Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaden Mendoza.
Jaden, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In high school, I initially started taking some photos on my phone that I was proud of, including self portraits, landscapes, etc. I eventually then got a DSLR camera and started it taking it everywhere I went. I always aimed to create art out of my photos, trying to make the best of my environment. This goal was drawn from the work of two of my biggest inspirations being Brandon Woelfel, and Kristina Makeeva, as their work was absolutely dreamlike, almost straying from reality. I would do fun and ambitious portrait photoshoots with friends, trying to improve as much as I possibly could, which created great support and a following from my community. When I started going to college, my client base and community grew, along with my shooting and editing styles. I started experimenting more with my shooting, and also got more into photographing live music. While partaking in the university’s jazz band, I was able to connect with a lot more people and developed a love for photographing live music, since many of my band mates performed around town outside of the school. I started to photograph these performances and university concerts more and more, finding different angles, learning moments in the music, and improving my shooting and editing skills. From these experiences and photoshoots, I grew a portfolio of concert and live music photography, which I then sent to touring artists and bands hoping to be chosen to photograph their shows. From that, I have been fortunate enough to photograph for many artists and bands including Laufey, wave to earth, Samara Joy, Two Door Cinema Club, Snarky Puppy, Robert Glasper, and many more. It has been both the love for portrait and live music photography that has gotten me to where I am today, as I am always trying to create art out of these moments.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While it has not always been smooth, I have had a great support system to motivate me to get past any hurdles that I may have gone through. One of the biggest and ever-lasting struggles I have, and will most likely always have is comparing myself to other people in the field. There are many great photographers in the world that I idolize and look up to, however I sometimes find myself comparing myself to them and others which sometimes results in me questioning my own ability. That being said, I have since learned to take everything at my own pace, as everyone is their own person with their own strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the day my goal is to grow and create art, which is not about competition, but is about self expression.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My specialties are primarily portrait photography, and concert photography. My most proud moment in my career so far has to be when the Grammy Award winning artist Laufey requested, and posted the photos I took of her during one of her concerts. I have been a huge follower and admirer of her music, making that moment mean so much to me. What sets me apart from other photographers would have to be the prioritization of artistry I have for my work. When I set out to photograph something, my main priority is to compose the most breathtaking images I can, not to get paid. While monetization is definitely a necessity in my career to maintain its sustainability, it is the opportunity to execute an artistic vision that keeps me going.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I very much appreciate the diversity of Jacksonville’s landscape, as we have everything from massive skyscrapers, to beautiful forests, all the way to our lovely beaches. The city’s diversity allows for great shifts in environment to appeal to a plethora of preferences. While the city has this environment diversity, the main issue I have with it would probably be the distance between everything. Most areas of interest can take anywhere from 30-50 minutes to get to from within the city. This is only worsened by the very limited public transportation options available in Jacksonville. While there are many great areas and sections of Jacksonville, it is the ability to get to and between each area that dilutes the experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jadensjpgs.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadensjpgs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jadensjpgs
Image Credits
Jaden Mendoza
@jadensjpgs
