Meet Jaren Turner | Photographer

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

Hi Jaren, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I’ve personally dealt with this question or topic because I battled within myself on whether I should give up on photography or keep pushing. When you are comparing yourself to others and seeing how much success or recognition they are getting it can really discourage you and having you questioning yourself. “How are they doing this?” , or “ I wish my work looked like theirs”. Those are questions and statements that ran through my mind constantly cause I was always comparing myself to others. In a certain sense it can be positive to challenge you to get better, but in the other sense it can be a negative impact. I looked at it as I wasn’t good enough, which had me wanting to give up. I then ran across a a few posts that were basically saying to stop seeking validation or deeming success off of someone else’s work compared to yours. As long as you put your best effort into a photo and you are happy with it, your client is happy with it, then that’s all that should matter. So, from then on I decided to keep pushing and doing what I felt like was good work. So, if you’re ever battling on whether to give up or not, don’t. The reason being is that as long as you’re happy doing your job and satisfied with the results then nothing else matters. There will always be someone better than you, but that’s just how the world works. Stay in your lane and control what you can control.

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 real career is with Mercedes- Benz US International as a maintenance technician, while photography is my side business. I am most proud that I was able to be the top in my class to graduate and receive a job offer from my company. Everyday is a new challenge cause there will always be different issues that you have to face and fix. InFocus being my business is a major accomplishment for me because I never thought it would get to where it is today. I love to see the satisfaction of each client with their pictures and love to create an ever lasting memory for them.

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.
City Cafe, Heat Pizza bar, Buffalo Phil’s, Hush Lounge, Hattie B’s, Alabama football or basketball game, Catfish heaven ,

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off would be God, then TeLeah Turner, Jonathan Knox, and Tommie Armistead. Each of you in some shape, form or way helped me, motivated me, or pushed me even if you don’t know it

Website: Infocus95.mypixieset.com

Instagram: @__infocusphotography

Facebook: InFocus Photography