Today we’d like to introduce you to Javan Martin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started first doing music, I was producing, DJing & Rapping at first because it was something we just did for fun, I still do music from time to time I always wanted to be different and fresh and at the time people were just going to google and stealing stuff for artwork. Me & a couple of other friends had this mindset of “let’s just see what we can make on our own” that’s when I picked up the camera first it was on the iPhone then I graduated to a camera like six months later, I was borrowing the camera. It was an old Canon, then I brought my own camera like a starter camera which was a (Sony A6000) and I kinda fell in love with it because I was editing on my phone. I just fell in love because I realized I can create whatever I want I can manipulate a photo and perspective and it’s mine, ITS ME.
Great, 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 especially being from the desert you don’t have as many opportunities, I love where I’m from and the people around me but alot of work was “down the hill” AKA the Los Angeles area, I felt like LA is cliquey city and I took it personally, like why can I just be me? I didn’t wanna fit in….also being a black photographer people expect me to just shoot ONLY music artist which is cool but I wanted the challenge in really be me & shooting what I want whether it editorial, artist, sports or street the struggle is getting people to realize you aren’t a one trick pony with your craft…I’m learning my way and how to deal with LA & the industry.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Freshmade Studio – what should we know?
I am truly focused on being one of the best photographers & filmmakers in the IE/LA area…in early 2021, I’m working with a firm in Riverside, CA and working on a studio space called (FreshMade Studio) for young artist like myself for service & workshops. Money is cool but creating tools for people to find a passion in a craft is what it’s really about. No greater reward than teaching & providing best possible resources. It’s something we just don’t have where I’m from.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My Resiliency. I can’t tell you how many times someone has told me NO or not responded back to an email. A lot of people wanna place this doubt in your mind sometimes I think “like man are these other photographers really that much better than me” not in a jealous way because I respect all photographers, but it was that thing of how far away am I really? I tell myself everyday to stay focused & keep working, keep learning and that takes away any doubt that I may have had. This is a job you don’t retire from I want my future children & grandchildren to take up photography…I love photography, I love film.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 760-810-3199
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Javanjux
Image Credit:
All Images By Javan Martin
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