Jessica Lee of Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessica Lee. Check out our conversation below.

Jessica, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
I find myself drawing inspiration from a variety of photographers, videographers and creators on social media. We’re in such a digital age where a mass amount is shared and consumed online, it’s easy to discover work but also easy for work to be lost in the void of oversaturation if it doesn’t stand out.

What I am seeing unique in the concert photography world is blending multiple images together, unique angles, detailed shots, camera lens filters and experimenting with coloring grading. I’ve been taking these trends and mixing my style to show what creative visions I can bring to the table. The best thing you can do is to always surround yourself with people that are better than you, that’s a great way to challenge yourself, be curious and inspire growth.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Jess! I am a full-time freelance photographer based in Los Angeles that focuses on live entertainment, including concerts, music festivals, sports, award shows and really anything in between that opportunities bring me to! My clients range from some of the biggest venues in Los Angeles and surrounding area, including Rose Bowl Stadium, Intuit Dome, Kia Forum, The Observatory Orange County, Crypto.com Arena (previously known as Staples Center) and Peacock Theater.

Additionally, I work directly with promoters, publications, record labels, artist management teams and artists themselves. I’ve been working with a camera for 15 years, starting in video and then to photo, but I didn’t consider it professionally until 5 years ago. Since I dove into blending my passion for storytelling through photography and my love for live events, I’ve been blessed with the opportunities of photographing The GRAMMY Awards, Usher, Coldplay, Chappell Roan, Tyler, The Creator, Karol G, Gwen Stefani, Bring Me The Horizon, FIFA Club World Cup, Rose Bowl Game, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Kings and so much more. My work has been placed in the Los Angeles Times, Variety, Pollstar, Superchief Gallery and in Times Square in New York City.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My friends have always been my biggest cheerleaders. We are our own worst enemy and will always feel the negative no matter how many positives have happened. When I’m tough on myself with the quality of my work, experiences that may have happened, my friends don’t even notice that. They’re lifting me up like I’m the coolest person they know and shower me with how proud they are of me. I grateful for having the best friends ever that continuously see me when I don’t.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It sounds cheesy but I’d tell myself to never stop dreaming big. All little me wanted to do was work in the music industry, it was a very unsustainable industry to pursue in my hometown, which thrived on the oil, gas and agriculture industry. I tried many mediums there, in front of the scenes and behind the scenes and almost accepted it as a hobby instead. If you told little me I’d be having the opportunities I’ve had now, I wouldn’t believe myself but would also think future me is really cool. I’ve exceeded where I wanted my dreams to be and blessed that I am living my dream.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I always put 120% of myself, my knowledge, my expertise in every project I do no matter the circumstances. You saw the results I can give and decided to hire me for that and I will deliver that vision. I hear people say, “act your wage”, putting in low or high effort depending on the pay or people who put in less effort because a project isn’t something personally fun to them.

Is it tiring? Absolutely, but the joy of doing what I love overpowers that. I saw a clip from a podcast called Human School recently and they touched on what a privilege it is to be tired from the work you once dreamt of doing, that you begged the universe for, to be overwhelmed by growth in such a blessing.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would definitely throw health out the door and consume more ice cream, tacos and french fries than I should! I think that might cut my 10 years shorter though…life wise, it’s something I’m practicing right now, to stop settling for people and environments that may not be the best for you. This could be friends, relationships, work, situations, etc. you’re thrown into.

It’s easier said than done to walk away but know nothing is permanent, you gotta bet on yourself and make sh*t happen for yourself. Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tjmimages.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thatjessmess

Image Credits
All photos are taken by Jessica Lee.