We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jo Duran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jo below.
Jo, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I chose a long time ago that I would not focus on the negative; I would not allow it to consume me. I choose to find the good or positive in things and in people.
No… I don’t have my head in the sand… I do know how the world is currently functioning… but I have a lot of people that count on me and if I allow myself to stay in a negative mindset, then it can become daunting to climb out!
I surround myself with others that are go getters; those that are driven and supportive of others. I have my husband, who is my biggest cheerleader. Having someone in your corner that is always cheering for you helps too!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a recovering educator.
I spent a couple of years juggling my day job and my side gig, but when covid came along, a door opened. I didn’t initially see it as a positive thing because I was terribly stressed, but I had put out in the universe that “one day I’d like to run my business full time,” and that became a quick reality!
I have found that I work best with those that are in a transition of some sort, and are looking for images that capture their authentic self…
My high school seniors are transitioning into adult-hood and I love that I get to help capture this special time for them and their families! I work with a ton of creative kiddos that are not looking for a traditional experience. They want to test out ideas, and I encourage it! We have had several of our seniors published in senior-centric magazines, and they love that too!
I have also found that many adult clients are on a journey to self-love. This transition to acceptance and appreciation has lead me to working with many adults for boudoir images. These are empowering and sexy, and my clients love to see themselves in this light. My favorite statement from a client was, “You made me look beautiful!” and my reply was, “No… you just get to see yourself the way others see you!”
While those areas are where I spend most of my time, I do also take on a handful of weddings or events, offer headshots, and am looking to expand into an art tie in… this is coming soon!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Perseverance Peace
Patience
This is my second career… I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but man have I learned a ton!
I have to keep my chin up… I have to hang on and push through. Things can get crazy when you’re running your own business, and you add family responsibilities and self-care on top of that… there’s not time to breathe!
I journal and create a schedule just about every morning. It creates a routine and a focus for the day. It’s not carved in stone, but gives me a nice framework to work from. It helps me see that light at the end of the tunnel when I’m not sure how I’ll get it all done. Perseverance.
I always have a calm, coffee shop type vibe happening at my house. Music is playing, nice light filtering in, no distractions. This brings me peace.
I have to give myself grace. I’m human. I am a wife and mom. I have things that happen that are beyond my control. I try to keep an open line of communication and to be 100% open with clients. When I feel things are going sideways, I give myself breaks and step away for a bit. I have to be patient.
And I choose to just keep swimming! 🙂
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone that appreciates art, but also wants to be present in the moments that are so important to them instead of having a screen in front of their face.
Listen, with the phones we all have access to, it’s easy to want to capture the moments for yourself. But the reality of it is that it takes away from you being able to enjoy the experience.
When you hire a professional photographer, you get someone that is going to work within your vision and take it to the next level. They allow you to sit back and enjoy while they grab the nuances of the moments that you’ll love and cherish for years to come. The knowledge of their equipment and working with the light will take their images to a whole other level that most cannot achieve with a phone.
My clients want:
– a beautiful experience
– gorgeous images and printed products
– and to see themselves the way others see them
I got you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bepresentstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bepresentstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bepresentstudios
Image Credits
Be Present Studios, LLC
