We were lucky to catch up with Jasmine Lackey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jasmine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
Knowing what I know today I would have taken more time to research every aspect of photography. I watched a few Youtube videos and jumped right in. I offered a few free sessions and raffles to get my foot in the door but I didn’t prepare myself for any issues that may have come up. I didn’t realize how monumentally important contracts are. I could have saved myself a lot stress by just really learning everything that goes into this craft. If I had to start over I’d start by joining Photography groups for beginners. I’m talking support/advice groups, groups discussing the legal aspects of Photography, basic camera knowledge groups…any and every group possible. Being in so many different groups now has helped me tremendously. I get to read about so many different experiences others go through and the correct and incorrect ways to handle situations. It’s taught me many different things about professionalism and how to better my craft not only in my sessions but also in my sales. I think it’s best to learn from experience and those experiences may not always be your own. It helps to have others to learn from.
Jasmine , 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?
I’m Jasmine Lackey and I own Jasmine Lackey Photography. I’m a mother of 3 and when I’m not working you can find me at home cooking or taking my daughter to her sporting events. I got into the Photography industry when my brother bought me my first camera 7 years ago. I told him Photography was something I was extremely interested in and I knew I could do it, I just had to find out a way to start. For my birthday he gifted me a camera and ever since I’ve been learning and growing. Through out the years I’ve been able to do some really awesome sessions. I’ve worked with amazing clients that keep my love for this industry alive. My favorite types of sessions are Family, portraits and maternity. Families offer so much variety and a lot of different personalities to work with. I love doing portraits where I can get up close and personal with my client and really bring their personality out through their images. Maternity is such a beautiful experience. Its a short moment in time that parents can forever cherish through images. While those are my favorites I do offer other sessions like milestones, couples/engagement, branding, headshots, events and weddings. I think what sets me apart from others and one of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to adapt to different situations and clients. I can get along with pretty much any personality and we always have fun at my sessions while also maintaining professionalism. This is not only my job, its what I LOVE to do. If a family has a child that isn’t in the best mood we will work with the child until they are ready and feel more comfortable. If my work isn’t up to my standard I offer a reshoot free of charge because I hold myself to a certain standard and that standard is part of what my clients come to me for. I take a huge amount of pride in my work making sure every images comes out just right. From start to finish I want my Client to feel like they had an amazing experience so they’ll always come back.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
The power of support groups. There is a huge community of Photographers willing to help with anything they can. Any questions you can possibly think of there will be people there to help you.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to one day be a traveling photographer. I want to photograph people around the world in all different locations. To be able to travel, see the world and do what I love would be an absolute dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: jasminelackeyphotos.com
- Instagram: @JasmineLackeyPhotography
- Facebook: Jasmine Lackey Photography