Today we’d like to introduce you to Jovan Robinson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story as a photographer started off very simple: I just wanted to take nice pictures of my friends! I took a digital media class my senior year of high school and that kickstarted my journey into the love of it. Something about having the camera in my hand just resonated with me, a part of me knew that it was a gift. Back then, it didnt even matter what i took photos of, as long as i took them. Birds, Cars, anything. Having the camera in my hand just felt good. Back when i started, i was heavily introverted and i saw photography as a way to communicate what i didnt always have the words for. Over the past 5 years, being a photographer has not only changed what i thought my life would be, but transformed me as a person. I not only have the skill to communicate through a visual medium, but i have those words that i didnt have so many years ago.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I couldn’t talk about my story without mentioning the one thing that affected it the most, The 2020 Pandemic. I started senior year of high school in September 2019, and by March 2020 i was just… never in school again. I also didnt own a camera at the time, so it hurt twice that this thing i’d discovered that i loved so much essentially felt stripped away in an instant. I of course had my phone, but the feeling wasn’t the same. It was at this time i realized that i really enjoyed portrait photography. No longer having people i could take photos of hit me hard, but it also affirmed the direction i wanted to take.
Over the years, especially after i started my business in 2023, i’ve dealt with the occasional imposter syndrome and self doubt im sure every artist goes through. Photography seems to have this balance of one moment you feel like you’re the greatest photographer ever, and the next moment you look at your work and something is missing. I truly believe the craft grows with you, and it reflects your highs and lows like a livin memory. Although my work revolves around other people, I find that i learn so much more about myself when im creating it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in portrait and fashion photography. I love clothes and the various ways they can be represented and captured, as there is an infinite amount of possibility. If i had to say what i was known for, i would say that i love to go to the next level in all my work. Crazy props, dramatic poses, breaking the traditional rules, I do it all and i love to create outlandish photos. I also appreciate the models that are up for the outside-the-box ideas and a lot of times, they are the ones that suggest them! I’m most prouf of my attention to detail, and my unconventional eye. I’m about 80% self taught, so the way i go about achieving my final images come in a myriad of ways. I learned all the rules so i know how to break them intentionally and with a creative twist, and i believe that is something that sets me apart from the casual photographer
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Substack has been a major blessing to me. I’ve discovered so many amazing art directors and creative entrepreneurs that write, and i appreciate the authenticity that i’ve seen on the platform so much that i began to write myself.
Milanote is my primary resource for creating moodboards that i can lay out in a clean and organized way for my models and everyone involved in a shoot.
I recently picked up the book On&By Andy Warhol from the thrift. I only checked out a few pages but i’m really loving the way he speaks to the mindset of creatives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jovanprints.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanprints/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovan-robinson-057508232
