Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasen Alfrena.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My full name is Jasen Alfrena, age 27, I go by Vito! I am a Haitian-American, full-time freelance Artist living here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I moved from New York to Philly. And I’ve actually lived here in Philly since 2003, so 21 years this year! I am a Photographer, Videographer, and also a Video Editor. My journey creatively began with drawing a great deal back in elementary school. But then it slowly transitioned to the tech side of Artistry with Video Editing when I started my middle school years, back in 2009. I was huge on gaming and using a video recorder called a ” Haupaggue HD PVR Video Capture Device “. I was recording my gameplays, editing montages of gameplays an uploading them on my YouTube channel. I also would help other friends online with editing videos for them as well for their Youtube channels. My high school years ( 2011-2015 ) I became introduced to photography, my college years ( 2015 – 2019 ) I started learning about videography, learning lots more about all sorts of different cinema cameras aswell.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an artist in general, it’s never really a smooth ride at all. Anyone who says it is, they’re just straight lying. True artists no matter their situation don’t see themselves doing anything else but their art. One of the struggles I’d say all artists/entrepreneurs go through are those slow seasons. A 9-5 you are promised a paycheck on a certain day at certain time, a comfortable life. As an artist some months you’re doing amazing other months not so much. The Journey is a journey of uncomfortability 24/7, which makes that person work even harder, dream even bigger, and that’s just my mindset. I’m always on my toes, never really relaxing. My purpose which I’m forever grateful for is to create.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Back in May ( 2024 ) I was chosen to do a Career Day for the very first time at Community Academy Of Philadelphia Charter School. Public speaking for me has always been a bit frightening to do but I said yes to the opportunity. I was very proud of myself not only because I had spoken to the the younger generation in inspiring them to chase their dreams but to also progress in who I’m meant to be by accepting something that’s outside of my comfort zone. Overall it was a good day! Before the year ends one of my goals is to do a workshop dealing with film photography. Stay tuned!

Today I am still a Photographer, Videographer, and Video Editor. My photography work I never really limit myself to a specific category but I do mainly create portraiture work. Videography and video editing is the same way, I don’t ever want to limit myself in what I do. My work ranges from interviews to music videos to even concert recaps. Etc.

I own a studio space here in Philadelphia, PA. I had left my corporate job back in 2022 to open up my very own studio called ” TEN96STUDIOS ” with a high school friend of mine named David Chao. It is a full-time responsibility for us both. I also do freelancing as well. We celebrated the One Year Anniversary of the studio being open back in August of 2023, this year we plan on celebrating the second year in two months. So exciting, such an accomplishment. Numerous sacrifices had been made to get where I am at today but that’s a part of the journey, I get it. And I can’t let up, none of us must on such a Journey. We just have to keep going and have faith in whatever it is that we’re pursuing.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that might be surprising to some is that aside from actually having a camera with me all the time, I do have a few hobbies which are playing soccer and the guitar. Both in a sense are a type of art I’d like to think. But also it’s a form of self-care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jaysvito.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaysvito/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmzWDrQ_IUNdHyhGEtZKW3g

Image Credits
@katslly
Cierra
Offset
@katslly
@ibisstt @goodinfluenc