We recently connected with Jay Cupcake and have shared our conversation below.

Jay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned photography in a self-taught manner. Unlike my formal education in theatre, photography was a passion I pursued independently. I didn’t undergo any formal training, and this lack of structured education has actually been quite liberating for me as an artist. (So did working under a pseudonym.) There’s less fear. At least for me.

To learn photography, I immersed myself in the subject, experimenting with different techniques, studying the works of other photographers, and constantly challenging myself to improve. I watched a LOT of YouTube videos. I found that my background in theatre, particularly as a stage manager and playwriting, played a significant role in my approach to photography. The directing skills I acquired during my grad school days helps me connect with my subjects, enabling me to capture authentic and emotive moments in my portraits.

Looking back, there are a few things I could have done to potentially speed up my learning process. Firstly, seeking out mentorship or attending workshops with experienced photographers would have provided valuable guidance and insights. Additionally, I could have joined photography communities or forums to exchange knowledge and learn from others in the field. But for better or worse, I’m a bit of a lone wolf. I’d rather get out there and experiment and mess up.

Several obstacles stood in the way of my learning process as a self-taught photographer. Initially, I grappled with technical aspects such as understanding camera settings, lighting, and post-processing techniques. However, I overcame these challenges through relentless practice and a willingness to learn from my mistakes.

Additionally, I often felt intimidated when interacting with other photographers, fearing that my lack of formal training might make me appear inexperienced or inadequate. However, I eventually realized that my genuine connection with subjects and my unique perspective were valuable assets that set me apart as an artist.

Overall, my journey as a self-taught photographer has been rewarding and has allowed me to find my voice and style in the world of photography. I believe that passion, creativity, and a willingness to learn from every experience have been the driving forces behind my growth as an artist.

Jay, 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?

Absolutely! I make portrait photography under the name Jay Cupcake. (I have a beekeeping business with my husband called Big Bee Energy www.bigbeeenergy.com but that’s a different interview.) My journey as an artist has been a colorful one, weaving together my passion for photography and my background in theatre.

I initially found my calling in theatre, where I spent many years working as a stage manager, organizing and orchestrating the behind-the-scenes aspects of productions. However, my love for storytelling and a desire to explore different artistic mediums led me to go back to school for playwriting. After grad school I started working for a talent agency. It was during this time that I discovered my second love, photography, which became an essential outlet for my creativity. I started doing headshots for our roster of actors and it ballooned from there.

As RuPaul has said, “The wheel has already been invented. Just do you. Bring what’s special about you to whatever you’re doing.”

And so, as Jay Cupcake, I try to do that. I stopped asking permission. In theatre there’s a zillion people who have to say Yes to win the lottery and make a production actually happen – with photography, I’m the boss. I walk an unconventional path, blending theatrical storytelling and photography in my work. Being untrained in photography has given me the freedom to explore and experiment, resulting in a fresh and distinct perspective that resonates with my clients and viewers.

I invite everyone to explore my work at www.jaycupcake.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jay_cupcake. My photography is a reflection of my journey, my passions, and my commitment to creating art that leaves a lasting impression.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Through my portrait photography and collages, I hope to highlight the diversity and strength within the LGBTQ+ community while promoting a message of community. It is my deep-seated belief that art has the power to create change and foster empathy, and I am committed to using my creativity to make a positive impact in the lives of queer individuals and beyond.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs? Non-flushable turds. It’s false originality. NFTs are to launder money, not collect art.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaycupcake.com
• Instagram: www.insagram.com/jay_cupcake
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaycupcakephotography

Image Credits
Jay Cupcake