6 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Photographer

[@JorgeTamezPhoto]

The fake friends part resonates so much with me. I had to learn the hard way to distinguish who is there only when they need me

[@peakadventures_]

fake friend...i knew all the people i met before i starting doing photography were fake..now i have no friends because i got rid of them for being fake..now the walls are up with shark infested waters before you get to the wall i build! nobody is coming in now.

[@spyratekodaks7494]

I can also relate! Totally!

[@jagannathsahoo500]

Agreed

[@stuartconnelly5397]

Fake family is also a bummer!

[@AnotherLotte]

@@stuartconnelly5397 Having to deal with both has been harsh. I cut off the fake friends, but family is so much harder.

[@foxtrot685]

I’m 20 years in and still learning, still developing and redeveloping my style, learning new interests. This is my craft, it’s my baby and I nurture it. Slow process

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

Learning is a lifelong process since learning teaches you how little you know.

[@RyanHarville]

"The right people will stay in your life no matter what". I'm really happy you said that.

[@RyanHarville]

Actually the entire last half is ridiculously true. Y'all find good people.

[@AmadeAmaya]

When I started taking photos, I was delighted with how friendly and nice the environment was... and then I started taking better photos :D it turned out that many people don't like the fact that someone is developing and doing well.

[@Reason-fg4ik]

I once took a hobby, 30 years ago, I loved and made it into my profession, and got really good at it. Now I hate anything to do with that hobby/profession. I will never do that with photography. I'm a photographer because it brings me joy capturing an image, at a moment in time of the whole universe, that no one else will ever be able to duplicate.

[@mroblige1018]

You will also hate yourself for not getting paid.

[@jbr84tx]

If it stops being fun, and becomes a job, that ruins it. If you happen to be lucky enough to get paid, that's icing on the cake. But the cake is the joy in doing it.

[@treidizzle]

“Save your money, buy a pizza, rent a movie” 🙌🏽 Love what you shared in this portion, amazing gear won’t make a great photographer - but time and experience can. Thanks for sharing!

[@pizzlesshorts]

I disagree with this completely. It is not a one-way street. Yes you can take great photos without the best gear but you will need to learn the fundamentals. If you buy the most amazing gear your photo will be better just set the camera to auto. I have witnessed this first hand as I never liked my photos with the kit lens on MFT. I bought a Canon Cinema camera with a faster constant aperture and my work was instantly better. Gear gets people excited and I don't believe people when they say gear doesn't matter.

[@xtonibx5770]

​@@pizzlesshortsI firmly believe that if you have a camera that is at least 24mp and you're using the right lens for what you're shooting, new expensive gear does not matter so much at all. I've been using the same Nikon camera for 8 years and my photos have improved drastically. They don't look like they're taken on the same camera because I learned how to get sharper pictures and improved my photography overall. If you know how to take pictures, you can use an old outdated DSLR and a $90 50mm and take incredible portraits. I have to admit that lenses are the most important kind of gear that will help you improve your pictures. Camera bodies not as much. People put way too much faith in their gear to do the work for them.

[@drrtyhrry]

I have to agree with "buying expensive gear won't make you a better photographer." It's all about experience! I started doing photography since 2015 using a digital compact camera, switched to a beginner type DSLR which is a Canon 3000D with only kit lens and a nifty fifty back in early 2019, by then I started doing pageant portraits, pre-debut, and pre-nuptial shoots with only natural lighting. And finally last month, I was able to upgrade to my dream camera, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. So happy and grateful!

[@BardouWolfVideoEditor]

My favourite tip is 5:37...I actually sold all of my expensive digital gear, bought myself a decent film camera (Minolta 7s), and that's actually what has made me much better. Less to focus on, less moving parts, I choose my angles and compositions more wisely...etc. It's allowed me to concentrate on the experience and joy of it all so much more.

[@dangilmore9724]

40 years into pro photography - listen to Jessica. She's nailed it spot on here!

[@SewTubular]

I think it all depends on talent. At the beginning I traveled to London, England from Canada, and trained for a year under an advertising photographer. ( shooting cars in car studios and on location, building sets in the studio and then lighting and shooting those sets, and occasionally shooting fashion model portfolio work ) When I came back to Canada I found that my one year in England put me far ahead of friends who spent four years studying photography at college. In England I had shot with 35mm / 6x6 cm / 6x7 cm / 4x5 inch / 8x10 inch cameras, and could produce equivalent images with all formats. I also worked with large 6000 joule flash systems, and learned how to light almost anything. So while I had pretty good mastery of the technical end of photography, I never learned how to sell myself and my work, so finding work was 100 times harder than the photographic side of things. In hind sight I wish when I returned to Canada I had trained with creative sales people, who could have taught me the people skills necessary to keep a steady stream of high paying projects coming in. Canada is also not a great country when looking for large photographic projects. Some of our most successful photographers had to move to the US or Europe to find the work they wanted. ( Walter Chin is the first name that comes to mind. He spent quite a few years in Toronto trying to establish himself, but later became famous when he moved to Europe and started shooting for the top fashion magazines. He currently resides in New York city. )

[@SilveradoNomads]

I've been shooting for a couple decades and what you said about not everybody is your friend rings 100 percent true. I recently stopped talking to a person because they would get upset if I mentioned anything about the work I was doing, but they could talk to me about everything they did with no issues. Which was crazy to me considering they helped me refine how I shot over the years. It's all good until you get more work than them.

[@skfineshriber]

I’ve been in business as a graphic designer and photographer. I’ve found dealing with things directly related to producing the work is the easy part. How do you feel about the business aspects? Tracking expenses, taxes, other bookkeeping tasks. What tools/apps do you like for those things? I think you do excellent work! “Taking bad photos on an expensive camera.” 😂👍👏🎯

[@dilinocasteneda3207]

its the person behind the camera that determines the outcome. be yourself and you'll never go wrong

[@ronaldlee3537]

Jessica: From your discussion, i can tell you are a very passionate photographer and you are really young, I am 60+, and I am still learning. I started my photography endeavors with a Kodak Brownie Camera shooting 127 Kodak Verichrome B&W film. Everything you mentioned in this video, absolutely true, I also experienced, I experienced much of what you experienced.

[@zetalure509]

You were my inspiration, back when I started photography 5 years ago, keep doing your thing ❤️

[@jonathanclarke5763]

I wish I could have at least made a great caring friend like you've described yourself in my photographic journey. That would at least make the process and journey bearable. It's crushing how lonely the solitude in pursuit of photography can be at times.

[@wjgraham63]

💯

[@andywu346]

I'm really so so glad you stay true to yourself along this journey.

[@GeorgeTua-ol9od]

You hit the nail on the head. Great advice! So tired of these “reviews,”gear pushing folks. Then seeing their images that completely lack any story or emotion.

[@patrickrivera8594]

I’ve work with lots of people (models and actors) who I know that what we’re doing is very transactional. Never thought of them to be my friends and never expected to be mine. I live in LA btw so everyone has their agendas here. So my mind set is to make sure to get what I want out of the photos and make sure the model would also get what they want. So both of us will be happy. If they contact me and wanted to work with me again, it’s great. If not, it’s all cool.

[@SarahVueDesign]

Thanks for posting this video. I’m 2 years in and love real estate photography, but def want to get into other areas like fashion photography and street. Your advice and suggestions are helpful and enlightening. Thank you ❤

[@4GQTV]

The Not everyone is your friend segment is so true. We were doing video game podcasts for a while regularly and it started going well. When it was doing better than others in the same circle they got upset. They did everything to try and ruin us from succeeding because our numbers were just better. It hurt but they spread so much misinformation to try to discredit us. While they were busy doing that, some of our shorts went viral and that upset them even more. Needless to say, we left all that nonsense behind and kept doing what we love. We lost many fake friends but all our true friends stuck with us. Now we have made so many real industry friends even though we may have lost many "twitter" friends. Positivity attracts positivity. Successful people that have made it, don't want to be surrounded by negative noise. They celebrate everyone's success, they've been through the same struggles.

[@hannahmoore7859]

Been watching your videos for years and you always give the most comforting advice as a young female photographer!

[@KennethStringer1985]

Enjoy your honesty and practical advice. Refreshing to hear someone being honest and straightforward. Thanks!

[@hoibsh21]

This is not only great photography advice, it's great life advice!

[@LindyL]

Great tips! I've been an amateur photographer for about 13 years. Only last year I got serious to really learn the manual settings and really building professional portfolio and taking clients. Thanks for the video Jessica

[@TRMPhotoStudio]

I work for a magazine. This resolved a lot of the competition aspect from others. I am able to be everyone's friend. LOL! Nice cameras and lenses make things easier. I can adjust settings on the fly while looking through the viewfinder. With entry level camera gear you have to go through menus and this burns time. I shoot flash 90% of the time. I can manipulate the scene to fulfill my vision. It is hard to beat natural light, but typically the clientele want to book in the worst lighting conditions. However, each piece of lighting kit brings an element of complexity when shooting on location. Enjoyed your video. Best of luck to you. Oh, and I am constantly learning. If you don't continue to learn you are failing.

[@imaminidonut2792]

I'm so sorry to hear that.. i hope by the end of your day, you'll have a smooth journey in your photography world. To get sued and having people said at your back really hurts. I hope you won't have to go through all of these anymore.

[@TheWutangclan1995]

I can relate to the end and it’s nothing to do with photography but it’s a real life lesson that was necessary for me to learn. I work at a grocery store and have worked there for a long time. I get along with my team and my manager. Last summer before I went back to college I was sent to a store an hour away and I was fine with it before my semester starts. Once my classes started I was asked to come in and had to say no and this kept going for weeks till I just stopped responding. The main reason why I got told to go was I blindly say yes to everything. I don’t put my foot down and he knows. So it taught me people will use you for their own gain.

[@kingluxephotography]

I learn something new every day and will always be learning. Education is very important in our field of work. Thanks for being honest and letting young artists know that this is not an easy or cheap journey. Unfortunately so many people think you just click a button and the camera does the work. They go out and spend a ton of money on gear and never invest in themselves or education to learn to use that equipment and don't charge accordingly for their work. Then they just give up after 1-3 years because they realize they are $30,000 or more in debt real fast. Just like any legit business, you have to invest in the business and in order to do so, you have to know your cost of doing business and numbers and be charging enough to be profitable so you can grow.

[@Luv3nchanted]

I love your videos Jessica, I’m starting my photography career thanks to you 🖤🤍

[@TyM783]

I’m 12 years in myself as of 2024, started from a pocket point and shoot, now I’m shooting film with an AE-1 Program, and just recently picked up a Mamiya RB67

[@CatacombMan]

8:14 "Not everyone is your friend and not everyone wants you to succeed". Amen. You know, aspiring and working in the trenches sounds honorable to other people. Little do they know you are going to fight for you life and ENVY, ENVY, ENVY is the most awful emotion, "Don't tell people your plans." "DON'T TELL PEOPLE YOUR PLANS" this needs to be a MANTRA for all creative people.

[@ThechronocrosserII]

The youtube gods have brought me here. Im a 'beginner' (i say beginner because im always learning 3 years in). Everything is pretty spot on. One thing I've learned is that if you're doing a photo/video shoot with someone GET PAID FIRST. Like have a deposit just in case or figure out some payment system. I DO NOT have time to chase you down for MY money. "omg, you did a great job" yadda yadda doesnt cut it.

[@nedkelly2035]

SO TRUE!

[@kenjordan5750]

My photo journey began 60+ yrs ago in Jr. HS. Learned the basics by college, then really improved in college because one of my roommates was a Photo major. I'd often tag along when he went out shooting. Shoot all morning, develop in the afternoon and print after dinner (at least two weekends per month). He went on to become a pro, teaching at RISD then freelancing out of Taos, NM. What a life! Me? I went into computers and became a software developer cube rat, but still keep my photo knowledge fresh. I just don't practice as much, now.😢

[@5th_of_me]

My tip is: With the passing of time, from the moment U take a camera in hands, it keeps getting better. U never know how capable a dslr and a kit lens are for me just because are so versatile ( canon 90d and 18-135mm lens) and I spent hundreds of hours practicing and creating just with them. Also, now I might have understood better why lots of photographers were quite cold and uninterested about talking to me. I had too much experience for my age and time in the field, so thank you Jessica for pointing this aspect! :)).

[@Bob4golf1]

I'm 50+ years in and it still requires a mindset of learning, experimenting and focusing on having fun! On being patient, you are right on the mark! That's one of the reasons I switched to medium format 20 years ago for almost everything except action. I use a Hasselblad MF system and have progressed through their product line over the years as new technology has became available. MF makes you slow down, look for your image and make sure you have done your homework BEFORE you click. I've thought a lot about why this is so. Hasselblad has added features to it's camera line-up to keep pace with the market and remain competitive however, I find myself turning those features off and going back to a very manual mode of shooting, even to the point of manual focus. It may not sound sensible but it works. My images come out better when I rely on my skills rather than the cameras. I've also turned of all the AI features in post processing. I'm not against technology, in fact I worked in tech for 40 years. But when you set out to create art, be artful. Experimenting with what you have created is not only useful, it's fun! And, after a while you might be surprised with what you end up with. 'nuff said!

[@rashidrizvi8628]

Great Info , if some one after you either in relationship or business /friendship , you have to read them inside out , if every thing is base on what I get from there until they can not any more , they vanished out . If every one is transparent with out different intention , time will proof them , just be aware who you are with and why.

[@stevenmccormick3659]

Very heartfelt and sincere, real-world experience comments. Totally on point. Nicely done and keep doing what you do.

[@DEVUNK88]

JUST DO IT!!!!!! Lol jk you don't have to be great to start but you have to start to be great.. I have found the way I learned was the desire to want to photograph something and being frustrated with lighting conditions, gear limitations, or lack of understanding of how to achieve a shot. Which lead me to search for answers and build out my gear accordingly. It's a journey for sure.

[@markgoostree6334]

Photography is truly a mental game. You see the shot... you just need enough tech savvy to make the shot that is in your mind/ heart. You get to that by taking pictures. get to it.... and have fun.

[@gc2161]

This is such good information and will help so many people. "Don't focus about the technicalities" great words.

[@RedrumVideoProductns]

I love your words on all things photography! Some of the advice is definitely not completely applicable to certain types of photographers. As an event (festivals and concerts) photographer primarily, I find myself using all my lenses and crazy filters and flashes! 😅 I am hyper invested in providing a full range of perspectives and comprehensive coverage as best as I can as an individual. I do so much with everything I have and I want people to feel like they were there and reliving these times through these images. My life is telling stories and providing memories for a whole community and it is sort of a therapy for me and I make a decent part of my living off of it. My clients are willing to wait for my end product for as long as it takes, which is not normal. I'm an anomaly though. I wish I could go back and do some things differently, because I've built these, at times, massive expectations, but people know and still encourage me not to overwork myself, but I can't help it! I operate on other's enjoyment and reflecting some of the best times of their lives back at them. At times even turning someone who hates taking photos into someone who will embrace it, for the sake of others and also seeing themselves differently. The many challenges are worth it in the end, and I have to sometimes remind myself of that. Even when I'm down about it, I come right back and am re-energized to keep going in new ways. It's never easy and it has taken forever to get here, but I think I'm loving my work now more than ever in almost every way! I do not advise people to get into this work, because it's a harder and longer process than people realize and I'm real about it to them, but I do encourage it and support them on their journey and am always excited to see what they produce! Thank you for your words and being so real with your community, always!

[@summertime5582]

It is such a beautiful thing you did. I wish I had a friend like you with whom we could just sit with a cup of coffee and have this conversation about photography. Always loved your energy and vision, and happy that you are here sharing this with us. With love from Spain :)

[@user-se9zl8yo5z]

Your true blue Jessica. Everything you said is 100% true. You find out very quickly who your friends are when you need help. You have to be your own best friend. And if your really lucky you have that one good friend that doesnt expect anything from you. Keep going, keep moving, dont give up because so many people really dont like their jobs eventhough it pays the bills. Believe in yourself, and if you believe in God even beter.✌️😊

[@V1de0Phile]

I check in periodically to see what’s new on your channel and I’m never disappointed. I love your content. Keep it coming!

[@manicmarauder]

Been looking at all kinds of equipment and having tech lust for the last month, but finally took this advice and picked up a super cheap nex-5t and *1* lens (low zoom) on mpb. I figure it will help me learn a lot and figure out which way I want to jump before spending too much on something I have no clue how to properly use yet lol

[@Danny1media]

I agree You need to photograph everything that gets you excited..... Within that excitement that is different genres and with different genres this different techniques after techniques that's when you know you have a style and one particular or two genres that you like shooting regardless of the weather..... I started 2020..... It's like a bottle of wine it gets better as it aged....

[@86BBUB]

I thought this was going to be a silly vid but it is excellent advice. Most of it is applicable to life in general.

[@piercedekoevend]

I’m only 5 years into my photography journey, this is very insightful, I want to leave my 9-5 behind for photography, and I have no idea how to do it. Thank you for sharing

[@wjgraham63]

Thank you, Jessica, for the video. There is so much wisdom and truth in what you covered. How we learn and grow.

[@tinasimaika]

Jessica, you are a great photographer, the best ones always look forward and that’s why their leaning curve never finishes. I feel you need a virtual hug, I am sorry you been through some bad experiences

[@aphotoguy_that_collects]

So true. You hut every nail on the head. I experienced EVERYTHING you mentioned

[@naterosso9126]

100% !! In my experience, the first 3 years are the hardest. I'm a photographer of 7 years and now 4 with my own business. The process needs to be slow, everything and everyone will test you in the beginning, those that make it will have a heart for others and are willing never to give up on something that speaks the language of their soul. But those first 3 years were a ooooph for me, many times I said "wow whats wrong with people!", mostly are photographers and so called friends at the time. Once you break that start time, and show who you are to the world, it opens up and you find amazing people, life long friends and clients, grant there is always the exception, but Im glad I stuck with it, its truly awesome :)

[@michaeltillman886]

I like everything you said. It was all on point. Keep the haters out your life, and keep it moving. You'll be better off for it. I think you're a smart girl because you learned early. I'm 72, believe I know. God Bless you young lady. Peace!

[@elchamo8849]

You know what I would love to see Jessica do even if it’s not very likely that the models won’t use them in their portfolios? A Pokemon inspired photoshoot, now I would love to see that

[@applesforakbar]

Not everyone may want to be your friend or may want you to do well, BUT amplify the voices of the ones who are championing your success and work. It's very easy to get hung up on the negativity side of things that it eclipses the abundance of positivity that is around you.

[@wayneking1408]

Wisdom beyond your years. Great advice Jessica, about life in general, not just photography, You are wise and beautiful. Keep up the good work.

[@FavoritenFebruar]

I needed to hear that so badly, thank you so much!

[@rabbiphilio]

My first camera was the Panasonic Lumix fz300. Five years I’ve been a photographer. My second camera and first DSLR(Canon EOS 90D) was for bulb mode as I began better understanding the concept of long exposure. Recently I used spot focusing when it should’ve been wide focus. It was one of those things you loose sight of how these little changes of your settings make a world of difference in how you achieve your image. That being said, there will be times that as a photographer, you have inadvertently changed your basic setting(s) thereby, that could change the quality of your photos.

[@MrMike112671]

All 100% true i have witnessed it firsthand thanks jessica for sharing

[@CatacombMan]

7:55 so freakin true! I did a shoot with a larger crew than normal, because the talent required it and we had to hike to the location. I took the camera, two lenses as we got out of the van, everyone is like "are you taking anything else" I said "No, this is all I need" HAHA yes they were happy with the results! Oh the irony!

[@Poverello2001]

Good advice. I’ve been a photographer for over 40 years and I’m still learning new things. It takes practice and patience to develop your skills. If photography was easy, then everyone would take great photos.

[@humanist_oba]

Im 53, 30+ years in. This message is a complete gem!

[@russjump6194]

love your video and you're absolutely correct I'm almost 70 years old and have been doing digital for about 18 years and it wasn't until I got back into film photography that I really started to get it I learned more about photography using film in 6 months then I did with digital in five years and there's no such thing as chimping with film and no spray and pray and I'm having a blast with film photography and I don't have to worry about a hard drive crashing. also have been restoring old beseler enlargers I also make all my own developers from Individual chemicals which adds to the fun. I buy most of my gear used and find a lot of it in thrift stores about two and a half years ago I did buy a 5D Mark IV which takes beautiful pictures but hardly ever use it anymore I use Pentax 645 and a Canon Elan 7 NE for most of my photography now which is film. thank you for sharing your thoughts about photography it's very inspirational

[@truelifeproductions]

Thanks. Very encouraging and down to earth

[@mtmccornack]

At 50 years old, and I've had a camera in my hand since I was 8.... I plan on being a photographer till the day I die. Making it as a pro is the least important thing in my life. Sometimes, I make money, and sometimes I'm funding my own studio... for me, photography is a compulsion that I keep separate and sacred in my life from my day job, and I will always keep my art personal as my own. I don't need financial success to continue. The happiness I get from my successes is its own reward. (It helps that I don't suck too much!) Also I love handing off my own lens off my camera for an exchange for 10 min, I've made lifelong contacts this way.

[@imjustherefortheks]

Thank you for putting that out! About equipment, I can't even consider me an amateur, a hobbyst at most, but my main camera is a 10 year old camera. I wouldn't be making better photos with a brand new one. I think we should use what we have until we cannot extract any better from it... And I also think that the creative process is the one we should exercise the most... About what you said over "friends and stuff", if anyone is into kdramas, there's one that portraits (pun not intended) this... It is called Welcome to Samdal-ri... I recommend it...

[@scottyofeden]

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@user-is8jw5lc6n]

Jessica, I completely agree. I would NEVA evolve bulbasaur or Chikorita😡

[@gabbee1382]

Love your honesty Jessica and I also love your fun relaxed style.

[@starsdestiny]

I'm not looking to go professional, heck I'm barely picking up my camera but I appreciate your videos! Hope to keep seeing your journey

[@colorblindphotographer]

After 35 years, I'm just starting to get the hang of it. It takes time, patience and practice. To be a professional you must look at it as a Practice where you are always learning, developing and getting feedback.

[@BrandonWoelfel]

Loved this Jess❤

[@TreasuredKreations]

Love this advice! My boyfriends wants me to start out with these $600 and up lenses. I bought a Canon T8i. I'm starting out with a 24mm Canon F2.8 and 50mm Canon 1.8. I'm a far cry from taking photos with my old Canon sure shot in my military days, so I am still a beginner. Not looking for a gimbal or telephoto lens yet until I fully grasp the basics of digital photography. I'm a graphic designer and already a PS guru, but I'm still getting used to editing in LR. Not really liking lightroom, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

[@mat_nova]

jessica, your photography inspires me, i've been following your work for awhile and i want to send you a good hug🫂for all the bs and fake friends you had to deal with

[@worldadventuretravel]

The most important thing I learned, after shooting for years for the sheer joy of it and never listening to any other photographers, was that *technically perfect images are almost never the most compelling, interesting, or memorable images.* Later on, I started checking my work against what the "experts" were saying and realized that whatever I was supposed to have done "correctly" in all my images would have made them boring and taken the art right out of them. All those rules of composition, exposure and everything else you learn are only thee to serve your creative vision- and when they don't, throw them out and do what does serve it. A snapshot is what any idiot can do with their smartphone. A *photograph^ is supposed to make you FEEL something. That's the difference between point-and-shoot picture-taking and creating art.

[@acaoticrat293]

My tip (relations to not spending your whole paycheck) if you’re interested in photography, and looking for a nice camera… check your local pawn shops! I got mine with 2 lenses, a stand and pretty much the basics for just over $500. I bought another lenses for Astro/nature photography and it was worth TWICE the price I paid.

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

Great contribution indeed. Thank you! And yes - stay away from those who call you "my best friend" after they ripped you off and some of them walked away with part of your gear. When I hear words like "You are my best friend" - or "Can you do this for me I don't have the talent you have" - then I know I stepped into a trap - since no real friend talks to you like that.

[@iKETOURAGE]

Corrupted hard drive.🤣🤣 I felt that on a spiritual level.

[@user-Artist23]

I'll be your friend if you have me. :) Sharing experiences it priceless. I am a Photographer for the Dept of Defense and it took a long time to reach this position. So you're right, it takes a long time and practice to become elite or at least close to it. Best wishes Jessica.

[@hartgetzen7867]

Would love to hear more about your DD career path!!

[@Shebshady763]

It's so refreshing to see someone see what I see everyday. I've been through some of the same things.

[@jeffreyporter6126]

I'm 20 years in mostly with a series of far-reach point & shoots. But ALWAYS strapped on my side, everyday. Never would think of myself as a "photographer". At least tens of thousands of photos, mostly over-saturated and poorly processed by expert standards. But I love my work, I'm my biggest fan, and I actually took many really good photos. Finally got a "real" camera this year. Mirrorless little Fujifilm- learning the terms ISO, shutter speed and aperture. I have never taken so many bad shots on a daily level. BUT you should see the GOOD ones! 😁

[@andre_bastos]

Thank you Jessica for this video, its really important !!

[@toddcorley464]

I love this video..Great points! I only have one lens at the moment. I feel this lens really fits my style. I have the Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG Art series. And I truly love this lens. But I do have to get more lens because Im about to start jumping into weddings.

[@neovirtuality]

This 17 year old girl is a great social therapist! Fantastic advice for everyone.

[@staraqua4942]

Thanks for your insights about starting out in photography and your insights about true friends. You’re a very wise lady, your advice is much appreciated thanks.

[@tenzenortiz5106]

Be honest, have you ever gone to a photography session and everyone thought you were the model? You are extremely beautiful and funny. Thank you for the time and work you invest into sharing your photography related experiences with us. It helps us understand the journey with more clarity.

[@eofprojects]

Ra lebogang Rakgadi Jessica 🙏🏼👊🏽

[@Imaniluv3]

Needed to watch before I pay for my LLC 😂. Im so scared to start something even bigger I feel like im not capable. I hope someone understands me 😅

[@_NoDrinkTheBleach]

7:37 That is the perfect description for a lot of high dollar studio folks. That crispness is such a headshot photographer trap.

[@SebastianDavidPB]

My parents gave me a film Praktica MTL3 back in college in 2006- or 2007 and fell in love with photography then, it was also the year of my first digital dslr as well (canon 400D/Rebel xti used 90% of the time in full manual mode) and I still get awards on photocrowd with the images I took with that.

[@4EverBergen]

Hi Jessica. Great and honest video. We will probably never meet in life but I would have been your friend expecting nothing but friendship back. 😊 You are right. To many bad people in the photography community.

[@anastasiafua]

So true. So so true. I’m only 10 years in and I’m still learning. Absolutely agree (corrupt hard drive lol me too)

[@Apollo_Of_The_Arts]

Really appreciate all of your advice. Friends and family are also bad with wanting free pictures. Smh.

[@metalmonkee2896]

What's funny is I started doing black and white and loved it but it wasn't "cool" so for years I wasted time trying to love my color photography and just could never find a look that spoke to me. I probably wasted close to 10 years. The last 2 years I've almost exclusively been taking black and white and the few color photographs I take, I absolutely love. I bought an old cheap 16 MP mirrorless camera and use and 80s canon lens. It just clicked.

[@oliverlane4050]

I have learnt an incredible amount by doing workshops over the last few years, I’ve been doing photography professionally for around 12 years now. My soon to be ex-wife could never bring herself to understand why I would do these workshops saying “why are you doing this, you have learnt photography already!” 😖

[@loboblanco99]

I have followed you off and on for quite a few years... I just knew you were heading in the right direction....

[@patrickrivera8594]

Totally agree with not buying the latest equipment or get all the accessories. When I was starting and since I have limited budget, I made sure that every purchases are investments. Because in my mind, it’s easy to spend money if you have them - being broke is harder lol. My first purchase was my prime lens 50mm 1.4 and it was with me for more than 10years. My 2nd purchase was my speedlight with I used the most out of it when I didn’t have a money to get me some strobes. Same thing used it for more than 10years. Made some good photos out of these purchases. Like 80% of my portfolio are the products of these two. I agree that having a vision is more important than buying the unnecessary equipment. Most of the time I use money to buy props or renting a studio if needed.

[@cheeta2705]

Totally True advice. Enjoyable POST.

[@brookesummers6757]

“It’s a long process… Like you are committed to a relationship but much longer and nobody loves you” 💀 why is this so relatable