We recently connected with Jesse Viray and have shared our conversation below.

Jesse, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

When I started this journey the end goal was never to develop a business but rather nurture a passion for creating memories and capturing life events in a genuine authentic manner. People are drawn towards images that convey a story and I slowly realized that those type of images when captured correctly have value.

Let me share a story of a family event where I was an attendee but happen to bring my camera. I took a few shots but still made a conscious effort to be present. When asked why I didn’t take more pictures…my answer was my priority was to be present in the moment…not capture the moment. The latter cost money.

If I have to make an entry in my calendar to bring a camera to an event – it’s billable.

Jesse, 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’m a photographer that focuses on generating authentic branding images that convey the soul and purpose of a business…something a sterile stock photo lacks.

I grew up in a household that used point and shoot cameras to generate poorly composed, out of focus images that would be placed in a photo album and proudly displayed on the coffee table. What these pictures lacked in technical execution was made up with the emotion that you felt when looking at the picture. For any project the goal is to maintain authenticity but add a little polish. It’s not how a picture looks, but how it makes you feel.

I’m often told that people can tell an image is mine by just looking at it – that is successful branding and I’m proud of that.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I quit my corporate job and went full time into freelance photography and reality TV editing. I took any paying gig available regardless of my interest or passion in the project.

A year and half later I found myself unhappy. I didn’t want to pick up my camera on the weekends when in the past I couldn’t wait to capture a few images in my free time. I was burnt out and lost my passion for creating. I lost something I loved to do…and it wasn’t worth the money.

I returned back to the corporate world in a less demanding position that would allow me to continue doing my side projects. My passion and interest returned and I no longer take assignments that don’t inspire me. Not a practical long term strategy but it was a pivot I needed at the time.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Existing clients. If my work stands out for existing clients it often leads to new clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesseviray/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-r-viray-9327a05/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAIpI5CZYKq0o6Ai8OTF8Jg

Image Credits
All photos are property of Viray Photography