Meet Larissa Jaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Jaks.

Larissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
While I was in college studying Graphic Design (with the intent of pursuing a career in advertising), I found myself in an “ Intro to Film Photography” class.

After one semester In the darkroom, I was hooked. I started back then how most do, with an old hand me down film camera documenting memories, mostly friends, activities, and vacations. I’m lucky enough to have laid some roots in a small but large artistic hub, a place known on the map as Costa Mesa, California.

After about a year of shooting, I began taking photos of emerging bands, clothing brands, and other various entities. With my highest pay rate being a pack of beer. What I thought at first was a hobby with perks, I soon realized I could become a career. Once I got the nerve to start charging folks for my artistic service it was all uphill from there!

Has it been a smooth road?
Picture an old windy, dusty, bumpy road with a little trash on the shoulder… that’s my road. Might as well call it “Artist Way.” But if you take a few steps back & look at this same road from afar, you realize it’s going uphill.

More often than not there’s no other way to the top, it’s only the dusty, dirty, winding roads that’ll get you there. The quicker you realize this, the more you’ll start to enjoy the journey.

The biggest struggle along the way has strangely enough been myself. Self-doubt and comparison are big No-No’s.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I definitely have a preference for shooting film, which I suppose has become my specialty. My images (with the help of amazing styling) can often be confused with photos from decades past. I love shooting outdoors & incorporate nature whenever possible. Ive also recently began to shoot Super 8 video!

I’m most proud of my work when the whole team is happy. A lot goes into a photoshoot I just press the buttons! Although I am lucky enough to call my hobby my career, and there’s no right or wrong in any art form, I also want that, all clients become friends. Which is I guess what sets me apart from others.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I hope to continue on with integrity to myself & my brand. I see a lot of artists get lost in the industry for reasons totally understandable (rent, bills, food on the table). The biggest trend in the industry is the ever emerging Social Media platforms, where essentially unknowingly people are giving companies free content.

While these platforms do create the community, I fear they are helping to lessen the need for photographers, stylists, and others in the industry. In the next 5-10 years, I can only hope that companies see the value in creative work.

Pricing:

• $250 / hr – Two Hour Minimum
• $900 Day Rate – Photos
• $1200 Day Rate – Motion

Contact Info:

• Website: Larissajaks.com
• Email: larissajaksphoto@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapsbyjaks/

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