Meet Jalen Collins: Photographer & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jalen Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jalen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was pretty simple. I was tired of working for other people on their time when I knew I could achieve far greater on my own. I wanted to create something that could take me to the next level in life and eventually pass on to the next generation. I wanted the opportunity for my business to grow into something far greater to where I could eventually buy my parents a house or something.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a way of expressing myself in a whole different way. Whether it’s an outfit I put together or something I just felt like taking a picture out of, it’s always based on how I feel at that moment. I first started out stealing my mom’s camera when I was younger and taking pictures of my siblings. That went on for a couple of years until I was given my first camera when I was around 13 or 14 by my aunt. That made me want to learn more about photography and really start to take it serious. I eventually started taking photography classes all throughout high school just to get a better understanding of cameras and great photographers before. It wasn’t until I was a freshman in college where I started taking portraits of people. Before if I wasn’t just practicing on my siblings, I’d just take a walk and take a picture of different scenes in nature or different architecture. I joined an organization called Visage Fashion Co. I was brought on as a model and photographer at the time so that was really my first shot in the fashion industry. Did that for a couple of years and ended up getting a better understanding of being in front and behind a camera. I used what I learned there to eventually start doing photography on my own and make a name for myself. Now I’m traveling meeting with different clients to not only do photoshoots but videos as well. Eventually I want to shoot for some of the biggest names out there and walk the greatest of runways.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me I always loved to go to Little 5 Points. My friends and I always find ourselves in one of the shops or restaurants over there. I just like the overall aesthetic of it. The graffiti, what people are wearing, or even the cars the you see on the block. Another place I love to go to is the Rooftop of Ponce City. Just being able to view the city as a whole with a nice cocktail is top tier enjoyment.
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?
First and foremost I want to give a huge shoutout to God because without him I wouldn’t be where I am today for sure. Second, I would like to give a shout out to my parents and my circle of friends that push me to new levels everyday. They inspire me to be a greater person and without their support I’d be nothing.

Website: Justanotherjalen.com
Instagram: @justanotherjalen
Twitter: @justanothrjalen
Facebook: Jalen Collins

Image Credits
Samson Ugoapex Falontae