Meet Jerry A Barnes

I entered the US Navy at the age of 24 want to be an X-Ray Tech. Not knowing that being an X-Ray Tech was like being a photographer but using ionizing radiation to take a picture, the same results, we created negatives. Again over my 20 years of service, the camera seems to make its way into my hands. Taking photos of ceremonies, graduations, retirements, small events, large events, etc.

Once I retired from the US Navy, I decided by natural order to go back o school and get my degree in Photographic Imaging, My studies were focused on Commerical photography. But my passion has grown into Fashion, Glamours, and Beauty over the years, I have developed my own style.

I have studied many photographers and their styles, but I had to learn not to mimic them but to be true to myself. So, in order to create and develop my own style. I isolated myself for other photographers for a few years and sent time learning and creating. Many that look at my work say it’s hard, dark or not mainstream. I say thank you, it took me a while to find my way.

I get a lot of questions about who I shoot,  Have I shot any famous people? or Have I gone to any famous place? Whats my clients like? My answer is simple. I don’t reveal my clients unless they ask me to. I feel that my clients deserve privacy. I’m big on confidentiality and privacy.  To answers some questions. Yes, I have shot famous people. Yes, I have gone to famous places and yes, you may see my work in some places, but to me, all that does not matter, what is important to me is the art, the making of a story and creating a place in time. Most are concerned about making money, I tell people all the time if you master your craft and people see your work the money will come. Focus on mastering your craft and all else will follow.

Has it been a smooth road?
Life is never a smooth road. The hardest struggle for me was getting through the portfolio class at the Art Institute of Atlanta.

My first day of portfolio class was a nightmare. I thought I was ready. I spent hours working on my image to present to the class. I put my image up and it was a blood bath. My image was trashed and my ego was beaten down. It took me a week to get my act back on track. But that day was the first day I realized that I needed to step up my game and get my act together.

Two weeks before I graduated, I talk with my Portfolio instructor, Mr. Phil Bekker, I thanked him and I understood the reason and propose for the class and how he handled it.  It was simple to understand.  The industry is not concerned about how you feel they are concerned with production and profit.  If you are not producing the need images and artwork it not profitable.  So that would make you expendable and unemployed.

The struggle is real but I believe with the right team and the right mindset anyone can make it in this industry.  I have a motto “Everyone Eats”. I will go without before I let my team suffer.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the JABarnes Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
JABarnes Photography is a full-service photography company. We offer photographic service, Hair, Makeup, and Stylist services, Video service as well.

We offer free consultations and a free estimate on services.

We provided modeling consultation and training.

We offer stylized shoots and full wardrobe services.

We offer many different genres of service, fashion, product, beauty, promotional, etc.

Many have asked what set us apart from the rest, I would say it is the fact we do not operate like everyone else. Customer service and satisfaction are a priority for us. We will work until our clients are satisfied. Quality, not quantity is important for us. We are not a get them in an get them out company.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
This industry will suffer a loss in the next 5-10 years due to technology and people thinking that they don’t need training as a photographer, model, designer, Stylist and etc.  In this instant society and I got to get it now mentality.  The industry will be overrun by lack of craftsmanship and customer service.

With technology come laziness and people believe that all they have to do is push a button and presto an image.,

Now, when I say this it’s just because I’m a photographer, it because I believe in order to be your best you have to understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. In order to drive a car, you have to study and get a license. In order to be a Dr., you have to study and get a license.   That license is just a statement that you are well trained to do the job.  Now don’t get me wrong there are exceptions to every rule I know a few self-taught individuals that can master a camera and etc.  but I also know the struggles that they have being recognized for there efforts.

So, it’s safe to say if you want to be a photographer and get clients and make a profit, you have to study and show your self approved.

With that said, a lot of so call photographers are out there undercutting a causing a devalue of product. All for the sake of a few dollars when there is money to be made at a reasonable price where ever one can be feed.