostering understanding and celebrating diversity.

Jamar, 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?

Certainly! I’m Jamar Cleary, an internationally published Concert and Magazine Photographer, and more recently, a documentary filmmaker. My journey into this industry began with a passion for capturing moments that tell compelling stories visually.

Initially, I immersed myself in concert photography, capturing the energy and emotion of live performances for various publications and magazines worldwide which led to being recognized by interntional stars such as Ashanti and Quavo. This experience honed my skills in capturing dynamic scenes and the essence of artists’ performances, which translated seamlessly into my work as a magazine photographer, where I’ve covered a wide range of subjects from fashion to culture.

My foray into cinematography was a natural progression, driven by a desire to explore storytelling through moving images. This led me to produce my documentary “Raizal: The Jamaican Connection,” which delves into the cultural heritage of the Raizal community on San Andres island and their ties to Jamaica. This project allowed me to expand my storytelling abilities and delve deeper into historical and cultural narratives.

Looking ahead, I envision expanding my services into a full-scale production house, offering a comprehensive range of creative services including photography, cinematography, documentary production, and potentially other forms of visual media production. My goal is to continue creating impactful visual content that resonates with audiences and provides a platform for marginalized stories and cultures to be heard and appreciated.

What sets me apart is my dedication to authenticity and storytelling. Whether capturing a live concert, a fashion spread, or documenting cultural history, I strive to go beyond surface-level imagery to convey the emotions and narratives that lie beneath. I take pride in my ability to connect with subjects and audiences alike through my work, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the stories I tell.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand is built on integrity, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. I’m passionate about collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations who share a vision for impactful storytelling and visual communication. Whether you’re looking for stunning concert photography, captivating cinematography, or engaging documentary production, I bring a unique perspective and dedication to every project I undertake.

Ultimately, I’m most proud of the opportunities my work has provided to shine a spotlight on diverse cultures and stories that may otherwise go untold. I invite everyone to join me on this journey of discovery and creativity as I continue to expand my horizons and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media was a gradual process rooted in leveraging my strengths and connections within the entertainment industry. Initially involved in shooting music videos, I transitioned into concert photography due to my passion for capturing live performances. Although many early opportunities were unpaid, they provided valuable exposure.

My content strategy focused on consistently delivering high-quality photos that captured the energy and essence of live concerts. This included shots of artists on stage, crowd reactions, and behind-the-scenes moments. By showcasing these images, I established myself as a credible concert photographer.

Collaboration played a crucial role in expanding my reach. Partnering with artists and venues not only enhanced my portfolio but also allowed me to tap into their fan bases when they shared my work on their social media platforms. Tagging relevant accounts and using appropriate hashtags further boosted visibility and engagement.

Engaging authentically with my growing audience was key. I responded to comments, participated in discussions, and actively networked within the industry both online and offline. These interactions helped me build relationships and attract potential clients who appreciated my work. This advice was given to me by my girlfriend Omesha Smith who is a marketer because the human aspect of communicating and engaging is key she always says.

Over time, as my audience grew and my portfolio diversified, I began attracting paid opportunities. This transition was a natural progression driven by the credibility and exposure gained through my social media presence and professional collaborations.

For those starting to build their social media presence, I recommend focusing on defining your niche, maintaining consistency in your content, engaging genuinely with your audience, utilizing hashtags effectively, collaborating with others in your field, and prioritizing quality over quantity in your posts. Building a social media following takes perseverance and dedication, but with the right approach, it can lead to significant opportunities and client relationships in your industry.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that business could solely operate on faith and trust without formal contracts or agreements. This mindset shift came from a specific experience early in my career.

In the beginning, I was eager to build relationships and establish myself as a reliable professional. I often operated on verbal agreements and handshakes, believing that mutual trust would suffice in business dealings. However, I encountered situations where misunderstandings arose or expectations weren’t clearly defined. These instances led to friction and sometimes disappointment on both sides.

The turning point came when I faced a significant project that went awry due to vague verbal agreements. The lack of a formal contract meant that important details and responsibilities were left open to interpretation. This experience taught me the hard way that while trust is essential, clear and documented agreements are equally crucial in protecting both parties’ interests and ensuring clarity on expectations, deliverables, and timelines.

From that point on, I adopted a more disciplined approach to business dealings. I began insisting on written contracts for every project, no matter how small or informal it seemed. Contracts became a tool not just for legal protection but also for fostering clear communication and mutual understanding between myself, clients, and collaborators.

This shift significantly improved my professional relationships and the overall quality of my work. It provided a framework within which expectations could be managed, deadlines honored, and disputes mitigated. Ultimately, embracing the necessity of contracts was a pivotal lesson that transformed how I approach business, ensuring transparency and accountability in all my engagements.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamarcleary/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamar-cleary/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12251527/

Image Credits

1: Munga Honorable
2: Raizal: The Jamaican Connection
3. Popcaan
4. Ashanti
5. Chris Brown
6. Burna Boy
7. Skinny Fabulous
8. Quavo
9. Nailiah Blackman