We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jay Byers . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jay below.
Hi Jay, appreciate you for sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from understanding my worth and potential. I have low moments, but I am proud that I have continued to get back up after taking hard falls. This time last year I was in the lowest place I’ve ever been. I was unhappy at my job and was still recovering from having Covid-19 twice and bronchitis, and that took a toll on the other areas of my life. That season was so exhausting, and I just didn’t have the energy to do much of anything, but one thing I kept telling myself was that trouble can’t last. I knew that chapter of my life would have to close, and eventually it did, but even after leaving my job, I still had to make a choice. Was I going to get back up and continue forward or would I remain at rock bottom? I’m so glad I chose me. I continue to learn that life is not linear, but I’m purposeful, and there’s even greater power in making the decision to push forward even after defeat. I’ll continue to choose this route again and again.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Jay Byers and I am a photographer and the founder of Jay B Image Lab LLC. I have been taking pictures for over 14 years now and started off as a self-portrait photographer. I’m adopted and as a child, I struggled to see myself in my beautiful and racially diverse family. To compensate for that and to better understand my identity as a teenager, I would take self-portraits. Now, I work to capture the love and light in individuals and their stories. I provide in-studio and on-location photography services in Atlanta for branding and lifestyle, traditional portraits, and special occasions that deserve to be visually commemorated as well. My goal in every shoot is to honor, celebrate and illuminate individuals for who they are and what they have accomplished. I want my images to enhance a person’s individuality and story in a way that is pleasing to them and inspiring to those who will see it. I’ve also started to take more pictures at events that focus on creatives, good vibes, and Black culture. Some of the events that I’ve been able to photograph are: Ari Lennox during her A/S/L tour in Atlanta, “CultureCon” in New York, “Unbothered Live: The Glow Up” in Atlanta, The Brooklyn Tea Block Party in Atlanta, and “Everyday People NYC” at their Atlanta event. It gives me joy to capture people in their element. I truly do think our stories are often heard, but they deserve to be seen, and I’m looking forward to taking more pictures this summer.
What has been your biggest area of growth over the past 12 months?
My confidence is flourishing and I love that for myself. I mean because if we’re being honest, I’m an artist and so I’m absolutely sensitive about my work, and like most people, I can be really hard on myself. However, this year I’ve been working on reframing my mind, and one thing I’m doing is extending myself compassion instead of grace. Oftentimes I feel like grace is talked about when we think about our mistakes, but when I think about compassion it reminds me that I’m not perfect, I’m human, and should naturally just love myself through all the moments that I must learn. This has grown my confidence tremendously and helps me see the beauty in me and my work before any critique.
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?
Take the time to excel in what you do. My dad has always told me that you know something well when you’re able to teach the next person about it, but even after that keep learning. The world is forever evolving and so will the work you do. It’s important to stay up to date on the latest techniques, equipment, trends etc., but also don’t burn yourself out. Be really kind to yourself and remember that sometimes the best place to be in is a starting place. Ground yourself and trust that you’ll grow.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
As a full-time entrepreneur you wear so many hats, but I am not an expert in every area, and although I’ve taken pictures for over a decade, I’ve never been a full-time entrepreneur. Sometimes I really don’t know what to do, so I’ve started to seek out more professional help. I know that I can’t do it all and truthfully I don’t want to. I’m grateful to be making some strong connections with people who can support me in the areas of my business that need it the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jaybimagelab.com
- Instagram: Jaybimagelab
- Facebook: Jay B image Lab
