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

Hi Juma , thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

“My journey began as a young child naturally drawn to the world of art. I can vividly recall my fourth-grade days, sketching my favorite cartoons instead of focusing on schoolwork. This would be a glimpse into my early passion for artistic expression. As I entered middle school, my older brother introduced me to the realm of music. With ADHD fueling my appetite for challenges and learning, I eagerly delved into music production, immersing myself in every facet, from recording engineering to capturing behind-the-scenes moments.

My brother, on the path to becoming an artist and music producer, ignited my desire to contribute to his vision. Armed with a camera, I started documenting our journey together. Throughout my teenage years, I dedicated myself to honing my craft, driven solely by my love for what I was doing.

It wasn’t until around 2014 that I dared to dream of becoming a successful photographer and cinematographer. Witnessing my brother’s gradual ascent to success served as my inspiration and motivation to reach for the same heights.

My journey into photography was a blend of self-study, online resources, workshops, and hands-on practice. Initially, I acquainted myself with the fundamentals through online tutorials and books. I dived into experimentation, testing various techniques through trial and error, which was a significant part of my learning process. To formalize my education, I enrolled in a college course called Photography 101, which provided me with a solid foundation and refined my skills.

Transitioning from being entirely self-taught, I recognized the value of formal education and training. After completing the photography course, I actively networked with fellow photographers and participated in workshops and mixers. These interactions offered me invaluable insights and diverse perspectives from my peers.

Being self-taught had its advantages and challenges. While it allowed for creative exploration, it sometimes led to stumbling over uncharted territory and struggling with certain obstacles. What I’ve come to understand is the importance of connecting with experienced photographers and learning from their journeys. Their guidance can offer shortcuts to skill improvement.

Reflecting on my experiences, patience and consistent practice, without rushing the learning process, have been crucial. Additionally, staying organized with projects, lessons, and equipment would have expedited my progress. Looking back, being an introverted self-learner, I believe that pushing myself in a photography community and seeking mentorship would have accelerated my growth. Whether you try and fail or try and succeed, being self-taught turns challenges into a driving force that propels you toward your dreams, motivating you to persist until you achieve them.

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

I am a freelance Photographer and Cinematographer based in Michigan, with Georgia as my second home. I frequently travel across the country, taking on projects in various states. Embracing the freelance path has allowed me to live my dream on my terms, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling choices I’ve made.

My journey into this industry began with my brother, a multi-platinum chart-topping music producer and songwriter. His success in the music industry exposed me to different aspects of creative work, including photography and cinematography, which instantly captivated me.

In my freelance work, I offer both photography and videography services, along with my role as a brand strategist for small businesses. Whether it’s capturing weddings, family moments, graduations, or creating music videos, commercials, and event coverage, I’m here to provide it all. I’ve also begun crafting branding packages for entrepreneurs, addressing the challenge many businesses face in generating social media content. These packages include monthly photoshoot options and video content, aiming to make their lives easier in this regard. Additionally, I’ve ventured into creating branding packages for entrepreneurs, helping them tackle the challenge of generating engaging social media content through monthly photoshoots and video content.

What I’m most proud of is the journey I’ve undertaken and the quality of work I’ve produced thus far. As a self-taught artist, I’ve reached the point where I am today through dedication, hard work and believing myself. I want potential clients and supporters to recognize that I pour my heart into every project, and my work reflects my talent, creativity, and passion. It’s my pleasure to serve both my local community and individuals worldwide in this industry. While the path hasn’t always been easy, I strive to let my professionalism and high-quality work shine through.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In the early stages of my creative journey, I encountered numerous obstacles, which was somewhat expected as I was self-taught. When I initially began, all I had was a camera and YouTube tutorials. Nowadays, there’s a wealth of learning resources and online communities worldwide dedicated to this industry. It’s not that these options didn’t exist when I started, but they weren’t as widely promoted as they are today. I wish I had known about these resources back then because I believe they would have accelerated my learning process significantly.

Additionally, I took marketing for granted. While I recognized its importance, I’m still an introverted artist at heart. My passion for this field initially stemmed from my love for it rather than a desire for financial compensation. I just wanted to be the best I could be in this industry. Learning at my own pace has been a gift and a curse.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

As a photographer, my most effective client growth strategy involves a multi-step approach. Firstly, I prioritize building a robust online presence through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, showcasing my work to a wider audience. Secondly, networking within the industry has been invaluable, allowing me to connect with fellow professionals and collaborate on various projects. My commitment to consistently delivering high-quality work that surpasses client expectations has been a cornerstone of my success. Furthermore, word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients have significantly contributed to expanding my clientele.

I firmly believe that consistency is the key to client growth. While I’ve achieved significant milestones, I maintain humility and a thirst for continuous improvement. To fuel my passion and creativity, I regularly invest in passion projects alongside my paid work. These projects may involve collaborations with models or providing sponsorships to local businesses. My connection with my community has made this journey exceptionally special.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ShotByJuma.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyjuma/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShotByJuma/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShotByJuma
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShotByJuma

Image Credits
ShotByJuma