We recently had the chance to connect with Jason Cowell and have shared our conversation below.
Jason, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
This is a great question because in order to lose track of time, you have to be so engrossed in what you’re doing that nothing else seems to matter! For me, that’s editing images from a shoot that I absolutely enjoyed. I’ll spend hours editing images into the wee hours, only to realize that I have to be up early the next morning.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jason Cowell and I’m the founder and owner of Roaming Photo Studio, LLC. My love and appreciation of photography knows no bounds as my interests are not specific to any one genre. My entire career up to this point was in the IT industry and after recently being laid off, I’ve taken some time reflect on what I really would like to do going forward. Until now, photography was just a side-gig, but I’m seriously considering a change and doing it full time!
My philosophy as it pertains to photography has always been to provide the best experience. My company’s motto is and will always be, “We Bring the Studio to You”. With that in mind, I will enhance my skills and venture into new areas of creativity. In the meantime, I will continue do the shoots that got me started…Family and Individual Portraits, Events, Model Portfolios and Fashion. I look forward to the journey ahead of me!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents always believed I could do anything I put my heart and mind to. Their encouragement and support were the foundation of who I am today. Next, my wife of nearly 30 years. She is literally the wind beneath my wings and continues to support my dreams. She’s one of the reasons why I’m even giving thought to doing photography full time and I so appreciate her for the gentle nudges and pep talks.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely!!! I can’t even count how many times throughout the years that I’ve said to myself, “I can’t do this anymore!”. In the beginning of my photography career, I was working a nine to five job and I leaned so heavily into photography that it caused other important things in my life to be pushed to the back burner. My marriage, my home, my children all suffered as a result and I had to make a decision. Either give up my passion, or find balance. Thankfully, after making repeated mistakes, I chose the latter and that’s why I’m still enjoying photography today. I had to learn to say “no” sometimes and also had to listen to my body when it was being constantly worn down. There’s a lot say about the maturity I’ve gained along the way and also having a supportive partner in my wife who’s been a huge blessing!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would like to think that the public version of me is the real me. The reason I say this is because I believe in the whole, “What you see is what you get.” I’m passionate about my relationships, passionate about my work…whether it’s in the corporate setting, my photography or even at home with my family! I like truth…let me rephrase that. I love truth. Tell me the truth even if it stings, I’ll get over it. Be real with me and I’ll be real with you. At the end of the day, all I want is to give you my best. If my best is not for you, that’s ok too! I’m also very loyal…almost to a fault. That loyalty has burned me in the past, but if I’m for you, I’m for you and I hope it will be reciprocated.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I think everyone likes a little praise and acknowledgement sometimes…it’s what allows us to gauge our progress and gives us fuel to continue. With that being said, I had to learn early that if you’re gonna do a job, do it to the best of your ability even when no one’s looking over your shoulder. I’m my own worst critic and that keeps me on my toes. My dad taught me this lesson when I was just a child and I’ve carried that with me all my life!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Roaming Photo Studio, LLC.
