Meet Jaun Malcolm: Visionary Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaun Malcolm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaun, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
One habit that helps me to succeed in my business is having the audacity to be different. My success with Olivia Jay Photography is a result of me not being afraid to walk on water. Literally! In order to stand out in a sea of “same” you have to be different; a cut above the rest. There have been shoots where I’ve gone out into the deep waters where I risk all to capture the extra; not just the ordinary. Knowing that the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the extra. I’ve found that people are more willing to share what you do and promote you when you fully understand innovation. It is more than just knowing photography, your camera and editing programs. I have found that risk taking and innovation is what brings your photos to life. You have to be daring with your creativity, bold with colors, subtle in language and dynamic in expression. Practice makes permanent! Success is promised when you have a habit of practice. Practice includes different exposures, backdrops, positions, attitude, and our diversities. Here, fear of failure does not exist, in fact failure is seen as a great teacher, instructing you on what will work and proving to you, what won’t for the next adventure. Now practice becomes a practice, meaning you stay at it, and like the study of medicine, you can never master it so you stay in practice. Practice communication with both potential and returning clients, practice shooting still life, practice shooting landscape and animals, practice shooting portraits, practice on people you know and those you don’t. practice what you’ve never ventured into and see what comes out of it. Another habit I’ve found that brings me great success is being intentional. I’m intentional when I listen to a client tell me their vision but also intentional about adding to what they’ve shared and giving them more than they’ve said. Many people have ventured into photography to make extra funds or even out of sheer passion. I started out just capturing a moment which then brought me to creating stories. I seek to create what can be passed on for years to come. I seek to create what others can look at and feel a tug in their hearts. I capture to connect the dots of life, no matter who the subject or viewer is. I seek to tell a story that is open for interpretation. The ability to capture truth and make even the most ugly of a story beautiful is what brings success to my brand.   

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Olivia Jay Photography was born seven years ago. I’m most excited about the future and venturing into projects on a larger global scale. I dream of doing some photo journalism and even connect with National Geographic! And I am working hard so when I wake up, it will happen. Getting to where I am currently wasn’t easy because at first no one wanted to take me seriously. I was freelancing and I didn’t have a brand. With hard work, perseverance, dedication and thick skin, I was able to work with musical artists, and high profile clients based on my character and what I produced throughout the years. I’ve learned that there are people always watching you and how you carry yourself will open their mouth to open doors for you. How you treat people matters. I want the world to know that greater is on the other side of their push. Never give up when it is hardest, keep pressing until you hit success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting I would take them to Time Square. NYC is the city that never sleeps! In the day we could walk around Central Park and admire its natural beauty. It doesn’t matter what season you visit, ou are sure to enter into a vision of wonder. I love to have fun and Dave and Busters would be next on my list! There are lots of food, games, dancing and just sheer joy that can be found there.  Another great place to explore would be the  Natural Museum of History. One would learn about cultures, fossils, nature and art.  We would also dine on the Rooftop and go shopping downtown. Catching a Broadway show or two would also have to be on the agenda! The hustle and bustle of the city alone creates excitement. There’s just something about the atmosphere that brings life to you. 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be who I am without God leading me. Also, My mother put a camera in my hand in my early teens and asked me to take a picture. I feel as if I never put it down! My mother has been one of my greatest cheerleaders who is not afraid to tell me what doesn’t look good but always quick to push me to be the best me I can be. My family at my home church Calvary Tabernacle have also been very supportive and have been a part of my clientele for many years. I am grateful for everyone that have stood with me through the good and the bad. Thank you

Website: oliviajayphotography.zenfolio.com
Instagram: oliviajayphotography

Image Credits
Olivia Jay Photography