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

Jordyn, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

When I tell people what my career path is, I tend to get the same reactions: “Oh, how’s that going?” In terms of managing my own company, I tend to get impressed responses, that is until I tell them what my company is. In my experience, being a photographer has its ups and downs. The good news happens when you are able to make 2 grand in a matter of 4 hours, but then it may take 3 weeks for another check to come in. The biggest challenge is consistency. Everyone has good and bad days, but in terms of managing a career in photography, sometimes the profit isn’t flowing in all the time. When I told my family that I wanted to pursue photography, they were obviously a little concerned, as any group of parents might be. But when I told them that I didn’t want to look back 30 years from now and regret that I didn’t pursue my passion, they knew there was nothing that was going to hold me back. In my experience, I did not choose photography for the money, but I know I chose it because that’s my passion. When wondering where I wanted to spend my focus career, I thought about a statement my mom often asked me: “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” In my opinion, yes, money is a big factor to any career path, and it’s going to be something that will determine many choices you make, but at the end of the day, the experience and relationships you build with be the most rewarding.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

To those who are new to this article, my name is Jordyn Garca. I am a 21 year old photographer from Grand Prairie, Texas. I am currently in my last year at the University of Texas at Arlington, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in photography with a minor in Museum Studies. I have always been interested in photography since middle school, but I was positive it wasn’t going to be anything more than a hobby. It wasn’t until I competed in a Fine Arts competition, that I changed my path. At 16 years old, my photograph won first place and from that point on, I wanted photography to be my main focus. After that, I changed my career, my chosen college, and ultimately, my life goals.

As much as I enjoy all aspects of creative photography, I love portrait and fine art photography, both in the studio and outdoors. My main goal when working with clients is to make sure they feel comfortable in front of the camera. I am more focused on making sure they are at ease with me, to ensure they will enjoy the time they have with the images that will be produced. In most instances, specifically with babies, let’s face it, they are unpredictable. Making sure they are photographed at a time that is convenient to them and to the parents is more beneficial in receiving pictures that the family will appreciate. I love to work with my clients to create images that they can look back and enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I enjoy my time with photography and creating mixed media works that showcase who I am and hopefully conveys deeper meanings with the viewer. Not only would I love to see my works in a gallery, but I want to be the one owning it. My end goal for my career is to own a gallery supporting the works of other Mexican American artists, no matter the medium or style. Everyone should be able to have a voice, and I believe we have so many stories that need to be told. At the end of the day, my main focus is to provide a safe space for my peers in a place where they can speak their mind and create the works that they want to create. With my own gallery, I can make that dream become a reality.

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

I believe the most rewarding thing about my job is knowing that I have been honored to shoot an important and fulfilling moment for years to come. The fact that somebody trusted me to capture something very meaningful to them means the world, and it’s always a pleasure. In terms of education, I am constantly meeting new faces in the photography program, so I tend to create relationships with people who were just like me when they were new to the program. I was always asking for help, making sure that what I was doing was correct, eventually finding my place in a large department of very successful and passionate people. Now that I am in that place where I get to help newcomers, I am honored to assist other people with their unanswered questions. Before I am a photographer, I am a person who helps others first. I believe helping people answer their own questions is one of the most rewarding things in my experience as a photographer. Being able to observe them finding their own perspective and style in the field is so rewarding; it’s like you’re watching a younger sibling find their place in the world, and it’s an incredible feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: jgarcadigitals.com
• Instagram: jgarca.digitals
• Facebook: Jordyn Garca

Image Credits
All images by Jordyn Garca @JGarca.Digitals