Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Jeffers.
Hi Jada, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
To make a long story short, I’ve had a camera attached to me for as long as I can remember. From a kid playing with my parent’s old polaroids to my very first digital camera and so on, if I had something in my hands that could capture a moment, I’d be doing just that. I realized early on that a way to remember something forever was to capture it in a photo and from that day on that’s what I’ve done. From many of our favorite legendary black photographers to smaller/local creatives, I’ve always been inspired to share moments and stories.
Storytelling aside, I love being able to just share the world through my eyes. After years of being the “go-to” person for photos from family members to friends, I decided to take photography a little more seriously, and with continuous love, guidance, and support from my bonus father, DWood, I’ve been able to do just that.
One day, he allowed me to use one of his cameras along with a couple of lenses (IYKYK) and it took off from there. Two years later, I am still using that same equipment and have been able to turn a hobby into what is now an ever-growing career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Whew. Is anything in life a “smooth road?” (lol) Absolutely not.
There was and still is A LOT I didn’t know, and there’s plenty I’m still learning each day. Two quotes I live by are “find a way or finesse one” and “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”. From learning how to actually use my camera to all of the extra equipment that comes with shooting, I had to make time to learn and practice it all while also balancing two jobs.
I also had to get creative with my surroundings when access to traditional studios/props weren’t within my reach. With the help of youtube university and various peers in the photography communities I’ve been welcomed into, I’ve been able to utilize others with learning what I don’t know.
The biggest hurdle aside from money/lack of resources was and sometimes still is me. I had to get out of my head regarding whether or not I was “good” and let go of the idea that just because I don’t know how to do something at that moment and time doesn’t mean that I’m not. I also had to let go of the idea that everyone should/will support me along this journey.
It can be tough changing career paths and following your dreams when others don’t understand why or think you should be doing something different. Especially those of us that have gone to college and have chosen to take up something totally unrelated to our degrees. Adding relocating to a new city with a dollar and a dream made this even scarier.
It has been quite interesting navigating a new city alone while also trying to run a business. This has pushed me out of my comfort zone and has required me to put myself out there in ways I never have. Some days I have my doubts wondering if I made the right choice if I’ll meet new people if I’ll connect with the “right” people, will I come out on top, etc. But, if I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that my journey is just that, mine. I can control a lot of my narrative and those who are meant to be on this journey with me are and will be.
“Gratitude, in and through, all things”. – Daily reminder.
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 always dabbled in multiple things but the few things that stuck with me were photography, drawing/painting, and styling. My professional career started in traditional retail and over the years that turned into visual merchandising and styling on a higher level. I was able to personal style clients while also flexing my artistic abilities by executing all elements of window/floor displays for various brands. After being exposed to different opportunities whether through work or my talented friends, I realized that I could transition those skills into my own creative career.
I love being able to make something out of nothing. I’ve learned that what my eye sees, most don’t. And I know that may sound cocky but it isn’t. We all have our own sauce. Whether the recipe is the same or not, what I cook up cannot be duplicated. I love being able to provide a space that allows vulnerability from all parties while working towards that common goal. And I love being able to put my own spin on things while also being able to keep the final product true to the client and what they want.
I am known for getting dressed and doing the work. And I’m most proud of being able to take this career as far as I have without really truly locking in and making it my main priority. Photography has allowed me to meet so many people from so many different walks of life. The vast majority of my work has come through referral and for that, I am eternally grateful. Now that I’m ready to really give it my all, it’s up.
I specialize in Photography, Creative Direction, and Set Design. All inquiries can be sent via email to byjadarenae@gmail.com and my work can be seen both at www.jadarenae.com and Instagram @j.shotme.
How do you think about luck?
I’d like to think that “luck” has nothing to do with it. My steps were ordered before I began walking.
Crediting my life and any success I’ve had thus far to “luck” does myself, my community, and God a disservice. I believe that everything happens for a reason, whether seen or unseen. I believe in divine timing and that even sometimes “no” means “not right now”. I believe in doing the work and reaping the benefits while also learning from the “losses”.
I believe in God and if you ask me, I’m one of His favorites.
Have I been dealt a bad hand here and there? Absolutely; sometimes more here than there. And as much as I would like to lean into that being the reason why so many things weren’t afforded to me that I wanted, I can’t. Not fully at least (we’re all human right?). But I don’t think that I have been anywhere or experienced anything that I wasn’t meant to.
I am blessed. Blessed to have all of my senses and limbs functioning. Blessed to have the vision. Blessed to have friends and family that love and support me. Blessed to have an external community that is supportive intercontinental. Blessed to be able to try new things. Blessed to be here and even more blessed to be able to leave my mark.
Luck doesn’t live here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jadarenae.com
Image Credits:
All image credits: Jada Renae
