We’re bringing you another artist feature to help you get inspired and see first hand how photographers all across the globe use our presets to create magic. Jared is an ambassador for companies like SLR Lounge, MagMod Holdfast Gear, and CG Pro Prints. He is also an award-winning wedding photographer based in Colorado. When you browse through Jared’s portfolio you immediately understand why his keys to success in the photo industry are patience and perseverance. There is so much energy and effort put into his craft and you can see that hard work paying off in his impeccable imagery. His editing abilities play a supporting role in his storytelling and lighting technique, with each image telling a powerful narrative without caption necessary. We interviewed him to find out more about his editing style using Visual Flow Presets, how he came to be a photographer and insight on how to succeed in a competitive industry.
How long have you been a photographer? What got you started?
“I started taking photos when I was a kid. Photography for me has always been about celebrating people, so as a kid I routinely took photos of me and my friends doing the things that kids do. I had a large wall full of photos that I would routinely add to. It never dawned on me that photography could be a career path for me until around 2010 when I picked up my first DSLR and started shooting with intention. In 2011 I started putting myself out there as a photographer and in 2012 I quick my day job and have been a full-time photographer ever since.”
How did you establish and define your shooting and editing style?
“My shooting and editing styled evolved over time, but in 2013 or so, when the MagMod modifiers made lighting easier for me, I deeply dived into that world, and OCF became a defining element of my photography and has ever since.”
How do you differentiate yourself from the photographer down the street?
“If you simply focus on the end result photos, one might think that there’s a lot of similarities and that it is difficult to differentiate one’s self. But, when you pause and realize that your brand isn’t just the final photos, but is the entire experience of working with you, from the moment they see your website, until their 1-year anniversary, it because much easier to differentiate.”
What is the most challenging part of being a photographer?
“The most difficult part of being a photographer, and an entrepreneur, in general, is that there is no finish line. We all know the Greek mythology of Sisyphus, right? The guy punished by pushing the boulder up the hill. Sometimes I think of entrepreneurship in a similar way. One has to learn how to enjoy the process and take pride in every step.”
Who are some of your favorite photographers?
“Jorge Romero, Christina Cardona, Jason Vinson, Chad Winstead, Pye Jirsa, Tanya Parada, Marlies Hartmann….. there are so many. This industry is full of amazing people.”
What advice would you give someone wanting to learn how to edit in Lightroom?
“Take a few SLR Lounge courses and then put in the time. There is no substitute for time. Using Visual Flow Presets has sped up my time editing in Lightroom considerably. I simply identify the lighting condition, apply that preset, make a tiny local adjustment, and am done.”
If you’re interested in following along Jared’s photography journey, make sure you follow him on his Instagram and view his full portfolio on his Website.
