We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jason Sean Weiss a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jason with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is the result of learning from all my mistakes. I learned a lot about diligence when I lost my job for not caring as much as I should have about the little things. I dedicated time and effort to my craft after years of not being dedicated to anything, and realizing how much time I wasted doing nothing with my life. And, I made myself as willing and available as possible for any and all opportunities because I used to do the opposite. I let my fear stop me from reaching out, or saying yes—personally and professionally—and after some tough words and wake-up calls, I’m grateful I woke up. Mistakes will happen. Learning from them is key.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am currently a Principal Photographer for BFA, a global photo agency based in NYC that specializes in high fashion, entertainment, art, and culture events. You can find me photographing fashion shows, red carpets, art fairs, exclusive dinners, after parties, and really anything in-between. I’m eternally grateful to have the opportunity to meet some far-out people, travel the country, and document some fun, unique, and special moments. I’ve been published by institutions such as Vogue, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Vanity Fair, The Wall Street Journal, and even the MICHELIN Guide. And, I have a budding, personal client base that extends my reach into editorial, portraiture, food, and even wedding photography.
Aside from being the best teammate and leader that I can be, and making sure that every client gets exactly what they need photo-wise, I really enjoy taking portraits of guests that don’t look like they’ve been taken at an event. Event photography can get pretty monotonous, especially when step and repeats are involved. If I can pull someone away from the main action of the event for just 30 seconds, and set them up in a really cool spot or way with great light, I think they really appreciate it, and enjoy the outcome just as much as I do.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Well, it should go without saying that understanding the fundamentals of photography is paramount. But, even more specific to what I do and the industry that I’m in is: flash photography. I have seen many, talented concert photographers and studio photographers try to get into event photography and fail, mainly because they weren’t able to hone in on their flash skills quick enough, or, perhaps they felt like they didn’t need to use flash to make it work. You do. Flash is a tool, and events often necessitate the use of that tool.
I started my career in the wedding industry, and often heard photographers say that they’re a “natural light photographer”. Well, what happens when the sun goes down? Does the wedding or your job stop just because it’s nighttime? Of course not. You wouldn’t hire a plumber with only a plunger in their toolkit, would you? A tip for anyone looking for a wedding photographer: check their work for photos at night. If they don’t have any, or anything good, that means you won’t be getting any, either.
Another quality, or skill, that was integral to my success was simply being available. Saying yes. A line I love that I picked up from loving sports, especially football, is: “Your best ability is availability”. In the event world, where things come and go faster than you can keep up: being dependable, flexible, and willing will take you far.
So, say yes to every opportunity. Be a nice person, talk to people, and put in the work. The rest should sort itself out. It’s never been easier to reach out and talk to your heroes, so, just do it. The worst that could happen is that they don’t reply. If you must doom-scroll, scroll for the artists and work that inspires you. Make mood boards, recreate your favorite photographs. Or, just tell a fellow artist you admire their work. You never know where a simple compliment can take you.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
It’s cliché, but I kinda live my life that way currently. I don’t save as much as I should. I do things that make me happy today, because nothing in this life is guaranteed. I travel as much as I can. I dine out as much as I can, and when I’m not, I try to make fun, seasonal meals at home with great ingredients. I buy clothes from my favorite designers. I spend time with my friends as much as possible and tell them I love them. I see my favorite artists perform. I see my favorite films in old theaters, or watch the classics at home with my partner. And, I spend maybe too much on rent because living in a beautiful place is important to me. So, even if I knew I had a decade left to live… I wouldn’t change a thing. Unless, of course, I was given more money. Then I would travel and dine out every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jasonseanweiss.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonseanweiss
Image Credits
Jason Sean Weiss/BFA.com
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