Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazz Ponce.
Hi Jazz, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started back in 2016 when I wanted to purchase a camera for my Hawaii trip. I was going to Oahu for a Spartan Race and also to experience what it is like on the islands for the first time with family and friends. I wanted to document everything, and so I decided to buy a Sony a6000. It was small and compact but definitely had high-quality attributes. I enjoyed taking instant pictures of everything around me. I had this odd feeling inside that I was really going to be passionate and invested with capturing certain moments, so i decided when I came back from Hawaii, I wanted to pursue photography. I called a good friend of mine who is a professional wedding photographer and asked if he can just teach me the basics. I never knew how to shoot on “manual” until he taught me. From there, he took me under his wing, and I did my first wedding shoot with him as an assistant. Taking photos for this wedding felt so easy since I enjoy talking and working with others. Seeing the smiles, I got from taking their photos gave me so much joy and happiness. After the wedding event, I worked consistently to build on my craft and make a name for myself in the photography community. Fast forward to 2022, and here I am still writing my story…
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I think one of the biggest struggles was not believing in myself. At the beginning, I was not sure if I knew this was going to lead into something. I had doubts, and listening to the negative energy around me did not make things any better. I did not even know how to edit properly or to market myself. I would go back and forth in my mind and think “is this even for me?”. But with time and patience, I kept on striving to become a better photographer and learn everything I can. Now I have the biggest support system, and I’m truly grateful for the struggles that made me who I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a freelance photographer. I love taking photos in all different categories: Weddings, maternity, graduation, portraits, and lifestyle. But I feel what I gravitate more towards is street photography. I feel that street photography is one of the hardest types of categories to take because everything is in seconds. You have to be at the right place, at the right time, or else that moment will go away. Sounds kind of cliche to say it that way, but it is true. On the other hand, in street photography, there is no such thing as “a perfect shot”, because everything that photographers take is something they cherish and enjoy. So for me, catching candid moments is something I strive for. I think that is what sets me apart from other photographers. But what I’m most proud of in my photography career is being able to take photos for my family. They mean the world to me. I try my best to be there for them, and I love spending every minute I can since those are moments we can’t get back.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think the most important qualities in my success is my self-confidence and humor. Being able to believe in myself, and getting projects done in a timely manner is something I value. And making the people, I work with laugh. Because being in front of a camera is always nerve-racking, so I try my best to put a smile on their faces, make my clients feel comfortable, and have a good time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the__jazzz/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/jazzponce_photography/
