Meet Jessica Jaikal” Brooks | Jessica “Jaikal” Brooks I Photographer “

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica “Jaikal” Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica “Jaikal”, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe that passion and dedication are the most important factors behind the success of Jaikal Photography, as my commitment to constantly improving my photography skills and having a genuine love for the art form has allowed me to unlock creativity and achieve remarkable results. This is further highlighted by my proactive approach to learning, experimentation, and embracing new styles of light setup.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career started because of my father, but when he passed away, a part of me died along with the love for photography. It was the summer of 2014, right after I graduated from Georgia State University. Job hunting proved to be a daunting task as most companies required recent graduates to have five years of experience, a criterion I simply couldn’t meet. I found myself sinking into a deep depression and desperately needed something to distract me from the overwhelming pain. Frustrated yet determined, my college professor told me about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, and I made the decision to join. With my newfound purpose, I purchased my very first camera, a Canon T3. I began documenting my AmeriCorps experiences through photography. Little did I know at the time that this simple purchase would become a catalyst for change, offering a glimmer of hope and a creative outlet that would begin to pull me out of the depths of my depression. Immersed in this role, I delved into photography books, eager to develop and refine my skills. After completing my year of service with AmeriCorps, I made the choice to continue my education at UGA Continuing Education, where I obtained a photography certificate, solidifying my commitment to this newfound passion.

What sets me apart from other photographers is my unique approach and dedication to my craft. I believe that photography is not just about capturing images; it is about telling stories and evoking emotions. With each project, I strive to create images that resonate deeply with the viewer.

One aspect that sets me apart is my commitment to constant improvement. I never settle for mediocrity and continuously push myself to learn and grow as a photographer. I stay updated with the latest techniques, equipment, and trends in the industry, always seeking to enhance my skills and expand my creative horizons.

Additionally, my proactive approach to learning and experimentation allows me to embrace new styles and techniques. I am not afraid to step out of my comfort zone and try innovative approaches to achieve remarkable results. This willingness to explore different avenues and push boundaries adds a fresh and unique perspective to my work.

Furthermore, I value building genuine connections with my clients. I believe that understanding their vision, personalities, and desires is essential to creating photographs that truly reflect their story. By establishing a strong rapport and open communication, I ensure that my clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process.

Ultimately, it is the combination of passion, dedication, constant improvement, artistic vision, and a personalized approach that sets me apart as a photographer. I strive to deliver exceptional results that go beyond mere images, leaving a lasting impact on those who view my work.

As a photographer, I have faced numerous challenges throughout my journey, and it certainly hasn’t been an easy path to reach where I am today. The road to success in the photography industry is often marked by obstacles and setbacks, but I have persevered and grown stronger as a result.

One of the initial challenges I encountered was developing my technical skills. Photography is a constantly evolving field, with new technologies and techniques emerging regularly. It took countless hours of practice, self-study, and experimentation to master the technical aspects of capturing and editing images. I faced moments of frustration and self-doubt, but I remained committed to honing my skills and pushing through the difficulties.

Another significant challenge was building a portfolio and establishing my reputation. Gaining recognition in a saturated market required me to differentiate myself and find a unique artistic voice. I faced rejections and setbacks, but I learned from each experience, refined my style, and gradually began to attract clients who resonated with my work.

Financial challenges were also a reality I had to confront. Starting out as a photographer often involves investing in high-quality equipment, marketing efforts, and professional development. It required careful financial planning and the willingness to make sacrifices to invest in my passion. I took on additional jobs, sought out collaborations, and explored alternative revenue streams to support my photography endeavors.

Moreover, the competitive nature of the industry presented its own set of challenges. Standing out among talented photographers required consistent innovation, creativity, and staying ahead of industry trends. I had to constantly challenge myself, push my creative boundaries, and adapt to changing client expectations.

Despite these challenges, I have remained resilient and committed to my passion for photography. Each hurdle I overcame served as a stepping stone, fueling my determination to succeed. The challenges have shaped me into a stronger and more resourceful photographer, and I am proud of the progress I have made.

While the journey has been challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding. Overcoming obstacles has allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for my craft, and the sense of accomplishment I feel today is a testament to my perseverance and dedication. I am grateful for the challenges I have faced as they have contributed to my growth and have made me the photographer I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an Athens native who made the move to the Duluth area over a year ago, my primary motivations were to explore greater opportunities for my photography career. While settling into my new home, I have discovered a particular fondness for driving out of Duluth and venturing into the city, where two notable destinations have captured my heart: the High Museum of Art and Ponce City Market.

In the end, the journey of finding my way in Duluth has become an exciting chapter in my photography career, as I embrace the opportunities, capture the essence of this new environment, and continue to develop my skills as an artist.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this moment of recognition and gratitude to everyone who has been with me on my photography journey, as their support and encouragement have played a vital role in my success. In particular, I want to express my deepest appreciation to my mother, Carolyn Moses, and my best friend, Markala Resby. My mother’s unwavering belief in my abilities and her constant encouragement have been a source of strength throughout my journey. Her love and support have been instrumental in shaping me into the photographer I am today. Likewise, my best friend Markala has been a pillar of support, always there to lend an ear, provide constructive feedback, and inspire me to push the boundaries of my creativity. Their presence in my life has been invaluable, and I am grateful for their unwavering support and belief in my passion for photography.

Website: https://jaikal.wixsite.com/photos

Instagram: @jaikalstudio & @jaikal_journey

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaikalphotos

Facebook: JaiKal Photography Studio