Today we’d like to introduce you to Yazi Davis.
Hi Yazi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Hello friends!
My name is Yazi (yeah-zee). I am a fine art wedding photographer living in Northeast Florida. I love documenting the raw, real moments between two people in love. When I get a few moments alone, I like to watch Netflix and chill. Literally. My husband and I are crazy about ‘The Office’ and we’ll never stop watching. But who isn’t? I am obsessed with plants, sprinkles, and strawberry ice cream from Dreamette. Working hard and loving people is kind of my thing. I consider myself pretty outgoing and a little quirky too. My sweet husband and I are always looking for new places to explore. We love to travel and we’re always up for an adventure!
Speaking of adventure… marriage is one of the greatest experiences of my life. I know what it feels like to be loved like never before. In spite of the challenges we’ve faced, we’re stronger and better for it. I think that’s what I love about working with couples. Life has ups and downs. It feels so good to look back, you can see where you have been and how far you have come.
I am passionate about spending time with people and sharing the joy of a moment with others! When you book me as your photographer, I am not only there to capture moments but to live them with you. I want to build a relationship with each of my clients. I want to go deeper with you, I want to get as creative as I can with you. I give very heavy directions. You plan on showing up and letting me do the work.
My goal as your photographer is someone that can make you feel comfortable so that you are free to be yourselves. I am not here to do a million awkward poses we’re not gonna fake this. I want to capture the candid moments where you feel like you. When you look back at your images you’re going to think about the love you share with one another.
Let’s hang out and make some crazy-beautiful memories!
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?
Have you heard the saying “I left my 9 to 5 so I could work 24/7?” That’s what it’s like being a photographer. As the owner of Yazi Davis Photography, I probably spend 15% of my time actually taking photos.
Everything else is spent editing, emails, client consults, and marketing—oh, and freaking taxes. There is always work to be done. As soon as a gallery is edited, there is about five more right behind it. I used to work in child services, so being a social worker I learned some pretty awesome time management skills.
I have implemented those skills into my business. For example, I have a weekly task calendar and only work on certain things each day of the week.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a team player through and through. I love a great team of vendors on a wedding day.
My goal is to make sure my couples get exactly what they want/need from me. Obviously, it’s photos, but sometimes I also have to pull out my social worker’s de-escalating tactics. The wedding day can be stressful, and I’m pretty good at keeping the environment calm while moving things along.
I LOVE meeting new people. I like to meet my clients in person, or at least have a phone consultation before they book their wedding with me. The more I know my client, the better I can serve them. I love connecting with people; I want to help others feel comfortable enough to let their guard down and get a little weird.
That’s where the real magic is: When people can look back on their photos and feel that genuine emotion. One of the most rewarding things for me is the relationships and friendships I’ve made through my business. Some of my best friends started as clients.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I wish I had a mentor when I first started my business.
Sure there were people I talked to or second-shot weddings for, but most people didn’t have the time to invest in me—even though I was willing to pay someone to help me out. Not even with just the photography piece of it, but all the little things that help a business run. My goal for The Come Up is to equip and encourage photographers to just get after it.
There’s enough business in Jacksonville for everyone. We can learn so much from each other and still maintain our individuality. Your clients choose you for a reason. Right now my mentors are Ashley Smith, Tori Glod, and Celeste Burns.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages starting at $3,000
- Boudoir Packages starting at $500
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@yazidavis.com
- Website: http://www.yazidavis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yazidavis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YaziDavis/
Image Credits
Yazi Davis, Celeste Burns, Becca Funyak, and Melissa Wright
