We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paolo Jay Agbay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Paolo Jay , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk that I’ve taken in my life would be my current situation as a business owner of my photography service. When I started learning the art of photography I did not expect it be sustaining me full-time as a career. At first, it was a hobby that I enjoyed with my iPhone, but now I am making a living off of this art. There have been many ups and downs of my journey and there still is, but in the end of the day, I remind myself that this is only the beginning of my journey.

When I started learning photography, I was working a nightshift for a corporate company so I had a lot of time in the day to myself. I took advantage of this time and learned photography as it was always something that interest me whenever I traveled or had a good time with friends. I decided to save up and purchase my first digital camera and that’s when my journey started.

I first started by bringing my camera everywhere and eventually I got so used to the settings it became second nature to me. The fascination of how I could capture a moment in time really sparked something in me. This opened up my eyes and made me realize my impact on others. So many of my friends and family loved the images I captured that it fueled me to pursuit a career out of this hobby.

While working 5 years of corporate, my mental health became to deteriate when I realized that I was no longer happy working for someone else’s dream. Eventually I got fired from my job and took on a leap of fate by building a business of out my hobby. Since 2021, I dedicated myself to always challenge my abilities to learn more about the art while building a business that really impacts humans.

Paolo Jay , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The most rewarding feeling about what I provide for my clients is the confidence that I instill in them. When it comes to photography, I love showing the emotions or the power that individuals do not usually see everyday. My style of photography is story based. I love painting a story for people.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective way of growing my clientele has always been being kind to others. I am a firm believer in treating others with kindness because that’s the best way you can be remembered. I am very big on problem solving and making realistic decisions that can pivot the trajectory.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media is a double edge sword in our society that can make or break you. Building my audience on social media was never about showing off or flexing on peers. I utilize my social media to show my audience exactly who I am, while cultivating an engaging community and educating those who want to learn.

There’s a lot of distractions on social media and I try my best to be on the side of educating and building a better society. As a photographer, one of the main platforms that I use heavily is Instagram. Instagram has been my greatest tool while also being my biggest obstacle. The algorithm is not usually in my favor when it comes to posting my art but my greatest tool has been my stories that I post and share. Stories allow me to connect to my audience which have lead me to some amazing projects and people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paolojayagbay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pj.agbay/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paolojayagbay
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolojayagbay/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/pineapplepapi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkP0K4eAhElcf_vL9TQz–w
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/paolo-jay-photography-philadelphia
• Other: https://lnk.bio/pj.agbay

Image Credits
Photo captured by Janice Thach at Los Angeles Fashion Week 2022. (red garage wall)