Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacolvy Garcia
Hi Jacolvy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I believe my story began in college. I attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where I majored in Biology and Spanish. During my time there, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Panama for four months. It was my first time leaving the country, and right before I left, I bought myself a camera to capture my travels. At that time, I had no experience using an entry-level camera. I remember taking countless pictures without editing or cropping any of them and posting everything on social media. The camera lasted exactly as long as my study abroad did, because when I arrived back home, I didn’t pack it properly, and it broke from being in my luggage. That was back in 2014, and I didn’t consider using a camera again until much later.
It wasn’t until 2019 that my father-in-law gifted me a camera, reigniting my interest in photography. As a hobbyist with multiple cameras, we had discussed photography on various occasions. He gave me a Canon Rebel XT, and I instantly remembered the sensation I felt when I first used a camera. I photographed my spouse, family members, and friends as much as possible. I began to learn more about the camera and how to use various settings, and I loved how there was always more to learn. Eventually, I bought my own camera, a Canon T7i, and began using the photography and videography modes to capture different events, such as recreational volleyball games and cosplay conventions. I brought my camera along to pop culture events like DragonCon and MomoCon to capture the hard work cosplayers put into their costumes. Some of them were characters I loved, or characters my friends loved, so I would send those pictures to them. The cosplayers were friendly, and it turned out to be a great way to connect with many of them.
In September 2021, I decided to take my photography to a professional level and started my business, Always in Frame. I created a business social media presence and website, and it was off to the races. There are three main reasons I founded Always in Frame. First, my conversations with models revealed a true need for a professional photographer. I remember models saying, “Thank you for being professional,” and “Thank you for not being a creep like some of these other photographers.” It is unfortunate that the “Guy with a Camera” stereotype still exists, and there are many men living up to that stereotype. Second, I wanted to photograph different people, cultures, and ideas. Photography allows me to connect with minority groups that I might not be as familiar with otherwise. I am committed to showing these different groups the respect, professionalism, and service they deserve. Lastly, I wanted to give back to the community. My career has been in non-profit work, specifically in housing, finance, and education. I understand the struggle of needing a new headshot and the importance a headshot can play in advancing one’s career. That is why I offer free headshots and branding shots based on customers’ income. I believe everyone should give back to their community when they are in a position to do so, and I integrated that idea with my photography business.
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?
The biggest challenge I struggle with is finding balance. Photography isn’t my full-time career at the moment. I have various ideas, conduct photography studies, and engage in creative research. Balancing these with a job that can be 40 hours or more a week, along with other responsibilities, can make it difficult to prioritize my passion. However, I always find fulfillment when I do make the time. I strive to maintain an equal amount of conceptual shoots, which I fund myself, alongside paid corporate or event shoots that require more technical skill.
Another challenge I face is managing the social media aspect. I take many pictures, and sometimes I want to keep them to myself. I have images that I love deeply but may not be share-worthy, and others that may not be my favorite, yet I know my audience will appreciate them. It’s a constant reminder for me to stay true to myself and create art for my own satisfaction, not just for others.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a photographer, I specialize in cosplay photography and portrait photography. I am working to be known for my concepts and my mood lighting. I want people to say wow, how did you capture that? What material did you use? How is this lit? What props are those? My favorite images are the ones where you can’t tell it’s inside of my small home studio. I think my concept sets me apart from others. I feel like sometimes the photographer’s choice of background is divorced from the subject I love putting more time in considering the background or props to the details. I want someone to look at my work and find new items of interest each time they look.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love collaborating with models, photographers, and other creatives! I am currently available for work and accepting bookings on my website.
Pricing:
- Portrait Standard – $85. 30mins. 2 outfits. 5 retouched images.
- Portrait Deluxe – $150. 60mins. 3 outfits. All unedited images. 10 retouched images.
- Cosplay Standard – $45. 15mins. 1-2 people. All unedited images. 3 retouched images.
- Cosplay Deluxe – $80. 30mins. 1-5 people. all unedited images. 6 retouched images.
- Event Standard – $350. 2hrs. All unedited images.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alwaysinframephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysinframephotography/
Image Credits
Models include:
Gayla “QueenAce” DeVonne
Cortney Alexander
Monaé “MonaéLisa” Adorre
Monaé “MonaéLisa” Adorre
Nehemiah McCoy
Nyla Chieré
Cortney Alexander
Shaynee Zigan
Sophia Soler
Nyla Chieré
