Meet Jik-Reuben Pringle: Visual Ninja: Photographer and Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jik-Reuben Pringle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jik-Reuben, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There were several factors that lead to me starting my own business. I studied Land Surveying and Geographic Information Science at the University of Technology, Jamaica, W.I. While there I rekindled with my passion for photography and I always heard people say if you’re career aligns with your passion you’ll never a work a day in your life. I also by the end of my second year of university I had summed up that being a land surveyor sitting around a computer doing GIS related. So after University, I decided to jump into photography working with other photographers, while building my name in the local industry. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that I registered my Media company where I specialize in Photography and Filmmaking called Jik Reuben. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m known as the Visual Ninja and Visual Advocate, because of the way I move when shooting and also because of the topics I choose to create art about in my down time. I made a lane for myself locally first as the black and white concert photographer and then when I started portraits, I focused on uplifting black women and photographing them in a more regal way. In advocating for women, especially black women it lead to me bringing awareness to illnesses that people have that aren’t well known. For example Endometriosis, Sarcoma Cancer, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Depression and Suicide, and my next project focuses on PCOS. Professionally, I thrive to provide quality service and a level of professionalism that people aren’t used to in Jamaica. I live in Jamaica, so island time is a real thing that unfortunately spills over into a lot of professionals work ethics. I thrive to always be on time and communication is a big deal for me. So, I’m always conversing with my clients, to give them that peace of mind: before, during and after the job has commenced. Gone are the days of being a 1 man band, for each job I carefully build my team to ensure the best execution and results for my clients and I believe that is something that sets me apart from my other colleagues in the business. I’ve been doing photography for 10 years between being a hobbyist and professional, I’ve been in video production for 5 years. I’m proud that for my time in this industry I’ve been able to work with a number of international publications and clients. I’ve exhibited work in Germany and in Miami, USA as part of Art Basel. I’ve also showcased my visuals in Jamaica too a number of times. I’ve been afforded the opportunity to travel to different countries to do what I love and showcase my work. I’m also happy that my work has impacted people’s lives. I’ve had people come to me and say my work has inspired them, changed their life, gave them peace, made them realize they’re not alone and brought back fond memories, My journey hasn’t been easy at all, leaving university with a hefty student loan debt to pay off, So unlike many of other peers who invest right away into their business I had to be putting the bulk of my earnings into clearing my debt. I also struggled with self confidence and held myself back in the early days of my career, because I either felt I wasn’t good enough and I couldn’t do things on my own (which is hilarious because I had so many people telling me I had potential, I was good or I’d make a great leader). However I learnt I had to love myself, the second I did that its been a steady increase uphill for me in all facets of my life including my business. Trusting the process and learning to take risks is critical if you want to make it in any industry. Comfort does not equate to growth most times, unless you’re from a wealthy family I guess, lol. When people meet me and get the experience to work with me I want them to realise I’m a fun, weird but professional person. I’m easy to work with and love meeting new people. When I was younger I was obsessed with being a super hero and helping people, being creative and I believe what i’m doing now is all the above. I’m using my brand, passion and skills to help others, motivate others, inspire and liberate people. If a project doesn’t align with my core principles I’m not doing it. I love a good pay cheque but it has to be backed by the right purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The city of Kingston, is the entertainment capital of Jamaica, there is a lot you can do throughout the day. Where would I begin, hmmm… I’d begin with carrying them to my favourite tea shop, Lemongrass Teas, Herbs,Spices & Nuts, located at Devon House. There is actually lots you can do at Devon house, its the former home of the first black millionaire. It’s now repurposed as a heritage site, that houses quite a few stores in the court yard and its the home of Jamaica’s best ice cream; Devon House Ice Cream, which is a must have. Some other stores you must go to are the Devon House Bakery, Rosie’s Bead shop and the coconut shop, for sure. After that for lunch we could take a trip to Chilitos; Jamexican Food Restaurant. They serve the best Mexican inspired food with a Jamaican twist, they also serve really good mixed drinks. We could also swing by Bob Marley Museum to do the amazing tour that gives you a flash back into his rich history. For Dinner I’d take them to Gloria’s Restaurant over by Port Royal, which serves the best fresh fish in Kingston. NB: Port Royal was once known as the wickedest city in the western hemisphere until a great earthquake sank most of the city underground. Today it’s a quite fishing town, with an old colonial army fort that has been converted to a museum. Hiking to Hollywell or Cinchona Botanical Gardens is a must if you’re into hiking and if you’re a pro there is always that 12 hour hike to the Blue Mountain Peak, which is the height point in Jamaica. If you’re into rivers, you can take a cab to Penfield Falls, near Gordon Town or Cane River falls in St. Thomas and if you’re into beaches you can head out to Bob Marley Beach in Bull Bay, St. Thomas or Fort Clarence in Portmore. If you’re a coffee lover you can check out Raggamuffin Cafe, what I love about there is not only is a great space to meet people and work but they’ve partnered with Deaf Can Coffee which is an initiative that help people from the deaf community, empower them and give them an opportunity to earn. Some other must go to places are Paint Jamaica and Life yard located on Fleet Street, Trench Town Culture Yard Museum, National Heroes Park, Market Place off Constant Spring Road, has some nice International cuisine restaurants and is also home of the Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records Restaurant. The night scene is closed off right now due to Covid but when things open up there is Kingston Dubclub held on a Sunday, MVP on a Friday and Uptown Mondays and Weddy Weddy Wednesdays. There is also the food and music tours held by www.kingstonguided.com that are must do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I was just having a discussion about this the other day, Where I am currently I wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for the many hands that helped me. My friends throughout University, my many mentors along the way officially and unofficially, for example Lancelot McCalla, lizzy brown, William Greenwood, Puru Gadite, the former members of the Regal Youths collective, My SGIS family, My Creative Club House family, My best friends Dominique and Melissa, To all my first clients and return clients. To my growing fan base and supporters, my family and other friends who have encouraged, used my services and refer to me to other people. I appreciate and love you all, I wouldn’t be here without you. I’m leaving out so many names, cause the list is so long, however I remember all of you, no matter how minute.

Website: www.jikreubenvisuals.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jikreuben
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jikreuben/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jikreuben
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JikReuben/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwSIVV907qZV8SkotgwK4w
Other: www.instagram.com/visualninjajik

Image Credits
Image of me: DavyFrsh Other Photos taken by myself: Jik-Reuben Pringle