Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Smith.
Hi Brandon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Just B. Still Photography, Inc. is a husband (Brandon) and wife (Ayesha) owned and operated business created from a desire to capture life’s most memorable moments and experiences through the art of photography. Although that’s where we are today, it is certainly not how things started.
As a married couple who has always hung out with other couples (church, game nights, dining, trips, etc.), as one would imagine, we had lots of fun, made plenty of memories and took tons of pictures. Of course, with me always having the latest phones with the best camera, coupled with a natural ability to stage/pose people, I became the “designated photographer”. After lots of trips, gatherings and outings, I expressed to my wife that I wouldn’t mind taking up photography as a hobby. Shortly thereafter, and to my surprise, she purchased me a starter camera and told me to “Go for it!”. To be honest, I had no clue of what to do or where to start. However, I did know that because she made the investment, I had to at least make an attempt. I quickly began to research the camera’s features, study its manual and spend hours upon hours watching photography tutorials on YouTube. I was determined to give it all I had and it wasn’t long after that that I had become fully engulfed in the world of photography. The more I learned about it, the more I began to fall in love with it.
As a multi-instrument playing musician and an animated sketch artist, I have always had a love for the arts. Photography was just another form that I had yet to fully explore. However, when I did, I was HOOKED!
As time went on, we invested in more beginner photography equipment (lighting, backdrops, etc.) and began to apply the things I had learned. I was super excited! Her, not so much. This meant that she had to become the “resident/designated model. She literally had no idea what what she had been signed up for. After long days/nights at work, I would ask her to select a few outfits from her closet, put on a full face of makeup and get ready to “smile” for the camera. Some days, I would actually get that smile, but others, I would get that side-eye, which I interpreted as “Hurry up and take the picture so I can go to bed!” I often teased and reminded her that she’s responsible for putting this camera in my hand. I also jokingly but honestly told her that although she’s my favorite model to work with, she also by far the most difficult (married folks will understand, LOL!). That being said, I still wouldn’t trade one second of it.
Thinking that I was beginning to get the hang of this “photography thing”, I started posting a few of the pictures I had taken of her to social media. To my surprise, I began to get good reviews and even a few inquiries. To be quite honest, I was both flattered and intimidated. I still had little experience working with anyone other than my wife. After gaining some traction on social media and now “practicing” on family and close friends, I started taking my camera everywhere I went (social gatherings, concerts, church events, etc.) and shot everything I could. My goal was to learn how to shoot in all environments and to familiarize myself with the current equipment I was using. This was all still done under the “hobby” title, until one day, my lovely wife has another “bright idea” and poses the question to me, “What do you think about turning this “hobby” of yours into a business?”
I had never really considered it. My biggest trepidation was turning something I had now come to love and really enjoy into WORK! Not to mention that I had no clue what to do, where to start, questions about if it would be successful or not, etc. However, I must admit, with the vision, constant encouragement and support of my WIFE, a leap of FAITH on my part and GOD’s favor and provision, it is by far one of the BEST decisions I’ve ever made. Here we are, as we speak, currently celebrating two (2) years of officially being in business (Est. September 26, 2019). Happy Birthday to Just B. Still Photography, Inc.!!!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It most certainly was NOT a smooth road. We were first-time entrepreneurs, had very limited knowledge and even less experience. Not to mention, photography equipment/gear can be very expensive. We really had to pace ourselves and actually come up with a plan that included budgeting, researching, attending photography workshops, classes and expos.
As most first-time entrepreneurs, one of our most challenging tasks was trying to find the time to do it all while we both had full-time jobs, along with a few part-time. I work overnight (full-time) as a Law Enforcement Officer and part-time as a church musician and City Commissioner, while Ayesha works full-time at the hospital.
Another challenge was space. We did the majority of our early shoots in our home to avoid any overhead and to have more control over our environment. We did everything from birthday shoots, family portraits, maternity sessions, newborns, headshots and holiday minis.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We specialize in portrait (school, family & holiday), professional (headshot, lifestyle, fashion & branding) & love (engagement, wedding & maternity) photography.
We are known for our diversity, creativity and preparation delivered in every session. From props, poses, to wardrobe, and even the music playlist/selection, we ensure that we are fully invested not only in our clients receiving great images but having a great time while doing it.
We are most proud of our ability to work seamlessly together as husband and wife and our client’s ability to recognize our genuine love for one another and our passion for what we do. We believe that this ultimately serves as a platform for both our love and faith.
What we believe sets us apart from others is our attention to detail and our ability to make even the most timid person comfortable in our presence and in front of our camera. Our sessions are intimate, personalized and professional. As a co-ed tandem, I believe we offer the best of both worlds.
Contact Info:
- Email: justbstillphotos@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just_b.still_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justbstillphotography
- Other: sessionl.ink/just_b.still_photography
Image Credits
Just B. Still Photography, Inc.
