We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jay Waters a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

How I Found My Passion for Photography: A Journey from Denver By Jalen Waters – 26 Years Old

Hi, I’m Jalen Waters, a 26-year-old photographer originally from Denver, Colorado. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the world around me. From the mountains that framed my city to the small, everyday moments in my life, I found beauty everywhere—but I never realized I could capture it until later on.

My journey into photography started more by accident than anything. I was always the person at family gatherings with a camera or phone in hand, snapping shots of everyone and everything. But it wasn’t until I bought my first DSLR camera in my early twenties that I realized how much I truly loved photography. What started as just experimenting with settings and learning to compose a good shot soon turned into something I couldn’t ignore.

I found myself taking photos of everything I could—landscapes in the Rockies, friends at concerts, random moments that felt too good to pass up. But it wasn’t until I had the chance to take photos for a special person in my life that I truly understood the power of photography.

It was my sister’s birthday. I wanted to do something extra special for her, something that would immortalize her beauty and energy. So, I planned a full photo shoot—something more personal than a typical family portrait session. We went to some of our favorite spots around Denver, places with meaning to us, and I took the time to really capture her in her element. I wanted the photos to tell a story of who she was at that moment in her life.

That shoot, hands down, became my proudest photography moment. The photos came out beautifully—natural, heartfelt, and full of life. Seeing my sister’s joy as she looked at the final images was something I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just about the photos; it was about how those moments would stay with her forever, how they would serve as a memory of who she was at that age, that time.

It was that shoot that made me realize I wanted to share this gift with others—to help people capture their own stories and memories. I decided then that I would pursue photography seriously, and since then, it’s been a journey of growth, challenges, and rewarding experiences.

Now, I look forward to creating even more memories through my lens, whether it’s for a family, an individual, or a special event. I believe in the power of photography to connect, to preserve, and to share our stories. And as I continue this journey, I’m excited to see where my passion for photography takes me next.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The Goals That Drive My Creative Journey

As a photographer, my creative journey is constantly evolving, but there are a few key goals that keep me motivated and focused on what I do.

First and foremost, my goal is to tell authentic stories through my lens. Photography, to me, is about more than just taking a pretty picture; it’s about capturing real moments, emotions, and experiences that define people’s lives. I aim to create images that resonate, that feel personal, and that hold meaning for the people in them. Whether it’s a portrait, a candid shot, or a staged scene, I want my work to reflect the unique stories of the individuals and moments I photograph.

Another big goal of mine is to push my creativity and challenge myself. Photography is an ever-evolving art form, and there’s always room for improvement, new techniques, and fresh ideas. I constantly seek to experiment with different styles, lighting, and compositions to refine my craft and expand my creative horizons. I want to keep evolving as an artist, never settling into a routine but always striving to do something new and innovative.

I also aim to build genuine connections with my clients. Photography is an intimate process, and I believe the best results come when there’s trust and collaboration. My goal is to not only create stunning images but to also make sure the people I work with feel comfortable, confident, and understood throughout the process. A great photo shoot is about creating a space where people can truly express themselves, and I’m here to make that happen.

Lastly, I want my photography to make a lasting impact. Whether it’s an individual portrait that captures someone at their best or a family photo that becomes a cherished heirloom, my goal is to create images that stand the test of time. I want my work to be something that people look back on years later and still feel the emotions and memories attached to it.

Ultimately, my creative journey is driven by a desire to create art that matters—art that speaks to people, art that challenges me, and art that leaves a legacy.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building My Instagram Audience: A Story of Growth and Connection

When I first started out as a photographer, I had no idea how much of my journey would be shaped by social media—specifically, Instagram. I knew it was a platform for visuals, and it seemed like a natural fit for my work. But when I started my account, I had just a few friends and family following me, and I wasn’t sure how to get my photography out there to a wider audience.

At first, I focused on simply posting the work I was proud of. I uploaded the shots that made me happy, whether they were landscapes from Denver, candid moments of friends, or the occasional portrait. But after a while, I realized that just posting wasn’t enough. I needed to engage with my followers and connect with the people who resonated with my style.

I started with consistency. I set a goal to post regularly—at least once or twice a week—to keep my profile active and visible. Over time, I began experimenting with my content. I would share behind-the-scenes shots, stories about the creative process, and snippets from photoshoots. I quickly noticed that people didn’t just want to see the finished images; they wanted to know the stories behind the photos, the people in them, and the effort that went into making each shot.

One of the key moments that helped me build traction was when I started using hashtags strategically. I didn’t just use the most popular ones like #photography or #portrait—though those were important—I also used local and niche hashtags like #DenverPhotographer or #ColoradoPhotographers, which helped me connect with people in my area and other photographers with similar interests.

But the real breakthrough came when I made a concerted effort to engage with others. I didn’t just post my content and wait for followers to come. I commented on other people’s photos, responded to messages, and even reached out to photographers, artists, and creatives I admired. This helped me build a community, and over time, my audience grew. It wasn’t just about gaining followers—it was about building relationships and a supportive network.

One of my proudest moments was when I posted a series of shots from a personal project: a birthday photo shoot for my sister. Not only did my followers love the images, but they also appreciated the story behind it. It sparked conversations, and I started getting direct messages from people asking if I could shoot for them as well. That project became a turning point for my Instagram—it helped me attract clients, build trust, and establish a reputation for quality work.

Advice for Building Your Instagram Audience:
Be Consistent: Post regularly, whether it’s once a week or three times a week, just make sure your content is consistent. This helps you stay visible to your audience and keeps them engaged.
Engage with Your Community: Don’t just post and ghost. Respond to comments, like other people’s photos, and reach out to people you admire. Building a real community is key to growing your account.
Use Hashtags Wisely: Don’t just go for the most popular hashtags. Use a mix of general and niche hashtags, along with location-based tags, to reach people who are truly interested in your work.
Tell Stories: People love stories. Share behind-the-scenes moments, personal projects, and the “why” behind your photos. This not only adds a personal touch but also helps you connect on a deeper level with your followers.
Collaborate and Network: Connect with other creatives, brands, or influencers that align with your work. Collaborations can expose your profile to a wider audience and help you grow authentically.
Patience is Key: Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient, stay consistent, and focus on quality over quantity. In time, your audience will grow because people are genuinely drawn to your work.
Building an Instagram audience takes time and effort, but it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done for my photography career. The key is to stay authentic, engage with your audience, and keep creating content that resonates with the people you want to connect with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaywatersphotographyscene.godaddysites.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaywatersphotographyscene?igsh=OGxmMXowcjFvM2pv&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FUahGi95V/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/designsbyjwps/profilecard/?igsh=dGI1Y29mdml0Y2ll https://www.tiktok.com/@j.w.photographyscene?_t=ZT-8wAoLO2p71C&_r=1

Image Credits
Gioia Waters, Jazmine Bridgewaters