Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Lawrence.
Hi Jose, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Well, first I would like to start off by saying I am a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based traveling photographer. When I come to Atlanta, I am based downtown. I first got my start in photography five years ago. I was always an artistic young man growing up. I spent much time looking at the sky at sunrise and sunset and always marveled at the various hues of colors that the sun would create. In 2017, I purchased my first digital camera to begin cataloguing the different sky visuals. As the years went by, I branched into different forms of photography and find myself constantly studying as well as refining my skills to become the best artist I can be. Eventually, I honed my skills to the point where I felt comfortable to begin selling artwork and starting my own business.
As of today, I am the owner of JLaw Inspired Images, LLC. I specialize in portraits, branding, editorial photography, boudoir, and model development. I am also currently published in Evon and Vigour magazine.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. As with any budding new business. You will have ups and downs. As a creative, there will be times where you may feel uninspired and second guess the quality of your work. I have struggled with both of these. Being an entrepreneur is not always as glamorous as it may seem, there will be times where you may not see a booking for weeks, others you will always seem to have a packed shooting schedule. The most important thing you will need is perseverance and a strong mental fortitude to understand the ebb and flow of business.
In the instances where I find myself uninspired for a new project. I take time for my own mental health. To give myself grace and too find joy in everyday life. One of the lessons I gained from my time in therapy is that happiness can be fleeting. However, it is important to find joy in different aspects of our lives for those moments are what become core memories. Eventually, after varying periods of stepping back, I rediscover that spark of creativity and I find my passion for photography again. Just like intimate relationships, the relationship with our craft has its moments of struggle as well.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself first and foremost an artist and my primary medium is photography. I use my skills as a photographer to tell stories of places and people. The goal of my work is to weave a tale through images and/or to get the observer to ask questions of the meaning of an image or to have a discussion about societal conditions. With that being said currently, I specialize in street, fashion, editorial, and boudoir photography. However, I mostly am known for my portraits and events.
At this point in my life, I am very proud of the fact I am published and that I am also featured in different articles across the country. At no point did I imagine myself here. I just thought at best I would be shooting as a hobby. But I am grateful that others have taken notice of the hard work and dedication that I have to my craft.
What sets me apart from others I would say is my creative eye. I believe that with all my time as a child running wild with my imagination and my ability to look at the world in an abstract way I am able to bring my unique visions to life and get people to engage with them on a much deeper level beyond the superficial.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have always considered myself an introvert by nature so finding a mentor and networking has been somewhat of a challenge for me in the beginning. However in time, I learned that there is nothing to lose by asking questions or starting with something as simple as a ‘hello’. I found once I told people I was a photographer their interest was instantly piqued. Other creatives have a tendency to gravitate to each other and find inspiration in each other.
By no means are you ever really isolated. Social Media is a great first step for those like myself. I also would always recommend beginning with a direct message to another creative or finding a group who shares a similar taste for the arts on Facebook. At this stage in my journey as an artist I would love to not only be mentored but to mentor as well to others starting out. As human beings, it is quite natural and necessary for us to find our tribes where we can flourish and grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.jlawinspired.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlaw_inspired
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlawinspired/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jlaw_inspired
- Other: https://msha.ke/jlawinspired
Image Credits
JLaw Inspired Images, LLC
