Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonae Guest. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jonae, 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 think if I could go back and start this process differently, I would choose too at least take some classes in college regarding photography. I planned on majoring in photography, but someone talked me out of it. So, looking back I would definitely decide to learn about photography earlier on. But I believe everything happens for a reason, once Covid hit I bought my first camera and just began to shoot landscapes and then eventually went to shooting portraits and sports. At first, the main obstacle I ran into was obviously learning sports photography during a pandemic, so I wasn’t given media access to a lot of sporting events. So, a lot of networking had to be done through social media and the little of games I was allowed to watch. So, one important skill that I am learning is patience and enjoying the journey while reaching the end goal.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, my journey started during the pandemic. There was so much uncertainty and sadness in the world and before that I was working two jobs, so I had some money saved up and I decided to buy a camera. I did not do any research on the camera that I got and just bought a random one. After a few months I quickly realized this was not the right camera for me and bought a different one, while selling the previous one I owned. I then began shooting landscapes and slowly moved into shooting portraits. I then began shooting a men’s basketball league at my job and that is when I fell in love with sports photography. Being a former basketball player, it was easy to fall in love with this craft. Basketball still excites me, and this is a way basketball can still be a part of my life.

Along with shooting sports photography I also offer maternity, family portraits and couple photography. I most proud of my continued fight. I have been through a lot these past few months, and even so I have been blessed with so many different opportunities. I love working with different people and learning about them and their families. On the sports side I love creating those special sports moment. I want to learn the most I can about photography from a technical standpoint while using my in-depth basketball knowledge to create something beautiful.

Have you ever had to pivot?

This moment really got my business going and when I really began to grow as a photographer and as a person. In June of 2021 I got fired from my full-time job unexpectedly. I wasn’t sure how to navigate my next move or what this meant for me moving forward. I was working two jobs so after losing my full-time job, I worked part time until I found a replacement of my full-time job. A lot of different feelings came with this situation such as being scared and worried about how I would continue being a photographer since this is a very expensive passion. After support given by my friends and family and my faith in God’s plan for me a week after getting fired, I was promoted to a full-time position at my part time which I was thankful for. Being here full time has given me many opportunities to network with other creatives and grow my sports portfolio. I explain all this to say that even when we think we know where life is headed or what we think our plans are, life can change in an instant.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Being a former hooper and now interested in sports photography watching sports is different now because I see them differently. It is my dream to shoot for the NBA/WNBA as a team or brand photographer. Another main goal of doing what I do is because I love learning about photography and how I can present my work in a different way. Being around basketball 24/7 would be a dream come true. To be around other creatives to learn from and to grow with who understand and see the game the same way I do and also to be able to learn to see the game differently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jonae49.wixsite.com/jguestphotography
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jg24_photos
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jonae-guest-60408917b
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonae44