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

Jordan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents did a great job with not letting me quit on anything. Even when I would get frustrated, because they knew it was only going to bring me closer to my goals.

As a child, I played a lot of soccer and wanted to be a professional. Naturally they supported me and would take me to all my games, practices and even soccer camps. One year, they sent me to an Olympic Development Program (ODP) soccer camp. During the camp, I was one of the smallest and youngest players. I remember feeling a bit intimidated training with all the older kids, but during the camp both my parents talked to me – reinforcing my mind/body about my skill set and BOOM, I never quit on anything in my life. They were always so good to me even when I lacked confidence. I’m a firm believer life is about understanding how comfortable you are with being uncomfortable. In those moments, when you feel lost or you’re not good enough, remember to just do your best. Practice makes better, not perfect.

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

I’m Jordan Abad but most people call me J. Most people call me J and I’m a full-time freelance photographer out of Southern California. I’ve always taken photos but never took it serious until about 6 years ago. What lit the fire for me was moving to Brooklyn, New York assisting at a creative studio. Immediately, upon me getting into the swing of things on the east coast, I learned that I loved being in the studio creating with like minded creatives. By the end of my trip, I promised I would never quit on camera work. Moving back to California I was a bit lost and found myself flustered with what I wanted to do. It took about 6 months for me to adjust and find a balance with creativity, work, family and spirit.

Portraiture, weddings, and product photography are my bread winners. I love capturing my subjects in their most genuine nature. I shoot a lot of products – crochet/knit goods, hair products, jewelry and makeup.

Creating as an artist I’m always looking for photos I can print BIG. And I think that sets me apart from others in my field. Most work these days are shared digitally. For me, it’s so much more rewarding having a tangible photo in my hands. I feel it really helps me connect with the art instead of just scrolling through it like social media. It’s a whole different dynamic having your art on the wall. Most of my printed work consist of emotion, the elements and nice classy landscapes.

With clientele I shoot with consistently I make sure when were working, its not all about getting content. Obviously were their to create, but tapping in with their life, family, emotions is so important to me. By no means am I a therapist, but I like to get into the soul and “digging deep”. This is only because I genuinely care about my people and how they actually are doing within their inner.

Some of my proudest work has been done with Youtube influencer ” Its Erin B”, Kenra Professional, Footlocker, and also working with Ellen Degeneres in NY.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being a creative is being able to paint your own vision and watch it evolve into what was once just a vision. Creating wholeheartedly and giving it your all is something I love to do. Most of my creativity shoots are at my happy place – near the water. Having that aspect brings out the best ME and my projects seem so much more natural and stressless. Also, meeting artists that have the same ideas with different perspectives is more than rewarding, its what life is about. New perspective, new vision, opens up new grow.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One day, I would love to have a space for creatives to showcase their work in a non-judgmental space to express themselves through visuals, ideas and music. A family oriented community that support love and grace. My spirituality has always been a huge non-tangible aspect for me. Without tapping into your soul you cannot be complete. Through creativity, I find my soul is happiest and at peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: jordanreyabad.org
• Instagram: jordanreyabad
• Facebook: jordan rey abad

Image Credits
Erin Bissot Damon Rideau Esai Ramirez Danielle Wells Danielle Regnier