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

Jose, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

For me to learn photography it took a lot of self learning and study. I spent hours and days practicing with my first camera. I always wondered why my photos didn’t look like the professionals on the internet and social media. Knowing what I know now I could have learned post processing my images earlier in my career. Admittedly at first I hated it, thinking that I didn’t necessarily need it, however, at this point I am much more aware of the importance of post processing your work.

With that being said I think the skills that are most important are understanding lighting as well as post production. By understanding lighting you create different moods and themes depending where you place your light source. It can really make or break a project in many cases. With post production your photos are taken to the next level. It takes your creativity with the shot to the next level by manipulating colors, retouching skin, eyes, and hair. You have to find that right balance to pull the observer into the moment that you captured.

With photography you are constantly refining your skills and working on your style of work. For me the only obstacles that stand in my way are the limitations of my creative mind and my drive to improve. I strive to become the best version of myself and to become better with my passion and push the limits of what I can create. I have to constantly have a hunger to learn more, to be innovative, be wary of following trends and cliches.

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

I got my start into photography about 6 or so years ago when I purchased my first camera a Canon 80D. I have always been an artistic individual from childhood. Through the years I have transitioned through different mediums to express my creativity from drawing to poetry, eventually settling into photography and videography. From the time I snapped my first images which were landscape sunsets I was hooked. I found the process of learning and refining my skills went hand in hand with my natural thirst for knowledge and I felt a sense of accomplishment when I implemented new ideas and was rewarded with beautiful photos as a result.

As time went by I felt I became proficient enough to take my skills to the professional level. I went ahead and started my first business JLaw Inspired Images. I offer a wide array of services but at this juncture I primarily offer editorial, portrait, event and brand photo packages along with print services. Although my services are similar to that of others in my field, my primary focus is utilizing my skills to assist in building the careers of my clients and building a network around them so they can reach their business goals. One of the key aspects of my business is that I work closely with my client to get them out of a, “social box”, and what I mean by that is being adults we find ourselves at the behest of others, expectations of us and what society deems fitting labels for us. Through experience I have learned that many of us deep down desire to express ourselves without judgement and societal labels weighing us down. I made it a mainstay of my business method to use my creative style as a form of therapy for my subject, to get them to see the shoot, the experience is all about them. They are the central star of the session and they are free to be whoever they desire to be in these moments.

What I am most proud of is how far I have come thus far in my journey as a creative. I constantly am learning new skills and tricks. I am networking with other creatives and business people as well as cementing my legacy which has always been a goal of mine. Photography was also crucial for me to get past my own social anxiety and self doubt. It empowered me to be confident in my skills and knowledge.

What I want potential clients and fans to know about me and my brand is that when you work with me you get far more than just a photoshoot, you get a full experience. Its all about having fun, learning something new about yourself and making new connections that can lead to big opportunities in the future. Its all about growth and positivity. When you work with me there are no limits on the greatness that can be created.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think what non-creatives will struggle to understand about my journey as a creative is that for me the main goal isn’t always the financial outcome of a creation. For me the main reward in some cases is the fact that I created a vibrant piece of art that evokes a series of emotions or tells a story. Although monetary compensation is highly important in our society especially in these days, there are instances where it is secondary to the creative process and in some cases may even limit it. When I work on a project, what gets me excited is the idea of working with my team toward a mutual goal. During the collaboration process we aren’t thinking about finances outside of the context of what it would take to create our next project.

The reward for a great project isn’t always financial sometimes its an expanded network, more client referrals, or a chance to be featured in a gallery. Basically monetary gains tend to be a byproduct of the creative process. There an old saying that the more you chase money the more elusive it becomes. Its just a tool and I think that is something that is forgotten today in our fast paced culture. Indeed financial success comes when you aren’t even looking for it.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission that drives my creative journey is leaving behind a creative legacy for others to follow and be inspired by. With every photo project I work on its with idea that it can inspire another creative to think outside of the box. As I progress on my creative path I look forward to being a source of inspiration for others who are looking to get started. I have made some mistakes and I have missed opportunities due to my own shyness or fear of the unknown. My hope is that by laying a foundation for others, they won’t have to have some of the struggles that I have had and also at least have a guide to help them along. When I look back on my life I want to be able to say I created works that will inspire future great leaders and artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jlawinpsired.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlaw_inspired/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlawinspired
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jose-lawrence-222a1454
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jlaw_inspired
• Other: msha.ke/jlawinspired

Image Credits
JLaw Inspired Images LLC