Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Jackson.
Hi Austin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve always been interested and intrigued by the outdoors. Camping, hiking, and exploring were always a major part of my life. In high school, I decided to pick up a camera and start taking photos on my trips.
I picked up camera skills quickly and started editing my photos, and I was getting great feedback online from my friends and family. I started an Instagram page, gained a following quickly, and kept going with it from there.
I went to college studying Graphic Design and Advertising, all while continuing to shoot photos. I was able to make a small income from photography that helped me to focus more on school and less on having to get a 9-5 job.
In my junior year of college, I decided to put as much energy into my photography business as possible, and by the time my senior year rolled around, I realized that I could actually make a living doing this. After I graduated, I shifted 100% of my focus to photography.
Once I was focused on photography, it didn’t take long for me to find my path. I quickly started teaching workshops and loved getting the chance to help others capture amazing images of the natural world, all while exploring some of the best areas the Western USA has to offer.
This has been an amazing way to connect with others and help people have fun and create art that they are proud of.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think most people who start their own business would tell you that the road hasn’t been smooth. While being self-employed is one of the greatest blessings in my life, it does have its challenges. Since I work completely for myself, not only am I the artist, but I’ve also had to learn to fill many shoes.
A lot less of my time is spent in the field compared to time on the computer, where I’m editing photos, teaching clients online, and connecting with brands. Being self-employed gives it challenges of finding out where the next paycheck is going to be, but I’m fortunate to run my own workshops, where I can rely on my own advertising and finding my clients, rather than relying on a company to offer me freelance work.
While I still do freelance work, I try my best to rely on things I can control, like workshops and online teaching. One thing I’ve learned throughout this process is this: if you have to bet on someone, bet on yourself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a landscape photographer and educator. I love capturing photos of the natural world under the most exciting and rare conditions. I especially love taking photos deep in the backcountry, far from civilization, and capturing scenes that most people can’t easily access.
On the other hand, I also love working with people. Helping photographers learn how to capture amazing images of the world is so rewarding for me, and watching someone’s eyes light up when that amazing photo pops up on the back of their camera screen is so cool for me to be a part of.
While I am very proud of many of the images I’ve taken and the miles I’ve traveled to see some pretty amazing things, I’m most proud of the clients that I’ve helped take their photography to the next level.
Seeing the skill level that some of my clients come into my workshops at, and then seeing their new skills after the workshop is something that I’ll always relish.
Contact Info:
- Email: austin@austinjamesjackson.com
- Website: austinjamesjackson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin.james.jackson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinjamesjackson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCriqrppgdUbwL2YoE_e2nwg
