Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Jackson.
Eric, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
This journey started September of 2017 when I decided to purchase a camera to have quality photos for my clothing line at the time (Agapi supply). I felt like the photographers that I came across were charging way too much for only a few photos, well at the time I thought it was too much. But that was my initial reason is why I decided to invest into buying my own camera, a Canon T6i Rebel.
At the time, I had zero knowledge of how to use a professional camera. I didn’t know anything about composition, F-stop, shutter speed, the ISO, & other camera settings. All I knew that this device I had is suppose to bring quality to my brand. So I asked a fellow photographer I knew from high school for some tips. He didn’t give me too much information but just enough to get me started. But because of the University of YouTube, I was able to learn more about the basics of lighting & operating a camera.
So after a few days of learning the basics, I then had set up a shoot with an old teammate from middle school. We went down to a shopping area in coconut creek Fl (promenade) right before sunset & took some shots of him in my clothing brand & in a Nike uniform. At the time I didn’t know anything about editing software, so I used to just edit photos straight from my phone and upload to social media. Once the model posted them on Instagram the amount of feedback we received was really surprising to me.
Even though that prompted me to make a personal page for photography, I was really hesitant to start one. I felt that I wasn’t good enough or I had no clue on what I was doing, but I did it anyway because I actually enjoyed it. As time went on, I started to see some growth which gave me the confidence to start working with aspiring models & muses. Once I started working with a variety of people, that then took my photography to another level. I was able to learn something from each & every person I worked with. Not only that but I built some nice friendships out of it too.
To fast forward 11 months later, I went from shooting friends & family to getting paid to work with a variety of small business, clothing brands, events, fashion shows, & models. The best part of this journey I could say is the relationships & partnerships I have come across & the future ones on the way. Meeting new people and being able to provide the quality service that they want has been the best feeling since I picked up a camera.
I have honestly have grown a love and passion for this art, and I know it’s only the beginning of something great. If you’re reading this and you have a passion or gift that you’ve been waiting to tap into. All I ask is for you is to step out of faith, step out of your comfort zoom and just do it. Whatever it is just write your vision down, make a plan, & just go get it started. It’s not easy, but the worst feeling is the feeling of regret especially when you have what it takes to reach your goals.
It all starts with a little faith and consistent hard work. I’m nowhere close to where I want to be but I know I’m heading on the right track. And because of God, the People I have worked with and other creatives that I learned from is the reason why I have the confidence to say that today. I appreciate everyone that has been on this journey with me thus far, all my friends & family, I love Y’all. Continue to pray & push me daily. I will also do the same for everyone else that’s following their dream.
Has it been a smooth road?
Every journey had its bumps & bruises along the way. Some more than the other but we all have those moments. For me, the biggest obstacle was my lack of confidence. I remember days when I just felt like throwing in the towel because of how I use to compare myself to other people doing this. That’s where I went wrong. You should never compare your work or yourself to anyone.
Once I realized that I’m no longer going to watch what everyone else is doing & focus on just bettering my craft I then started to create my own distinct look & style. I realized yes they’re millions of people doing photography, but what makes you different from the rest is being true to yourself & to your craft, everything else will fall in line. So I stood with that mindset ever since.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m an event and lifestyle photographer/videographer. I shoot every type of event from weddings, to baby showers, birthday celebrations, to corporate settings. I started off doing a lot of, but as time goes on, I’ve been leaning more towards just the photography side.
What I hear most people say about my work is that I’m best at capturing the right moments at the right time & also bringing a moody feel to every photo that I take. I would say what sets me apart from the rest is my diversity. Being able to shoot in any circumstance, whether it’s an event, in a studio or outside setting I’m able to create a quality image pleasing to the eye.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
5 to 10 years from now, I see myself as a freelance photographer but working along with small & big business providing quality work. I see myself working more with clothing brands & magazine companies. I also see myself owning a photography studio here in south Florida & another one in New York City.
Contact Info:
- Email: ejvisualz316@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ejvisualz
- Other: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/HRSK74KX6EGN1
Image Credit:
@muna_b, @beckygonzaalez_, @lovesagee, @yosoyselena, @emondo14_, @lifeofmingnate, @gabbysouz
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