Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Moore.
Hi Jason, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I picked up the lens for the first time back in 2005. My dad had gotten a Canon Rebel (basic Canon digital camera) and I found myself getting behind the lens a lot. While I didn’t at the time see it as a career option, I did see it as a creative outlet. I didn’t know what type of outlet it would be for me till I had some friends from church ask me to take some engagement photos for them.
At this point in time I have never taken photos of people. I found myself looking up what other photographers had done to get ideas, but instead found myself saying “there is no way I’ll be able to capture my friends as well as other photographers can”. Well… challenge excepted.
With that mindset I took their photos and was surprised. The images turned out a lot better than I had ever thought they would. With that my motivation to learn more about camera bodies, settings, lenses and lighting techniques took off. As well as angles and styles.
As I learned more I started figuring out what type of photographer I wanted to be. Simple answer was a portrait photographer. This option allowed me to expand into other artistic photography options including fine arts and boudoirs.
Over time I built up my photography equipment, and a small portfolio. I continued to learn on my own how to get and produce high-end magazine style images. I also wanted to capture the beauty I see in my friend and potential clients.
Today I continue to enjoy meeting new people, learn who they are and capture the best images of them I can. Images that show not only who they are, but how I see them.
My favorite images are candids. I fine that when I’m taking photos for people I’m always talking, and getting to know them. By doing that it makes them, and myself comfortable. It breaks down walls we put up, especially when meeting people we don’t know. This is how I am able to capture their true self.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since I never pursued photography as a dedicated career and focused on it as a hobby, the road has been smooth. I think my biggest challenge was finding people to work with, especially those who were okay with collaborative work.
The biggest struggles I have had are figuring out pricing for what I offer. Depending on market, photography style and the amount of time that goes into a single shoot, it’s hard to determine one’s own value.
If you ask for too little people will see you as a cheap option or of poor quality. And if you ask too much then you are usually over looked as being “too good for common folk” as I have been told.
These days I just love getting behind the lens. So I typically find myself doing exchange work. My time for the options to use some images in my portfolio.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Portraits by Jason Moore?
My personal business is my portrait and boudoir work. My website is available for anyone to look at and determine if I’m someone they would like to work withy in the future.
I’m usually available weekends and some week day evenings. However I do have a full time job with a major automotive group here in Utah. Also I’m about to become a full time student as I’m going back to school to get my BSN.
I do have some college education in the world of architecture and was wanting to become a residential architect back in the day. Somehow that dream never fully came to be. Especially with the market we live in now. An architectural career is not an easy one to have here in Utah.
I would like to think that what sets me apart is my ability to make the portrait experience fun. To not take the process too seriously and to have my client involved in every step.
What matters most to you? Why?
Family. I know it’s a common answer, but it’s the most important. Without them I wouldn’t be able to do what I do today. Without them I wouldn’t be able to achieve the goals I have and the goals I have yet to achieve.
Going back to school for instance. Learning the cello with my daughter, and not giving up on my passions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.portraitsbyjasonmoore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portraits_by_jasonm/
