Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason “JSN” Washington Jr.
Hi JSN, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hey! I’m Jason “JSN”. I’m originally from Baltimore, MD and now I’m based in Atlanta as multi-disciplined creative. I’m most known for my photography so I’ll start there. Growing up, I remember taking pictures of family (on a phone or a point and shoot camera) and never having a problem with it. I didn’t realize it at the time, but at a young age, I understood composition very well, so most of my photos turned out good. For the first 16-17 years of my life, I didn’t pay much attention to photography because I was fascinated with other arts and sports. Fast forwarding to 12th grade I found out that I wanted to pursue photography. I was able to borrow a DSLR (Canon T3i) from the photography department at my school; I wasn’t in the class but the teacher was kind enough to let me test it out. The camera itself didn’t work properly (thinking now, it was probably just a faulty SD Card) but when I held it, it felt like an extension of my hand. About two years after I graduated high school, I was able to get my own camera (Canon T6i) and I spent hundreds of hours on YouTube learning that year (2018). Within couple months, I got my first paid photoshoot (my 3rd shoot) for $30.
One month after that I went to a MSFTs Rep concert in Baltimore, and was inspired to shoot concerts. A few weeks later, Raury was on his “The Woods” tour and I saw him in Philly twice (in two weeks); that was my first time capturing a music artist. We connected and little did I know that we’d become good friends just one year later when I moved back to Georgia. But back to that summer in 2018, I continued learning and shooting as much as I could and upgraded my camera to the Canon 80D, this is the camera that I would shoot with for the next three years. Later that year I went to a Joey Bada$$ concert at my school (PENN STATE), his Merch Manager saw I was wearing a shirt from the last tour, he pointed me out and I went and talked to him at the booth. I thought he was with the school selling merch so I told him what I was doing and wanted to do thinking it would lead to me shooting for the schools concerts. I got his number and we connected a month later when I took a school trip to NYC (that trip and all of this happened purely because God).
During that NYC trip, we met up at a dollar pizza spot and he told me he was touring with SUPER DUPER KYLE, Tobi Lou, and Marc E Bassy and that I could come shoot at the Philly show. This was my first concert I shot, but I texted him and told him I could shoot multiple days so I ended up at the Baltimore and Philly show. I was able to leverage these shows and my work ethic allowed me to shoot with Jessie Reyez later that month (three shows in a week; DC, Baltimore, Philly). I continuously shot and networked with everyone I could (despite my social anxiety😂). A year later I moved to Atlanta and a lot changed because artists were more accessible and I had a lot of connections made from shooting concerts up north. In that same year (2019) I shot The Roots Picnic in Philly, One Music Fest, Afro Punk and several concerts. Fast forwarding to now, I’ve taken pics of and/or worked with artists like Logic, Raury, Femdot., Tobi Lou, Thundercat, J.I.D., Leven Kali, Cautious Clay, T-Pain, Mason Dane, KYLE, Saba, Baby Rose, etc.
I try anything that sparks my interest, so now I shoot video, create websites, and design. I have a few brands that I plan to release soon that involve clothing, home + lifestyle goods, furniture, etc. Positivity and Versatility are terms I reside with heavily.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth rode and I’m still growing, but I thank my family and specifically my mother for allowing me to pursue my dreams at a younger age and pushing/encouraging me to do what I love. I thank God for putting me in positions to meet some amazing people, and blessing me with the availability/ability to create. I’ve driven from state to state and flown from coast to coast, just to create. Sometimes with little to no money just to get the chance to grow and get other gigs. It’s okay to trip up or not be where you want to bel, but using that as fuel and trying your best to show up everyday will go a long way. I’m still in the beginning stages of this life and my business, its only been 3-4 years, but I can see that I’m headed in the right direction with the foundation that I’ve laid.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m mostly known for photography but there’s so much more that I’m sharing with the world now. I try anything that interested in. In photography, I shoot anything positive and I enjoy documenting. I shoot digital, film, polaroid, and whatever other medium I can get my hands on. I also create videos, websites, graphic designs from time to time, and now music. For videos, I typically use them as an addition to photography, such as filming BTS, Recaps, etc. But I’m looking to get into film very soon and I’ll be shooting a few shorts in the coming months. With websites, I’ve been getting good with coding and understand UX/UI to make some crazy things. For graphics, I’m learning what I can when I have time, but I mainly find myself doing cover arts with the photos I’ve taken. Lastly, music has been a hobby so there isn’t anything out right now, but it’s something I’ll continue pursue.
Empathy is an everyday practice and I’ve always included it in my work. I view the art I create from other peoples’ point of view. When I’m working with someone, I’m often patient and try my best to create work that we’re both pleased with. My attention to detail is a very important trait that I’m proud of. It allows me view projects from multiple angles and catch things that go past the everyday eye. I also have a strong problem solving skill and the ability to adapt to situations. If something doesn’t work out or “goes wrong” I feel like it’s just making a turn into a better direction so I figure out solutions that will allow my projects to still progress.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me most is being positive, genuine, and honest with people. I always focus on a connection/relationship with someone rather than what can come out of it. I treat everyone the same and I try to show that they matter to me. Money is of course a need but its not the only or the main thing I’m after when I create. I aim for growth and how I can help others and I feel like I’ve been rewarded a lot more because of that. It’s definitely a slower-paced game but a very fulfilling one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.byjsn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsncamera
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jsncamera
- Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jsncamera
Image Credits
DaVionne (IG: @davionnemusic) Gabriella Nunez (IG: @11amfilm) Kris Catalyst (IG: @kriscatalyst) Antoine Johnson Jr. (IG: @antothewayward) Evan William (IG: @evanwilliam.jpg) 2 Photos Shot by Me
