Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayden Braley.
Jayden, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I technically started my first photography business when I was 16 and called it Greys Photography. I had a few photoshoots here and there, but I wasn’t taking it as seriously as I could have. I did however attend a lot of concerts and took a lot of pictures which helped me become more comfortable and confident.
The journey itself has been both amazing and tough, as is any adventure in life. I’ve met amazing people along the way though.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, it hasn’t been the smoothest road, but I can’t say it was the worst of the worst.
My first “big gig” was working with a local Nu Metal band as their photographer/videographer. I did a lot of photoshoots for them, live concert shots, a few mini-documentaries, and even traveled with them to another state for a show they were having. This was my first real exposure to working with a band professionally, and dear god did I love it. We had so much fun.
After parting ways with the band a few years later, I fell into a creative black hole. I couldn’t get anyone to hire me for photoshoots. I tried and advertised, but nothing was coming up. I thought I wasn’t good enough, so I gave up on it. I was not inspired to take pictures or film anymore. I don’t think I even touched my camera for a little over a year. I hopped from job to job. I was so lost and depressed because at that point, I was in my early 20’s and still didn’t know what the heck I wanted to do with my life when everyone else around me was living their dreams were holding really good jobs.
Between the years of 2013 until 2019, I was a dishwasher, instructional aide for kids with special needs, a barista, a caregiver, a food delivery driver, a gardener, and a house cleaner. I was a mess.
In January 2019 is when everything officially started to change for me. I decided to try and jump back into photography and videography, and that’s when Greys Multimedia was born. My goal with this little business venture was to really focus on photoshoots and making music videos. In May of 2019, I was introduced to a local rapper named Cayswinn, who is now one of my closest friends. What started off as us just making a short freestyle video turned into us building our empire. Things completely changed after that.
Since then, I have worked with multiple artists. I’ve shot easily over 20 music videos and was even asked to be a photographer for a Los Angeles based band at the Aftershock Music Festival in 2019.
I recently had the opportunity to upgrade all of my gear and after doing that, I’ve been filled with even more inspiration.
This career path really saved my life. For the first time, I feel like I really know what I want to be “when I grow up.” I am so thankful to everyone that has supported me through all of my endeavors…
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Greys Multimedia mainly specializes in photoshoots and music videos. It is just me for now, but I do hope to add onto the team in the future.
One of my most proud moments is when I was asked to be a photographer for a Los Angeles based band at the 2019 Aftershock Festival. This was the first music festival that I ever attended as a photographer. I got to see a lot of bands I loved growing up not only on stage but backstage as well. It was such a surreal experience and one I will never forget.
I would say one thing that sets me apart from other companies is my work ethic. I really pride myself on my quick turnaround rate on my projects. A very common praise I receive from people is how easy I am to work with.
What were you like growing up?
I was considered to be a very odd child. I was very hyper due to my ADHD, and lot of kids that I went to school with didn’t really appreciate that about me. I had a handful of close friends throughout my school life, but one thing that not everyone knew about was that I was getting picked on a lot behind the scenes. It wasn’t the worst by any means, but it was hurtful. I found my escape from it all through music and movies.
I grew up in a very creative household. Both of my parents were avid music lovers, both loving different kinds of genres. That being said, I have a very eclectic music taste ranging from heavy metal and hip hop to folk and celtic music. Ever since I was little, I always knew I wanted to be involved in the music industry but I wasn’t sure what role I wanted to play at the time.
My dad is a filmmaker so I basically grew up on the set of many indie film sets. I knew how to operate a video camera by the time I was 4 or 5 years old. When I was a kid, I would spend many summers at my dad’s house making short films with him. It was always a blast.
My love for photography sparked from my Nana (grandmother) who was an amazing photographer. She had a Nikon N70 film camera that she used to let me play with all the time. I absolutely loved it.
I always had cameras growing up. My first camera that wasn’t a disposable camera was a little Crayola CRT 35mm film camera. I still have it to this day. That camera went everywhere with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaybraley.wixsite.com/greysmultimedia
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/greysmultimedia/
Image Credit:
Obseque Photography
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