Meet Jude Fanfan

We recently connected with Jude Fanfan and have shared our conversation below.

Jude, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from my family and my environment. Coming from a family of Haitian immigrants, I’ve seen firsthand what it means to start from nothing and build something through sheer determination. My parents’ journey, their sacrifices, and their ability to overcome challenges have shaped my mindset. They’ve instilled in me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and never making excuses, no matter the circumstances.

Growing up in Irvington, NJ, a place that isn’t always the easiest environment to thrive in, has only reinforced that resilience. It’s a community where you have to stay focused and driven to rise above the obstacles around you. Seeing people get caught up in the wrong path has made me even more determined to stay disciplined and push toward my goals. I’ve learned to navigate challenges, stay motivated, and create opportunities for myself—because where I come from, nothing is handed to you.

Resilience, to me, is about adapting, pushing forward, and proving that no matter where you start, you can carve your own path to success.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hello there, my name is Jude and I’m an independent photographer and videographer, along with my cousin Kevin, who is also a videographer. I run my own business called ShotsByJude, and my brand is all about creating beautiful images that make people feel something. For example, bringing out the inner beauty of our clients in a way that even they can appreciate. I want to make sure that they leave our shoot feeling like a million bucks. I find the work super exciting, and I love that I have the freedom to get creative anywhere, anytime. I’m happy to focus on whatever inspires me in any given moment. But most importantly, I want to be able to make my clients happy and put a smile on their faces, because I find that genuinely heartwarming and rewarding. It’s like this little light in my heart is shining when I make other people happy, especially with something that we’re good at. Plus, it makes my job a whole lot easier. I’m looking forward to my rebranding next season and I really want to elevate my creativity to an even higher level and make people really feel something when they look at my work. That’s the dream.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a photographer, videographer, and entrepreneur are adaptability, persistence, and networking.

Adaptability – The photography and videography industry is always evolving, whether it’s new camera technology, editing techniques, or social media trends. Being able to learn quickly and adapt to changes has helped me stay ahead. For those just starting, my advice is to never stop learning. Watch tutorials, experiment with new techniques, and stay updated on industry trends. The more versatile you are, the more opportunities will come your way.

Persistence – Running a business isn’t easy, and there will be moments when things slow down or don’t go as planned. I’ve had to push through setbacks, whether it was struggling to gain clients or dealing with creative ruts. The key is to stay consistent—keep shooting, keep posting, and keep improving. My advice: Don’t get discouraged by slow progress. Stay dedicated, set goals, and put in the work every day. Success comes from those who refuse to quit.

Networking – Building strong relationships has been just as important as mastering my craft. Connecting with other creatives, potential clients, and people in different industries has opened so many doors for me. My advice: Put yourself out there. Attend events, engage with people on social media, collaborate with other creatives, and always provide value to those you work with. Your network can be the key to new opportunities.

For anyone early in their journey, my biggest advice is to stay hungry, be patient, and believe in yourself. Your skills will grow with time, and the more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you’ll create. Keep pushing, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take risks—your passion will take you further than you think.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking to collaborate with like-minded creatives who have no bounds when it comes to creativity and are passionate about pushing artistic limits. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, model, stylist, musician, or any kind of artist, I want to work with people who want to create something meaningful, tell a story, and make an impact. At the same time, I believe creativity should be fun and inspiring, so I’m looking for collaborators who bring great energy and excitement to the process. If you’re someone who’s ready to experiment, think outside the box, and create something unforgettable, let’s connect! You can reach me through Instagram @shotsbyjude or email me at shotsbyjude@gmail.com—let’s make magic happen!

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