Meet Jesus Venson | Photographer/Videographer- Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jesus, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When I think about risk it has played a big role in my life. Being from Cleveland, Ohio, I never traveled because my mom was a single mother with no assistance. So when I was a senior in high school I only really looked at out of state schools so I can get a taste of independence in another state. I chose an HBCU in Bethune-Cookman University, which turned out to be the best decision I’ve made to date. After I graduated I chose to move to Washington DC for a change of scenery. Moving to DC was a risk because I had no family there it was just a chance to restart my life. So I’m there for 3 years until I got an opportunity to move to another country to pursue entrepreneurship as a photographer, so I quit my job and left.

Moving to Mexico was a major change in my life. The biggest risk I’ve taken and it has played out beautifully for me. I have met some great people and made solid connections. I never considered myself a risk taker until I moved to Mexico but my entire life I’ve been taking risks and God has been blessing my path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The one thing that sets me apart from other photographers and creatives is my willingness to adapt but always staying true to myself and my craft.

I got where I am today by actually betting on myself and being consistent in my profession and continuing to grow. My photos have definitely came a long way from when I started and it makes me feel good because before I had the opportunity to do what I do in Mexico my camera sat on my dresser and collected dust. So to come from that and to continue to elevate my business and brand in another country (Tulum, Mexico) is a major accomplishment to me.

It was not and still is not easy to be an entrepreneur living abroad. I love my job and the joy I can bring to people but it has its up and downs. I’ve had great months of 15+ clients and its been some months of 5 clients. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to always stay positive and relentlessly consistent. I had to also learn how to budget and know how to spend my money, pretty much getting smarter with money.

I want the world to know that I put 100% into my business and my brand, so I look to give nothing but my best work. I look forward to making my clients happy with the images and videos I produce so my day is made when I succeed at that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my best friend is visiting me they are definitely going to have the time of their life.

The trip starts when they land at Cancun airport, get a few drinks and head down to Tulum. It’s a 2 hour ride so get comfortable and enjoy a good movie or vibe out to some music. Once they arrive in Tulum, we will go drop the bags off and go get a drink or 3 and some good food while catching up.

I work with a great travel group (Black In Tulum) so we always have great turn-up events for Black and Brown travelers all over. We have events pretty much everyday.

Monday- Soca Sex and Alcohol Night, we play all the Soca, Dancehall and Afrobeats
Wednesday- Welcome Wednesday for travelers to come network and meet other travelers. Solo or group travelers.
Thursday- Throwback Thursday- Night of old school R&B and hip hop
Friday- Blackhause Jungle Party- Super lit event, Friday nights brings out the best of the travelers lol
Saturday- Tatich Beachclub during the day for the beach vibes and Animal Nightclub for the night vibes
Sunday- Sundaze Pool Party, Day party to end the weekend shenanigans

On top of the events, we have the best restaurants, excursions for all occasions, private yachts, ATV’s, horseback riding, etc. So I think they would be very pleased with there visit to me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a few people who helped me on my journey and really gave me an opportunity.

1. GOD

2. Mr. John Reeves- Head of photography Bethune-Cookman University- Mr. Reeves taught me a lot about a camera and the game of photography, as well as giving me an opportunity to shoot for the school when I was just starting up.

3. Kendrick & Kissha- Lighthouse Media- They gave me the choice to move to Mexico and work with them as a full time photographer. Which turned out to be the best decision I had made besides going to an HBCU. But I can’t thank t hem enough for even thinking about me for the opportunity.

4. Nubia- Black in Tulum- Nubia has given me such a family atmosphere and she is such a beautiful soul. I’m super blessed to have her in my life as a mentor and a friend.

Website: www.vensonvisions.com

Instagram: @ItsScrappy @Scraptography

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jesusvenson

Facebook: Jesus Venson

Image Credits
Scraptography- All photos taken by me