Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonatha Baskett.
Hi Jonatha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Photography has been a fundamental part of my life for as long as I can remember. The fascination with the film process, old cameras that relatives and friends had, even just getting my hands on a disposable film camera I knew wouldn’t be developed anytime soon, if ever, it’s an excitement and thrill for me. The act of looking through a viewfinder and seeing real life through a “rose colored” lens, making day to day, simple things look beautiful and cinematic and helping people feel good about themselves, I could just gush about it forever. It’s always mattered to me, I just never knew where to start. Photography is an intensely saturated art form, and I of all people understand the appeal, but feeling nowhere up to par with the greats, I let self doubt and comparison be the death of my creativity for a very long time. Until I decided enough was enough, I had a passion, I wasn’t doing myself any favors by starving it. My first paid job was nearly 10 years ago, a little project I am still proud of to this day. I’ve always had a camera, (or two, or twelve) since then, but it wasn’t until 2023 that I, with the support of my husband and family, pushed myself. Now I am creating and photographing more than ever. I feel very grateful, and still a little unworthy, but I am letting it all happen and enjoying every phase.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Self doubt. Self doubt. Self doubt. That is the biggest. Not feeling good enough, the fear of letting your clients down, delivering something that they regret investing in. As a natural people pleaser, it’s very frightening that you might not provide what they are expecting or something they’re not happy with. But, I have been incredibly fortunate thus far with amazing people in my corner. The support has been palpable, the kindness extended is something I won’t ever take for granted. I know there will be hard days, hard weeks, hard to please clients that I hope I can make everything up to; but being patient, giving every project your all, and showing genuine care, it goes a long way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer. It still feels weird to say when people ask, but there’s great satisfaction in saying it with your whole chest too. I specialize in anything that creates true, real moments. The humanity in the simplicity. Couples, families, weddings, the raw parts of life that not everyone gets to see. When I spend time with clients, who have all become good friends through this, I am there to be exactly that, a friend. Forget the camera in my hand, let’s talk, let’s engage, and let me capture the little bits in between. Couples that share glances, children running into their parents arms, kisses being given, the quiet moment away from the crowd after you’ve said “I do”, that’s what I’m there for. Your real life. That’s what I’m proudest of, the connections made and the memories shared that clients might not even know I was there for. I try to be genuine and earnest in all things. This is a career, this is my work, but I make this an aspect of my every day life. I’m not here for the paycheck. I want to continue to make connections and have friends come back when every big exciting change is welcomed into their life. I’m here for the long haul.
What matters most to you? Why?
People. They matter to me. Their stories matter, their lives matter, what makes them tick and what makes them think and what makes them happiest. And I want to be there to see and celebrate it all.
Pricing:
- Couples – $250
- Families starting at – $300
- Elopements – $1000
- Small weddings (75 guests or less) – $1500
- Large weddings (75 guests and up) – $1750
Contact Info:
- Website: jonathabaskettphoto.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jonathabaskett/
- Other: jonathabaskettphoto@gmail.com
