Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Barrett.
Hi Jean, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’d like to start by sharing that I didn’t acquire any interest or passion for photography until I was in my late 20’s in fact, my sister became a photographer before I did when I was living in Venezuela, and I can even remember when my mom and my sister were taking big cameras on trips, they were always the ones taking the pictures.
My passion for photography evolved slowly after moving to the United States; in that point, I started to value all the things I enjoyed about life, people, culture, nature, animals, and more. But before I get there, I think is worth telling why I appreciate all these things.
I was born and raised in Venezuela, and I always tell people I am proud of being Venezuelan, of my culture and traditions, besides everything I have learned in that beautiful place; however, things have changed dramatically over time.
Venezuela has been led by a dictatorship affecting millions of people’s lives for the last 22 years and for half of that time frame, I lived and witnessed: humanitarian and health crises, economic chaos, shortages, and more.
After moving to the United States, I was curious about visiting different states to learn more about the culture and this country, so I started traveling during that period. I only had my phone and a small action camera, and I remember visiting a few National Parks, but I started to feel inspired by professional photographers in the field. So, after 5 years, I decided to invest in my first entry-level camera.
I got to learn techniques and tips for the results I wanted to achieve, all that self-taught process, so imagine how I felt after seeing a long exposure image in the back of my camera during my first trip to Death Valley National Park I was ecstatic! From that moment, I started to invest more time and energy in learning more about photography, and that’s when my journey begins.
With my camera, I can bring attention to the small things and appreciation for life, people, nature, wildlife, and more, but also tell the story through an image, making people happy, inspiring, and motivating others. From fine art, portraiture, landscapes, cityscapes, sport, travel, events, and weddings, delivering high-quality images and world-class experience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Is not a secret that every journey doesn’t go always as we planned, and we find many stones along the way. In my personal experience, I have learned things that I wish I could have implemented from the beginning of this journey for example, growing locally first, creating an LLC company, being more intentional about my photography as a business, creating a website that can offer either passive income or a booking system to serve others and putting myself out there, getting the right resources and people to help with the strong foundations is so important, and that’s some of my struggles along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a full-time Computer Engineer and part-time Photographer.
When it comes to photography, I offer fine art, portraiture, landscapes, cityscapes, sport, travel, products, events, and weddings, delivering high-quality images and world-class experience.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I will recommend two types of mentors, one for Business strategy and one or multiple photographers from whom you can find inspiration through their work.
– YouTube University is a good place to learn.
– Photo conferences are great places to connect with other photographers.
– Social media like Vero or Instagram are good places to find inspiration.
– Photo Critique are tools that can help you to shape your skills.
– Learning and understanding the trend can take you to places where you can meet with other photographers as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aperture0.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aperture0/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jfvb3
- Twitter: Aperture0_photo
