Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Daniel
Hi Jay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My creative journey started back in high school, designing music artwork for myself and my friends. At the time, it was just a way to express myself, but looking back, it was the first sign that art would always be part of my life. From there, my photography journey began—initially because I wanted to give my subjects the kind of imagery I admired in magazines and publications. I was captivated by how those images looked polished, intentional, and full of life, and I wanted to create that same magic.
A pivotal moment came when my uncle gifted me my first DSLR—a Canon 10D with an 85mm lens, which is still my favorite focal length to this day. 🙂 When I asked him why he gave it to me, he said, “Whenever we had family events, you’d always want my camera, and you were so interested in it.” That response floored me because, at the time, I hadn’t even realized how much photography fascinated me. Sometimes, it takes someone outside of you to notice the special parts of yourself that you might not be fully aware of—and that encouragement can spark something life-changing.
Over time, I fell in love with the power of the portrait—how a single image could cut through the noise and reveal something true about a person. That ability to show someone’s essence through a portrait still drives me today.
I often say that I’ve “Forrest Gumped” my way through life because this has been a lifelong creative journey, even when I wasn’t fully aware of it. While I was at university earning a degree in something entirely different, it was art and creativity that really sustained me. Designing album covers, picking up a camera, and constantly experimenting creatively have all shaped the way I approach my work and the world around me.
This path hasn’t been a straight line, but that’s part of what makes it so special. Each step has brought me closer to myself, and I’ve learned to trust the process—to embrace creativity in whatever form it shows up and to let it guide me, even when I don’t know exactly where it’s taking me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t exactly been a smooth road—though, to be fair, I don’t think anyone’s journey really is. It just feels that way sometimes when you’re looking from the outside in. For me, one of the biggest challenges has been navigating the tension between doing what feels authentic and the pressure to meet expectations—whether from clients, social media, or even myself. In a world where visibility and engagement seem to determine value, it’s easy to fall into the trap of questioning whether what you’re doing is good enough.
Another struggle has been figuring out how to turn my creative passions into something sustainable. Translating creativity into a career hasn’t always been straightforward. It’s been a process of learning how to share my work without feeling like I have to put all of myself on display—finding that balance between staying true to who I am and building something people connect with. There’s a real battle between determining the worth of a service without letting that number define your self-worth. Above all, I want to be good at what I do. It’s important to me that I believe in the work I provide for those who trust me to create for them. I know that every time at bat won’t be a home run, but I can train my mind to give it my best shot each time.
Self-doubt has been a familiar companion along the way. It took time to understand that real growth isn’t about chasing validation or applause—it’s about showing up for the work, even when things don’t go as planned. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come from moments when things didn’t work out the way I’d hoped. I’ve had to remind myself that creating meaningful work isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present, being patient, and trusting the process—even when it feels messy or uncertain.
In the end, I’ve realized that the real magic happens when I stop worrying about how things will be received and instead focus on creating for myself. It’s those moments—when I’m fully immersed in the process, without an audience or algorithm in mind—that feel the most rewarding. The path hasn’t been smooth, but every challenge has shaped who I am as a photographer and given me a deeper understanding of the kind of work I want to create.
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?
At its core, my business is about creating meaningful and timeless imagery. I specialize in portrait photography that captures the essence of my subjects—whether it’s individuals, families, or brands. It’s not just about taking photos; it’s about telling a story and crafting an experience where clients feel seen and celebrated. My goal is to provide more than just beautiful images—I want my clients to walk away with something they can connect with emotionally, something that feels like them.
Over the years, I’ve expanded my services to include personal branding photography as well, working with entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who need images that reflect their personality and values. In today’s digital landscape, a personal brand is more than just a headshot—it’s about creating imagery that communicates who you are and what you stand for, and I love being a part of that journey with my clients.
Every session I do is a collaboration, whether we’re working in a studio setting or shooting outdoors. I offer flexibility in how we approach shoots to make sure my clients feel comfortable and confident. My creative space is available for those who want to experience exploring creativity in a controlled environment, but I’m equally drawn to outdoor locations that add an organic feel to the shoot. I work really hard to provide my clients with a seamless, supportive experience, from the moment we start planning the session to the final delivery of the images.
Ultimately, my business is built on connection, creativity, and trust. I want my clients to know that they are in good hands and that my focus is on creating imagery that feels personal and meaningful. Whether it’s for professional use, personal milestones, or simply capturing a moment in time, my goal is to provide photographs that not only look good but feel right—images that will stand the test of time.
How do you define success?
Success for me isn’t about numbers or applause. It’s something more internal. I define success as creating work that’s honest and meaningful, work that feels true to who I am, and true to the reason I’m creating it. I’ve always been driven by a desire to capture something timeless, something that goes beyond trends. If I can look at a piece of my work and feel like it genuinely reflects the essence of the subject or the story, that’s success.
I also consider success to be the impact I have on those who experience my work. Knowing that someone felt seen, heard, or connected to through my photography or words is extremely fulfilling. While I would love to see who I am with access to a large audience I still think that it’s about creating something powerful for a smaller, intimate circle that truly gets it.
Going outside of work, success for me is about seeing growth and showing resilience. The daily job of pushing through the doubts, showing up even when it’s hard, and staying true to my voice in a world that often demands conformity. Success could look like balance—being able to give my all to my craft without sacrificing my own mental and emotional well-being.
Success is a mix of creating work that I believe in, making genuine connections, and living in alignment with my values. I may not always feel like I’ve arrived if ever, but as long as I’m moving in that direction, I’m on the right path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaydanielphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjaydaniel/
- Other: https://itsjaydaniel.com/
Image Credits
© Jay Daniel Photography | @itsjaydaniel | www.jaydanielphotography.com
