We were lucky to catch up with Jayden Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jayden , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
It takes perseverance and facing a fear of failure to be successful. I spent about five years building my photography business in the Dallas, Texas, area. This included marketing, free work, and learning to be more creative for my clients. I decided to move to a rural area in Mississippi. My family had roots there and I wanted to try a different place to live. Since I had roots there and was good at photography, I figured I would do very well. I was wrong.
I got a few jobs here and there. Even though my parents and other relatives were from there, I wasn’t. The people didn’t know me. They liked my work. But they didn’t know me. I continued to press forward. I realized that I would fail to succeed in that area. It would have taken years to build the relationships that local photographers with half my talent possessed. I learned a great deal from that experience.
After a year, I moved to the Phoenix, Arizona area. I faced the fear of failure and plotted a new course for my photography business. I met a local photographer and worked with him. I started to build relationships with businesses that catered to photography, especially weddings. After five years, I freelance with three national wedding photography companies and maintain my clients. Perseverance and facing the fear of failure motivated me to succeed again.
Jayden , 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?
I love photography! Ever since childhood, I have loved to “take pictures.” I have been a professional photographer for over 12 years. I am an avid photographer and videographer. I formerly managed several major photography studios in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas area, and now I have my own photography business serving the Phoenix, Arizona metro area and Scottsdale, Tucson, Sedona, and the West Valley. I have attended many classes and workshops that have helped me excel in photography.
I am proud of my relationships with clients over the years. Many are repeat customers. I strive to make a fun environment for my clients. Even though there is a great deal of smiling when it comes to some types of photography, getting photographed can be stressful for some clients. Some people aren’t comfortable with themselves. I get to know my clients and make them feel at ease. If the client is at ease and comfortable, it will show in the end product. I want my clients to be happy. Therefore, I work hard to make them feel at ease. This sets me apart from other photographers who just want to make money or are only interested in developing their craft.
Capturing fleeting moments in time and helping to chronicle people’s lives is what continues to drive me to excel and maintain my passion. As a photographer, I have a range of experience with portraiture, weddings, senior photos, and special events.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I love the ability to use my photographic talents to create memories for others. My reward is the smile on their face, the kind words, or a referral to other people.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I planned to photograph aspiring models, families, and children when I started my photography business. The photography market is/was saturated with people who think they are photographers because they can snap a picture! Wedding photography has a lot of risks. You can re-shoot a family or modeling session. You can’t redo a wedding. I love taking risks. I also found that wedding photography was something I genuinely love. Therefore, I focus on wedding photography and incorporate senior photos, modeling, and families into my business. I have received training for and photographed a lot of weddings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaydenmiller.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayden_miller_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaydenMillerPhotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JayMiller001
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ursDwAMkc767Wal7-v4bA
Image Credits
Jayden Miller Photography