Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaci Pena
Hi Jaci, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My photography journey began like many others—through a high school elective in black and white film photography that became a lasting pursuit. What started as an artistic craft eventually led to gallery exhibitions and involved in local art walks. Initially, I was completely unaware of the diverse career paths beyond traditional photography niches like weddings and portraiture.
My professional transition came in my mid-twenties when I started shooting vacation rentals and small hotels in Miami Beach. Assisting in studio shoots and gradually specializing in real estate photography ultimately guided me towards my current focus: design and architectural photography. The pivotal moment arrived in 2015 when I was unexpectedly laid off from my w2 job—ironically being told to “focus on my photography.”
In retrospect, it seems some people believed in my potential more than I did. The traditional employment model never suited me, making the entrepreneurial path not just a choice, but a necessity. Turning photography from a passionate hobby into a sustainable career became my most significant professional challenge and achievement.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing I’ve ever done has been remotely close to a smooth road. I read recently that you should “pick your hard”, like a job or running your own business. Both are hard and have positives, but you have to choose what you are willing to struggle with, and knowing that, even when things get rough, you are still in control of how you approach it. That level of clarity is huge.
One of my biggest challenges has been the realization that stability doesn’t come from external labels-like certain job titles or degrees- but from your own resilience and mindset, that alone is a powerful shift. It’s not easy for most people, but once those boundaries are set, you enter a whole new level of freedom.
I’m still evolving, so all this growth talk doesn’t have an endpoint!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an interior, hotel, and travel photographer based in Miami, specializing in design and hospitality work for hotels, restaurants, and residential homes. I’m deeply invested in art direction and guiding the creative process from start to finish.
What sets me apart is my unique approach—thinking outside the box, solving challenges, and, above all, listening to my clients. I believe they know their brand best, and my role is to bring their vision to life through photography.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been driven to be outdoors and never complacent. A bit outspoken and extremely determined—once I’m motivated about something, I fully commit to it. For me, staying genuinely interested is key to staying motivated; otherwise, things feel mundane.
I think for a lot of introvert type personalities, such as myself, we need an outlet. Luckily, I started competitive swimming from ages 12-19 – this became a transformative experience. It allowed me to harness my focus and push through physical challenges. Like breath work and form, block out pain and develop a deep mental discipline.
I also started writing from a very young age and eventually picked up the camera later in high school. It was a bit of an identity crisis being an art student and athlete at the same time, I didn’t know you could excel in both, so I leaned more into my athleticism as a result.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thejprojects.com
- Instagram: @the_jprojects
Image Credits
THE ONLY IMAGE WITH PHOTO CREDIT IS FOR LAST IMAGE OF ME HOLDING CAMERA, PLEASE CREDIT “TOM WITH LEDFORD PRODUCTIONS”
REMAINING IMAGES ARE OWNED AND CREDIT TO “JACI PENA, THE J PROJECTS”
