We were lucky to catch up with Jason Pla Martinez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jason, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

Looking back on my journey, I realize that one area I wish I had started working on earlier is building a stronger foundation for my brand. While learning and focusing on the technical aspects and product development are essential, I now understand the importance of having a long-term vision. Envisioning where I wanted to take my product in the next 5 years would have been incredibly helpful, as it would have compelled me to chart a clear path for the growth and success of both myself and my brand. By setting a strategic direction early on, I could have avoided some detours and harnessed my efforts more efficiently to achieve my goals.

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.

For those who I haven’t met yet, which I hope I do, my name is Jason. I am Cuban-American with a deep passion for photography, especially capturing those precious moments that become timeless memories. If you had told me five years ago that I would embark on this incredible journey, I probably would have chuckled in disbelief. Creativity wasn’t something I considered a strong suit, but fate led me to discover photography by chance, and that opened the doors to a whole new path.

Before finding my passion for photography, I served in the United States Navy for six years, an experience for which I am truly grateful. The time spent in the Navy not only imparted invaluable life lessons but also equipped me with essential tools that I now utilize to continue growing both personally and professionally in my photography business.

At present, I find joy in capturing a diverse range of special moments, from professional headshots to heartwarming maternity and family sessions. Each session holds immense significance for me, as I firmly believe that what sets a good photographer apart from a great one has little to do with the equipment they use or their technical knowledge. Rather, it’s about the depth of passion one has for their craft and the ability to empathize with their clients. While photographs may seem like mere images, to my clients, they are cherished memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Understanding this responsibility drives me to approach every session with the utmost dedication and sincerity, ensuring that each moment is captured with the love and care it truly deserves.

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

I can vividly recall those initial months when I made the decision to shift my focus from capturing nature to photographing people. It was undoubtedly challenging to gain the trust of potential clients when my Instagram lacked any sessions featuring people. However, amid hours of watching online education, one invaluable piece of advice stood out consistently: “Shoot for free when you are first starting to build your portfolio and your reputation.”

Though this suggestion might deter some from pursuing their passion or dampen their dreams, I recognized the wisdom behind it. Starting from scratch meant having no established portfolio to showcase my skills, making it essential to offer free sessions initially. And indeed, this approach proved highly beneficial. By reaching out to many individuals, I managed to book my first free session, which then led to subsequent opportunities, gradually building my confidence in interacting with clients and developing a natural flow during each session. These free sessions served as invaluable testing grounds, allowing me to discern what techniques worked, what didn’t, and how I could continuously improve.

To truly excel in photography or any endeavor for that matter, the key is to keep shooting and never stop learning. I’ve embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, drawing inspiration from experienced and successful professionals who have been honing their craft for years. Every single session, without exception, has imparted valuable lessons, whether it be mastering exposure adjustments or refining other aspects of my photography technique. Each opportunity to capture moments for my clients has been an opportunity to grow and enhance my skills, reinforcing my belief that the journey of improvement is a continuous one.

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

Two deeply fulfilling aspects of my creative journey drive me to pursue what I do with passion and dedication.

Firstly, it’s the sheer joy of transforming seemingly mundane or overlooked moments into something awe-inspiring and beautiful. There’s a sense of fulfillment in capturing the essence of an ordinary scene and turning it into a breathtaking piece stamped in time that evokes emotions and connects with others.

Secondly, and perhaps the most rewarding aspect for me, is the opportunity to make people happy. The ultimate satisfaction comes from seeing the happiness and delight on my clients’ faces (or their reviews) when they receive their photo gallery. Knowing that I’ve played a part in creating timeless memories filled with happiness, love, and joy for them and their families brings me immense joy and fulfillment. The moment of anticipation after delivering a photo album is one I cherish. I eagerly await my clients’ reactions, hopeful that they will cherish the memories I’ve captured as much as I do. The ability to create tangible evidence of their happiness and love is a privilege that I hold dear.

In this journey, my parents have been my unwavering support system, and I owe them a heartfelt thank you. They have embraced me for who I am and have stood by me through every endeavor I’ve undertaken. My wife, Heather, who’s my immovable rock, holds a very special place in my heart, as she not only supports me unconditionally but also pushes me to be better every day. Her assistance behind the scenes with the logistics of my photography business allows me to focus on the creative and technical aspects, resulting in the delivery of the best possible product to our clients. Together, we create endless memories for those we serve, and her presence has been an invaluable source of strength and encouragement.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.attrayantphotography.com
• Instagram: @attrayant.photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attrayantphotography

Image Credits
Attrayant.Photography