We recently connected with Jasmine Newton and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmine, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

A risk that stands out in my journey is when I made the decision to transition from offering low-priced photo sessions to implementing sustainable pricing for my portrait photography business. It was a crucial turning point that required careful consideration and the courage to step outside my comfort zone.

At the time, I had been offering sessions for as low as $150, which made it challenging to sustain the business and provide the level of quality and service I aspired to deliver. I knew that in order to grow and establish myself as a professional photographer, I needed to value my work appropriately.

In August of 2015, I decided to raise my prices significantly, with packages starting at $1200. This change was a monumental risk for me. I was filled with apprehension about the potential loss of customers and the uncertainty of how the market would respond.

I vividly remember the mix of excitement and nervousness as I made the announcement to my clients and adjusted my marketing materials to reflect the new pricing structure. It was a leap of faith, driven by the belief that I deserved to be compensated fairly for my skills, expertise, and the value I brought to my clients.

The initial response was a mix of surprise, inquiries, and, as anticipated, some clients who opted not to proceed with booking sessions at the new pricing. It was undoubtedly a challenging period as I navigated the transition and the temporary dip in bookings.

However, as time progressed, I started attracting a new segment of clients who valued the quality, dedication, and personalized experience I offered. The higher pricing allowed me to invest more in my equipment, education, and the overall growth of my business. The confidence I gained from standing by my decision and seeing the positive impact it had on the quality of my work and the experience I provided to clients was truly empowering.

In retrospect, taking that risk was one of the most significant turning points in my career. It not only allowed me to establish a sustainable business but also attracted clients who recognized the value of my services. The decision to raise my prices ultimately positioned me as a professional photographer and set the stage for the growth and success I continue to experience today.

Taking that risk taught me the importance of valuing my work, trusting my abilities, and not being afraid to take a leap of faith. It showed me that stepping outside my comfort zone can lead to incredible rewards and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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’m Jasmine Newton, a luxury portrait photographer passionate about capturing the essence of beauty and empowering women. My journey into the world of photography began as a result of a pivotal moment in my life. Dissatisfied with my 9-to-5 job and longing for a more fulfilling career, I made the bold decision to follow my passion for photography and build my own business.

In April 2015, I was unexpectedly let go from my job, which served as a catalyst for change. Determined to create a career aligned with my creative spirit, I delved into learning photography intensively. Within a month, I acquired the necessary skills to wield my camera and officially launched my photography business in June 2015. Since then, I have dedicated myself to portrait photography on a full-time basis, serving clients with unwavering passion and commitment.

At Javon Renee Portraits, I provide a range of luxury portrait experiences tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s personal, branding, boudoir, couples, or family portraits, my focus is to capture the beauty, strength, and individuality of every person who steps in front of my lens. I believe that every woman deserves to feel confident, radiant, and celebrated.

One of the core problems I aim to solve for my clients is the feeling of being unseen or undervalued. Through my artistry and personalized approach, I strive to help individuals reclaim their narrative, embrace their unique beauty, and confidently tell their stories. I create an environment that fosters relaxation and enjoyment during the portrait sessions, ensuring that my clients feel comfortable, pampered, and truly seen.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my dedication to delivering an elevated, luxurious experience that goes beyond capturing stunning images. I understand the importance of representation, empowerment, and self-expression. As a wife, mother, and female entrepreneur myself, I deeply resonate with the experiences and aspirations of my clients. This personal connection allows me to capture the authentic essence and individuality of each person, resulting in portraits that are not just visually captivating but also deeply meaningful.

I am most proud of the transformative impact I’ve had on the lives of my clients. Witnessing their newfound confidence, self-love, and appreciation for their unique beauty is truly rewarding. The trust my clients place in me to capture their precious moments and tell their stories is an honor I cherish.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand is built on the principles of authenticity, empowerment, and celebration. I am passionate about helping women of all ages embrace their power, beauty, and strength. With Javon Renee Portraits, you can expect a luxurious experience, personalized attention, and artfully crafted portraits that reflect your unique personality and story.

Thank you for allowing me to share a glimpse into my journey and my brand. I’m excited to continue creating timeless portraits and empowering individuals to embrace their extraordinary selves.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I hit a major wall of exhaustion and found myself battling the blues. For about five months, just getting out of bed felt like climbing Mount Everest. I was drained, both physically and mentally, and it took a toll on my business mojo. Networking and seeking new clients? Forget about it. I was barely treading water.

What got me through was rediscovering my love for the creative side of portraits. I decided to focus on passion projects, trying out fresh ideas and diving into uncharted territory. These projects brought back the spark in my eyes and gave me a reason to leap out of bed in the morning. They reminded me why I fell head over heels for photography in the first place. Slowly but surely, the fog of depression started to lift, and I was ready to inject some serious oomph back into my work.

Now, when I meet clients, I approach each session with a newfound excitement, infusing it with innovative ideas and a revived artistic vision. It’s incredible how something as simple as tapping into my creativity helped me bounce back and reignite my passion for capturing people’s unique essence through the lens.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to touch people’s lives in a profound and meaningful way. Art has this incredible power to evoke emotions, spark connections, and inspire change. As an artist, I have the privilege of channeling my creativity into capturing moments, stories, and expressions that resonate with others.

Seeing the impact my work has on individuals is truly priceless. Whether it’s a portrait that brings tears of joy to a client’s eyes or a piece of artwork that stirs a sense of wonder and reflection, knowing that my creations have the capacity to move and touch people’s hearts is incredibly fulfilling.

Being an artist also means being a storyteller. Through my art, I have the opportunity to give voice to untold stories, to celebrate diverse perspectives, and to shed light on the beauty that exists in our world. It’s a remarkable feeling to witness how my art can illuminate a different way of seeing and understanding, fostering empathy and connection among viewers.

Moreover, the creative process itself is deeply rewarding. The freedom to explore, experiment, and express oneself is incredibly liberating. It allows me to tap into my innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences, leading to personal growth and self-discovery. The journey of creation, from conception to execution, is a constant source of inspiration and fulfillment.

Ultimately, being an artist or creative means having the ability to make a lasting impact on people’s lives, to provoke thought and emotion, and to contribute to the collective tapestry of human expression. It’s a calling that fills me with joy, purpose, and a deep sense of gratitude.      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.javonreneeportraits.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javonreneeportraits/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/javonreneeportraits
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javonreneeportraits/

Image Credits
For my photo: Rachel Fugate