Today we’d like to introduce you to Giovanni Jackson.
Hi Giovanni, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was younger, I always walked around with a camera in my hand recording my family and friends. I knew I wanted to go to film school and was so excited when I got accepted to NYU Tisch. I learned everything related to production there but I focused a lot on screenwriting. I wanted to write for TV. But when I graduated, I did a lot of retail and admin work just to make money. It wasn’t until I actually got fired from my corporate job handling operations that I decided to pick up my camera again and focus on my creative skills. Now I am a full-time photographer/videographer and owner of Lens of Her LLC.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working for yourself takes a lot of discipline. You won’t get fired or written up if you don’t do your job. But while that does take some getting used to, I wouldn’t say that’s a major challenge. What becomes a struggle is balance. If you love what you do then you naturally want to work. But when you are one person doing the work that a normal company hires 10 people to do, it can be a lot. There was a period where I saw hanging out with my family and friends as a distraction. I didn’t want to go to the gym and cook because I could get work done in those couple of hours. I basically stopped doing the small things that made me happy because I thought It would be better to get more work done. But then that led directly to burnout. The moment I dreaded editing and going to a shoot was the moment I said to myself, “this is bad.” I started to hate my work and I doubted every single thing I did when it came to my business. I knew this wasn’t me. So I had to take a little over a month off just to get back into the flow of things and appreciate my work again.
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 photographer, videographer, and filmmaker. I specialize in creative portraits, couples, and brands. I love helping other creatives with content for their own personal brand, but I also love capturing those candid moments that people will forever hold in their memories. I try to make my sessions as easygoing as possible. I think what sets me apart is my personality and approach. A lot of people are super nervous to be in front of a camera, and I always do my best to take that anxiety away. Making my clients feel comfortable and satisfied is my top priority. I believe we all have a little inner model in us and I am most proud of the fact that I can make the shyest person feel like superstar.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see myself providing guidance, resources, and an overall path to creative entrepreneurs like myself. I know what it’s like to lack direction and be afraid to take a leap. I see Lens of Her as being way more than a photo/video company but an open door for freelancers and aspiring business owners.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lensofher.com/
- Instagram: lensofher
Image Credits
Giovanni Jackson
