Life & Work with Jay Davis of Downtown Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Davis.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been passionate about connecting with people and finding creative ways to tell their meaningful stories. My career began in customer-focused roles, from working as a barista to working in the beauty industry for Lancôme, Sisley and Kiehl’s. Those experiences taught me the value of communication, attention to detail, and creating memorable experiences for others.

Over time, my interests evolved toward visual storytelling, which led me back to photography. I founded Jay Anthony Photography, where I specialize in capturing authentic moments through portrait, event, and commercial photography. My work focuses on blending creativity with professionalism, ensuring each project reflects both artistic vision and client purpose.

Every role I’ve had, from hospitality to beauty to photography, has strengthened my ability to connect, adapt, and deliver high-quality work. Today, I continue to grow as a creative professional, building a career centered on storytelling, service, and capturing genuine human connection.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. I first picked up photography back in high school, but after nearly a decade away from it, getting back into the craft felt like starting over. I had to relearn everything. From camera settings to editing, through a lot of trial and error and late nights studying my own mistakes. Being completely self-taught, every improvement came from persistence and patience.

Another challenge has been navigating today’s market. With technology advancing so quickly, almost everyone carries a great camera in their pocket. That’s made photography feel like more of a luxury service, so standing out now depends on creativity, consistency, and the ability to offer something that feels truly personal and intentional.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I truly enjoy capturing the essence of people, the parts of them that feel real, raw, and often overlooked. My photography focuses on storytelling through emotion, whether it’s a portrait session, an engagement, or a special event. I don’t just aim to take “pretty” photos; I want to document moments that feel genuine and alive, the in-between glances, the laughter, and even the quiet stillness that says more than words can.

Through Jay Anthony Photography, I specialize in portrait, event, and commercial work, offering clients an experience that feels personal, creative, and intentional. What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera. That connection allows me to capture who they truly are, not just how they look.

I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown as a self-taught photographer and how I’ve built my business around authenticity and trust. Every session reminds me why I started – to turn real human moments into timeless visual stories.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck has shown up in subtle but meaningful ways throughout my journey. Working in the beauty industry gave me the opportunity to meet so many different faces and connect with people from all walks of life. Those connections naturally opened doors for me when I transitioned into photography, whether it was new clients, collaborations, or individuals who had never had professional photos taken but trusted me to capture them.

One of the things I’m most proud of, and truly flattered by, is the continued word-of-mouth support from past clients. To me, that’s one of the greatest forms of luck, and one of the highest compliments. It reminds me that genuine relationships and quality work always find their way back to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://jayanthony.co
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/jaybot **(currently deactivated, but reactivating soon)**
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayAnthonydotco/