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

Hi Statia, thanks for joining us today. 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?

I developed my photography skills over time by just getting out there and shooting. I worked for a professional studio, in the wedding industry, for events, and more. Learning to shoot a variety of sessions from school portrait headshots, to graduations, parties, and engagements have broadened the range and skills that I carry with me to this day. I experienced so many challenges and conditions while learning photography that it has prepared me to be the photographer I am today.

Having a mentor is key! Someone who will work with you to develop your talents can take you further faster. Knowing what I know now, I would have found a mentor to help advance my skills and learn more. I worked alongside many professionals and took a lesson from each, but in the beginning, I did not have a dedicated mentor.

The skill that was the most essential was truly understanding the camera settings. Once I understood the purpose and capabilities of each setting it helped me to navigate through any condition and allowed me to get creative.

The only obstacles that stood in the way of learning more were self-doubt and fear. I may have sounded fearless stating that I just out there and photographed anything, but the truth is, I had to push myself out of my comfort zone many times to develop my skills. Sometimes I would not take an opportunity because of these feelings, and who knows what I could have learned to help me master the skill of photography in those earlier years.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a brand and portrait photographer based in Orlando, Florida. My passion was founded on the highest of the seven hills at Florida A&M University. It all started with a point-and-shoot camera that I took everywhere to capture my collegiate memories. You know, the one under 100 bucks, but a step up from a disposable camera? Yeah, that one! It did the job and turned into an entire hobby. I did mini-sessions for my friends, joined the campus event photography team, and decided on a major. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design with a minor in Photography.

I have done it all with over 10 years of experience. Working in various industries opened up new perspectives, possibilities, and techniques, but I was still stuck figuring out what my thing was. I knew I wanted a business that provided immense value that built a genuine network and community but had trouble defining what that would exactly look like.

Surrounded by go-getters and like-minded individuals, I was inspired to use my God-given talent to support their dreams in the ways that they could. Through brand photography, I found that we could partner together to aid in their marketing efforts. I feel a part of my client’s team when we strategize and plan for a successful session. Color theory, outfit decisions, and concepts fill our discussions to ensure a well, thought-out photoshoot.

My portrait services are how I started in this industry. I love being a part of my client’s special milestones capturing birthdays, graduations, engagements, and more. Though I have expanded into branding, my portrait services will remain as the foundation.

I am most proud of how far the business has come. It started as a hobby that I was passionate about and now it has grown into a full-service photography company. Both my mindset and skills required development to get where it is now. To see my goals come to fruition is so rewarding and I am grateful for my clients, family, and friends’ support.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I would love to tell you about how I met my business partner, Remy, and our new venture together. Remy was introduced to me through the family. They told me that we would get along well and that we both work in the creative industry. We met up one day to connect and we instantly became close! I go off of energies and she had such a genuine spirit and a drive for success, which was so inspiring to me.

Remy is a graphic designer who develops logos, websites, marketing assets, and more! Being a fellow graphic designer and creative it was easy to find that we had much more in common. We discussed starting a business together almost immediately.

Statia Jones Studios and Remy Moné Design Co are partnering to bring full-service branding solutions. Remy and I are providing an amazing opportunity to help business owners and individuals attract the audience and clients of their dreams. We will be launching our business in January 2023, which includes brand and web design, and brand photography services.

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

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been continually improving the client experience and my skills to win future business and loyalty. I invest in equipment, software, knowledge, and marketing to enhance my skills, improve quality, and reach more people. My clients are the reason that my business is growing and my focus is to ensure they are absolutely satisfied with their experience with Statia Jones Studios.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.statiajonesstudios.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/statiajonesstudios
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statiajonesstudios

Image Credits
AF Pro Media