Conversations with Jovan Robinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jovan Robinson. 

Hi Jovan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember, I have been a very creative individual. Drawing, singing, dancing, as a child I found a way to express myself in anything I did. I love the arts; colors have always fascinated me, and I love how they can have so many meanings and interpretations. But it wasn’t until my senior year of high school I discovered where my true passion resided. 

My photography journey started my senior year of high school in 2019 at William D ford career technical center. While learning the ropes of Photography, as well as programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, I spent time on both sides of the camera and making friends who I would later take some amazing photos with. I started a Photography Instagram September of 2019, now known as Jovanprints. Over the course of my senior year, I continued to learn and develop my skills in various fields of photography. In January of 2020, I went to New York City for the first time on my birthday. That trip exposed me to an environment of creatives and entrepreneurs unlike anything I had ever seen before. Following that trip is when I decided to consider photography as a career and was driven to take it seriously and perfect my craft. 

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?
One of my biggest struggles along the way was self-doubt. Lots of internal criticism and questioning, “Am I really good enough?”. Being unsure of my skill level as a photographer and a creative led to comparing my journey to others, wondering if I needed to be where they are just as fast. A large shift in perspective came when I started to understand that everyone’s journey is different, and I have my own unique style and voice as an artist. 

Over the course of the 2020 pandemic, I like many others felt a sense of uncertainty about what the world would become, but the one thing I knew was whatever happened I wanted to document each and every piece. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The largest portion of my work is primarily Portrait and Event Photography, with some experience in Wedding and Product Photography. The majority of my work consists of natural light portraits, with some work including artificial lighting. I am most proud of my use of specific angles and my editing, two skills I developed exactly with my style in mind. I use a DSLR Camera, but I like to bring elements of Film photography through editing, such as the grain and warm tones. One thing that sets me apart from others is with all of my work, I engage in it with the intention to capture those moments that are candid and meaningful. Capturing the little moments that may never happen again is something I take a lot of pride in. 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The first thing that comes to mind is my ability to persevere and keep my mind focused on the end goal. Despite the situations that are happening around you, identify what your goals and desires are and let them be a reminder to remain faithful and keep moving forward. 

Pricing:

• Photography – $250-$400 per shoot
• Wedding Photography $1000-$5000
• Product Photography $150-$500
• Event Photography $100 an hour

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanprints/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jovan.robinson.779?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovanprints?_t=8XUvLCKUG9i&_r=1 

Image Credits
Shamari Ferguson
Jovan Robinson