Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jared Hankins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jared, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest parts of scaling a business is maintaining quality as you grow. How have you managed to maintain quality? Any stories or advice?

Quality control is a cornerstone of my business. I personally edit every photo and video delivered to my clients, demonstrating the level of dedication and commitment I bring to each project. With extensive experience in the industry, I’ve observed many creators outsourcing their editing to various global editors, prioritizing speed over craftsmanship. My advice to those concerned about maintaining quality control as they grow is to always double-check your output. This principle is universally applicable across various industries, whether it’s a coffee shop, a solar company, or a photography business. Ensuring the highest quality in your deliverables reflects your commitment to excellence and sets you apart in your field.

Jared, 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?

My name is Jared Hankins, and I am a photographer, videographer, and entrepreneur based in San Diego, California. I have been professionally capturing photo and video content for nearly six years. My journey into photography began in 2014 when I borrowed my grandparents’ camera. From the moment I picked it up, I fell in love with the art of photography.

Since then, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse array of clients, including prestigious companies, hotels, athletes, celebrities, and individuals. My portfolio spans various genres, including lifestyle, modeling, commercial, architectural, short-form videos, long-form videos, and more.

I attribute my success in the industry to my client-centric approach and the meticulous care I take in delivering my work. The relationships I have built and the joy I witness in my clients’ reactions are the most rewarding aspects of my career.

I am also excited to announce my new venture in the coffee industry, so stay tuned for updates on that front.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2023, I faced a significant pivot in both my business and personal life when I moved to San Diego. Having built my entire business in Northern California, the decision to relocate was driven by my long-standing love for Southern California. My girlfriend, Sierra, and I felt a deep connection to San Diego, and we knew it was where we belonged.

However, the move presented a major challenge: we had to restart both of our client-based businesses from scratch in a new city. Sierra is a full-time realtor, and I am a professional photographer, making our livelihoods heavily dependent on local networks and client relationships. Despite the difficulties, we were committed to making San Diego our new home and rebuilding our businesses with the same dedication and passion that fueled our initial success.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The most effective way I’ve found to attract new clients is by actively networking and meeting new people every day. Expanding my network is a priority, and I make a conscious effort to connect with someone new regularly. Additionally, consistently delivering high-quality work that exceeds client expectations has proven invaluable. Satisfied clients are more likely to refer me to their acquaintances, which naturally brings in new business.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jaredsshots.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaredsshots/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6BOsEKXPOcE9hiHhK0PDtA/videos
• Other: Tok tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@jaredsshots_

Image Credits
Jared Hankins // Jaredsshots