Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamal Dewalt.
Hi Jamal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Well, honestly I started with my friends & family always asking me to take pictures! It wasn’t until a year or so ago, that I actually took the craft seriously & started my business. I would use my friends and family as a practice to educate myself on lighting, sun exposure, shutter speed, etc. When I wasn’t using them I would either be on YouTube learning more or talking with my mentor.
My first booking was for a young lady who graduated from college & now I’ve taken SEVERAL graduate’s pictures. (All thanks to God & client referrals!) One booking after another turned into me birthing “Be Happy Images”.
I always loved how images capture so much just by hearing that one click of the camera. So that passion to be creative pushed me to where I am now. Am I done growing & evolving? Absolutely not! There’s so much more for me to gain in being a photographer/creative!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would be lying if I said it was.
Unfortunately, I didn’t go to school to learn the “science” behind photography. So learning everything while running a business can be a bit frustrating, however, my support system is amazing! Though it doesn’t make the road smooth completely, it definitely makes the journey more enjoyable!
On the flip side of that, learning how to balance my life can be a task in itself. Working full time, working my business, marketing, personal life, the list goes on. But I’ve learned that I can’t get overwhelmed with it, just have to know how to use my time wisely!!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been booked for engagements, birthdays, graduations, professional branding, ministry conferences, family portraits, & prom. (Just to name a few). I have worked with Next Level Modeling Troupe as well as other models within Columbia. I also volunteered at SC Urban Fashion Week.
I’m most proud of actually starting my business and staying consistent. Often times we will talk ourselves out of something. Honestly, that’s what I was doing. I was scared of failing, not being supported, or not being good enough. I was so focused on the negative, that I never thought about what could go right! So I’m proud of ME!
I believe that every photographer/creative has something that sets them apart. In this life, nobody is the same. As for me, it’s definitely my personality. As shy as I am, I never meet a stranger. So that helps me big with my business.
What does success mean to you?
Success is learning how to learn from mistakes & challenges. I use to think that success is a beautiful journey and that people get there quickly. Now I know that was a lie I told myself. Success is built or created by mistakes, failures, and disappointments. Those three words help cultivate me and made me who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: @BeHappyImages247 & Jamal Dewalt
Image Credits
Aaron Smalls
