We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamez Geiger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamez below.
Alright, Jamez thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
The one unexpected problem that stands out the most when I think about it would be the very first one I’ve experienced when getting into the camera field. Basically, I curated an event for artist of all different mediums, and it was going well up until I noticed that somebody stole my camera right out of my bag, well actually they stole my whole camera bag & the equipment I had it in. It was my first camera That I ever owned, & that camera was a gift from the person who even taught me how to use a camera, let alone take a picture. So it was very discouraging, & just very personal. I felt betrayed, & violated… but it also awoke something very important inside me, and taught me an important lesson. It made me even more determined to keep on pursuing the craft! Literally about 2 weeks later I had an even brand new camera with more equipment & a new bag. I used all of my savings at the time plus a couple of dollars from some family members and got right back in business. The fact that my family members helped support me, not knowing if I’d be good at it, go far with it,, or whatever they just knew at the time I loved it and that made me want to keep going.
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.
I Just always been fond of doing what interests me. It’s not that much of a big deal, if I like it I’ll try it, I’ll study it, I’ll research, or do whatever I can to get the gears rolling. Same applied with photography, I went to a performing arts Highschool, so I was already familiar with different forms of art & passions. Upon graduating my senior year, I was more into fashion, & clothes so I started my own clothing brand at the time, + would also model for other local brands in the city or style models for other brands. One day during a Photoshoot my very good friend literally just gave me his camera after I asked him “how do you make me look so good?” “How do you do this?” “How do you do that?” Etc, he just handed me the camera, turned me how to turn it on, and off & said “it’s yours, learn the rest” & that exact day right there sent me On a path of domination & inspiration in the photography world. I provide photography services of all kind, video as well. I have worked with major companies, + brands such as : Twisted Tea, Reebok, Puma,& more. I’ve Had Publications With: The Source Magazine, V-files, Margiela, The Kimmel Center, Philly Weekly, and more. I’ve Worked With, Shot For Various Celebrities of All Different Realms & Mediums. I’ve Done Paris Fashion Week 2019 + NYFW 2020. Whether it’s creative Direction, to Director of Photography, to Camera Operator, To Set Design, Social Media Rollout + Strategy + Branding, I’ve Helped Various Clients Bring Their Brands, + Ideas To Life Time, & Time Again. I’m Most Proud of Overcoming All of The Obstacles, & Problems In My Way. Never Settling, Nor Quitting When a Project Goes Wrong & Just Being Able To Put A Smile on My Clients Face.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I Think The Quality of My Work, + My Personality Really Is What Boosted My Name In My Lane. Especially When I Started I Did Every Thing for Free, So I Was Shooting Nearly Everyday Just Practicing My Craft, Just Because I was So Eager & Hungry To Build My Name Up. I Kept It Going, & Just Started To Add Little Photowalks & Other Activities To Just Be Able To Shoot & Network With People! Then I Started To Do Research On Specific Key People, or Brands That I Wanted To Get Next Too, & Just Really Kept working Until We Crossed Paths! This Formula Has Not Failed Me Yet!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Yes, A story I’ve said earlier in the interview. The Time where I through my own networking event for the “artsy” scene in my city, & before the end of the night was over, I realized someone stole my camera, & left. I kindly had security check everyone’s bag, everyone who was still inside the venue & nobody had it. So that person saw their opportunity & took it . I was very hurt, & upset but honestly it just made me want to go harder. It made me hungrier more determined that I WOULD make a name for myself in the photo + video field! I wouldn’t take no for an answer, & I still won’t
Contact Info:
- Website: LAFLAMESHOTYA.COM
- Instagram: Instagram.com/laflameshotya
- Facebook: Jamez LaFlame
- Twitter: @laflameshotya
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@JamezLaFlame?si=YGhRZxKeZ2g-Kyum