Life & Work with Jaylan Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaylan Carter. 

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 intrigued by visual arts especially digital work. My first encounter with photography was back in 2014 when I became part of an inner-city youth program called Y.O.P where I met a close friend of mine named Joseph. He always carried a large Nikon DLSR Camera with him, and I would ask questions, talk about photography, and use his camera to learn during Y.O.P. Coming from inner-city Toledo as a 14-year-old I didn’t have the funds to buy my own camera. At the time entry-level. DSLR cameras were going for anywhere from $800 to $1000. That summer I decided to work to afford to buy my own, I worked 40 hours a week for ‘That Neighborhood Church’ in North Toledo. During that time, I dug out a driveway, mowed grass, stained floors, painted church facilities, and helped facilitate a summer sports camp for kids. At the end of the summer, I finally saved enough money to buy my first camera. I remember vividly being on a public bus when I went on Amazon and made the purchase. From the moment I got my camera, I knew that I would never stop taking photos my camera was always on me. I shot most of my high school’s yearbook, did free photo sessions, and went out on daily walks around the city taking pictures of anything and everything, whenever I had an idea or wanted to try something new, I would just go outside and figure it out. I did this for 4 years until I honed my craft. Back in 2018 After everyone around me—especially my family and close friends—kept telling me to start charging for shoots I created my portfolio and started my business CarterJPhotos. Since then, I have worked with companies, brands, and musicians such as Tarta, YMCA of Greater Toledo, UToledo Football, Utoledo Volleyball, Hard Times Original Fashion, The Crown Family Brand, Living Dynast, TreVor Fields, and many more. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth, there were many times when I first started where I wanted to quit or felt like everything was going wrong, but my family—especially my Big Sister, Mom, and Brothers keep me going, just seeing how proud they are every time I show them a new project makes me want to keep pushing. They’re my daily reminder that when things go wrong don’t wallow in sadness but to get up dust yourself off and Don’t Quit because every day is another opportunity to be better than you were yesterday. 

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 am a Photographer/Filmmaker specializing in portrait, event, and Lifestyle Photography. I love capturing memorable moments such as birthdays, weddings, and graduations. I’m mostly known for my portrait and graduation work, which have my signature bold editing style. I think what sets me apart from others is the amount of effort that goes into a shoot. The work starts the moment I’m booked—planning the shoot and securing locations if necessary—through the editing process where I treat every photo as if it were a single portrait going out to print, and through final delivery which even once photos are delivered, I’m usually still in contact with clients checking in and sending them re-edits as my style evolves. 

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is not to quit no matter if it’s a financial or emotional issue or just life in general, it’s important the you don’t give up, you can rest or take a break to refocus if you need it, but if you love what you do then get back to it because eventually, hard times will come to pass. 

Contact Info:

• Website: CarterJPhotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carterjstudios
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/1oNDmHekzsY 

Image Credits
@CARTERJSTUDIOS