We were lucky to catch up with James Bodkin recently and have shared our conversation below.

James, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.

If you don’t expect to fail in life then you’re wrong. You’re going to suck at something. Life comes with challenges no matter who you are. You can’t know everything and you won’t know everything. Through my years of taking photos and creating videos, I learn a lot of things along the way. I will never forget the days when I had to cancel on clients because I forgot to charge certain equipment or forgot to bring something. Then there is miscommunication between two or more parties. Or even something simple as incorrect framing. Eventually, you start to develop habits and things get a lot easier. The thing I love about mistakes and missed opportunities is that the next time around it doesn’t happen. Well, that’s of course if you learned from your mistakes. A lot of people run in circles around the same goals for years just because they failed to realize the problems. That’s when it becomes a failed opportunity. With every problem, there is a solution. I live by that saying because I wake up every day with a mindset to conquer failure.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Momojames is not just a name for my photography and videography. At least not anymore. Through my years of growing as a digital media specialist, I have learned a lot about myself and the world around me. Through the lens of a camera, I’ve captured hundreds of moments and memories. Momojames is becoming more like a brand every day. I am partnering with multiple different groups and creative teams around Jacksonville. Together with the help of the community, I will continue to share the history of my generation through my city. Although I dabble in multiple different hobbies and careers, photography is probably the thing that humbles me the most. I’ve come to the conclusion that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone is the same but yet we all look so different. Uniquely equipped with certain talents and dazed with delicacy. Capturing the perfect image isn’t the only thing that makes photography so humbling. It’s the aftermath, sitting down with my clients and thinking “oh they are going to hate this one,” only for that photo to be their favorite. That’s the thing with photography and art, it’s hard to give an opinion on something when you don’t know the heart of the artist. Accept it, and even when you can’t see it find the beauty in it.
Videography has helped me continue to recreate new ways to say creative. From motion graphics to VFX, I can never keep up with what’s next. I want to create short films and maybe be a director in a Hollywood film. I will have to work hard and stay motivated. A film expresses a lot more emotions than a still image. With different lighting, sounds, and of course motion. You create a rollercoaster of feelings.
I strive to put my best content out to my clients. I take pride in working with budgets that fit my client’s needs. I create a fun and safe environment to perfectly execute successful shoots.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Networking! I can not stress this enough. I remember the days I had to shoot for free. They are finally paying off. “It’s not want you know, its who you know.” It feels good when you provide excellent customer service and they then recommend someone they know to you. Once you get the hang of knowing what you’re trying to sell it gets easier to talk to people. Eventually, you will find yourself wanting to go above and beyond to meet people and create new connections. We all need a team to help us get to where we need to be.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the way I can create my schedule. I am able to book appointments weeks in advance allowing me to set up a mindful schedule throughout the weeks. I am able to spend time with my family while maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Contact Info:

• Website: momojames.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/momojamesv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momojamesv
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bodkin-8472bb1a4/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/momojamesv
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi8BxsnLys0g1lzh0E8yULw

Image Credits
*All photos are linked to current photos on the website – momojames.com