Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn O’Bryon
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I’ve always been creative, but it’s taken me a while to figure out what I want to do with that creativity. When I graduated high school, I was convinced I wanted to work in fashion. I attended Kent State University as a Fashion Merchandising Major in my first year of college. Once in the program, I decided it wasn’t for me. I liked only a few of my classes, but I discovered that I got very excited about any project that allowed me to create graphics or work in Photoshop. I should pursue a career in graphic design. So, after my first year at KSU, I switched to a Visual Communications Design major with a minor in photography.
At this point, I was convinced I would be a graphic designer and that photography was a fun hobby. However, when I started looking for jobs, I kept applying for and accepting photo-related positions. I worked for a commercial portrait studio in my junior year of college. When I graduated college, I received a job as a content creation assistant at a housewares design company outside of Cleveland. I assisted in taking product photography, stylized sets, and edited photos, and I still got to create fun graphics and animations occasionally. I fell in love with photography at that job. I learned so many technical skills and got to use a lot of excellent equipment that I wouldn’t have been able to afford on my own. Even though that was a good job, I saw myself in a different place. The photography part was fun, but the corporate environment wasn’t my favorite. If I give 100% of my creative energy to something, I’d rather it be my business instead of someone else’s. I also wanted to do product photography only for a while. I had the desire to connect with and document real-living people. So, I started my photography business as a side gig. I shot my first wedding in April 2021, and things have snowballed. I made J.O. Photo Co. my full-time job in July of 2023.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business can be challenging. It’s taken a lot of time, energy, and perseverance. I’m still at the beginning of the road. I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome at times. It’s straightforward to start comparing yourself to everyone else and doubt yourself. Being confident in myself and my abilities has been one of the biggest challenges. It’s something that I’m still working on, but I’ve come a long way in the past 3 years!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Ohio wedding and portrait photographer! I specialize in capturing couples and weddings but love working with families and seniors. Taking photos of people does bring me a lot of joy. There is something so beautiful and fulfilling about being invited to capture someone’s life on camera. I usually leave every session with butterflies in my stomach because I’m so excited about the photos I just took. I feel proud of my ability to connect and communicate with my clients. I make it a priority to make sure they’re getting photos that feel true to them. I “tailor” each session to work with my client’s vision. It’s not a one-size-fits-all experience. Everyone is created beautifully and uniquely; I want to honor that in my photos. I like to go the extra mile for people to make them feel unique and comfortable working together. That usually means carrying people’s stuff for them, fixing hair, offering outfit advice, adjusting flowers, finding snacks, etc.; I want people to feel like they have an extra friend with them, not just a random person following them around with a camera.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
My perspective on success is deeply rooted in my faith. I don’t attribute it to luck, but rather, I believe that every opportunity and talent I possess is a gift from God. He has blessed me with artistic abilities and the chance to nurture them into a thriving business. I see my achievements as a testament to God’s grace and faithfulness, not as a result of luck or my efforts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jophotoco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.o.photoco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jobryonphoto
