Daily Inspiration: Meet Janay Peters

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janay Peters.

Hi Janay, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Three years ago my family and I went through one of the worst times in our lives and I’m sure most people can relate to that feeling of not believing you would ever go through a struggle that you have seen in a Tyler Perry movie, well we did! In a matter of months, we lost our home and didn’t have the credit (or money) to get into another one, we had two vehicles and one stopped working (Thank God we had another one it was fairly new) and probably my greatest worry at the time was my mom was pregnant and we had my three other siblings to care for. So, not to make this all about our situation, but to set the stage, you see all that we had against us. I, being the oldest child knew that I had to do something with my life because it was going nowhere as long as I sat and hoped we would magically escape this nightmare. I’ve served in ministry for about six – years so that has been a major part of my life, I would take pictures as a hobby here and there within those six years, but I always knew I had a desire to pursue it.

One day I decided to take out my camera and take pictures of my family at the park and I was blown away at how great they came out so I started to intentionally pursue photography, following people like Joradanviision, Marina Williams, Cassidy Lynne, etc. and as of today I have been in business for officially one year and three months! I am still so new so I don’t have a lot of business currently, however, I’m growing and I look forward to where God takes me! This passion of mine helped to take my mind off of the situation we were in and helped me to create amazing things with amazing people!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, there of course have been days where I sat at my computer wondering, “How am I going to gain clients?” “How am I going to be able to help my mom?”. I am always going to push the focus back on Jesus, through all of my personal anxieties and fears, Jesus as really helped me through days where I cried because we were living in a hotel and I was trying to edit photos while my siblings are on the same bed as me jumping, fighting, etc. I thank God for those times because it helps me to appreciate where I am now and helped my siblings and I draw closer.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Local Atlanta Photographer, a few words that describe my style would be Culture, Organic, Rustic, and Natural. I’m not sure I can say that I’m known for anything just yet, however I do have a thing with Brand photos. It’s funny because I actually obtained my Masters in Media Design (Branding; Shout out to Full Sail University) and I have always had a slow drip with helping people brand their business and once I launched my photography business over 50% of my clients have had pictures taken for their brand!

I am most proud of my work with three AMAZING local Atlanta artists: Erika Janae, Joy Conaway, and Jessica Jayh. I think their photos probably exhibit what my heart looks and feels like!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Major Yes, as I mentioned in my previous answer, Marina Williams and Cassidy Lynne have helped me the most. I learned (and still learning, lol) how to use my camera, best practices, and even where they have gone wrong. I genuinely am so grateful for their guidance and they make learning fun!

Pricing:

• Tall Package; Starting at $200 (1 hour session)
• Grande Package: Starting at $450 (2 hour session)
• Venti Package: Starting at $700 (3 hours+)

Contact Info:

• Website: jpetersbydesign.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpetersbydesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpetersbydesign/
• Other: https://unsplash.com/@japeters15

Image Credits
Models: Joy Conaway, Jessica Jayh, Erika Janae