Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Campbell.
Hi Mario, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well first I would like to say it’s such an honor to be featured in Voyage Atlanta. I’ve heard many great things and it’s a pleasure to be here and be able to share my story.
My name is Mario Campbell and I’m the owner of Mario Jaurell Photography. I’m a self taught photographer who has worked tirelessly to become the best photographer possible. I started out on an iPhone and eventually I was encouraged to give photography a try, but seriously. Once I got my first camera, my life was never the same. Starting out, I would get on YouTube every day for anywhere from 5-15 hours a day trying to quickly catch up to speed and learn the ins and outs of photography. I took numerous courses from well renowned photographers to try to perfect my craft. One of the most difficult things you can experience starting something from the ground up is understanding that you can’t critique your beginning of something based off someone else’s YEARS of hard work already out in. It takes time, patience, and love for what it is that you are pursuing. I quickly started to fall in love with my craft even though I knew I had so much room for growth. After about a year, business began to pick up for me in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but also in other states because of the power of word of mouth as well as social media. Once I started traveling, I had a desire for more. As hard of a decision as it was, I knew God had something more for me and Atlanta would be a part of my purpose for this next season. After about 4 years of learning and developing, I brought my business (Mario Jaurell Photography) to Atlanta and I’m extremely grateful to God for how fast we are growing and what’s to come next.
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?
Nothing worth having comes easy, my grandmother always told me that and I’ve found it to be true. I wouldn’t say the road has always been smooth, but no matter what condition the road has been in, I’ve always remained consistent in who I am am what I stand on. I believe comparison is the thief to all joy. With us being in a day where social media is so major, we have to be careful not to spend too much time trying to compare what you’re doing and where you are to someone who you honestly have no clue of what they may be struggling with or dealing with in real life. One of my greatest challenges was relocating to an entirely different state with an entirely different demand. It can be extremely challenging to seemingly start over and build a new clientele in an unfamiliar place, but one thing I’ve learned is that if you continue to perfect your craft, continue to put the time in to become the absolute best you can be, eventually the doors will open and what once seemed like a challenge, you’ll realize was all apart of your journey! Keep pushing even if you don’t have the likes, the views, or the shares, so that when your time comes you’re already ready!
For me, I’ve been prepared for these moments my entire life. my life has seen its share of struggles, but they’ve helped mold me into the man I am today.
I am a cancer survivor, I survived cancer in the 4th stage as a five years old child by the Grace of God.
A year later, my mother passed away when i was 6.
At 13, I had to have emergency open-heart surgery.
Those things only prepared me for the ups and downs that come along with being an entrepreneur, it’s not easy, but it’s such a beautiful thing to be able to build something from scratch.
Lastly, What makes the road a lot smoother even when there are struggles is knowing that at the end of the day, God has such a beautiful plan for your life. When you know that, you just keep moving. You can’t lose!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Well #1 is to always keep God first!
#2 Take risks…Please take risks or you’ll never know what you could have accomplished! There’s more in you that you know, but sometimes you just have to do it scared.
#3 Network as much as possible! Networking is a game changer. Social media, events, etc. make sure you network so people know who you are and so they also get a chance to see your personality.
#4 Never lose the desire to keep getting better in every area!
#5 Have work and life balance! People will work you to death if you allow them, learn how to make your mental health a priority and it’s ok to sometimes take a rest day. You are your best self when you’re healthy!
That was more than one thing lol but they all tie together and are all essential for you to be successful!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Mario Jaurell Photography?
Our entire goal and purpose for every client is to make sure that we strive to bring your vision to life every single time! We pride ourselves on taking high quality photos that families and individuals will be able to cherish for the rest of their lives! I am an amazing creative director for my clients and have the ability to make you feel comfortable and expressive no matter if it’s your first time ever having a photoshoot or if you’ve done this before, your experience with MJP will be one that you will want to tell all of your family and friends about! My studio is located in the downtown Atlanta area and I look forward to working with you soon!
Pricing:
- Headshot Special – $100
- Individual Portrait Session $175
Contact Info:
- Website: www.
Mariojphotography.com - Instagram: MarioJaurellPhotogr
aphy & Mario J Campbell - Facebook: Mario Jaurell Photography & Mario Campbell
Image Credits
Mario Jaurell Photography
