I'm so excited to share this edition of Behind the Lens featuring another local, Jacksonville photographer: Rayvon Griffin of RayvonCreates.
I've followed Rayvon on social media for years and was finally able to work with her last year in 2021. She did my makeup for my branding session and I loved it. Rayvon not only does photography, but she also does makeup as well. I love that she is a "2 for 1 boss babe" and if you visit her website she even offers bundle deals on photography & makeup!
Today's blog post will be focused on her photography and getting to know who Rayvon is behind her camera lens. Check out the Q and A feature below:
1. How long have you been doing photography?
I've been in business for 7 years and this is my second year doing it full time.
2. How did you get started and did you always want to be a photographer?
I didn't think I would ever be a photographer. I went to school for graphic design and business administration. In my final semester of my graphic design program I took a photography class for my elective and loved it. In my last year of my business program I used photography to make a little extra money.
3. Describe your style of photography in your own words.
I would say my photos are vibrant, creative, and distinctive.
4. What's your favorite type of session?
Grads will always have a special place in my heart since that's what I started with. I also adore my 6 month babies, to me that is the perfect age for photos. That's when they first really start heavily smiling and are still relatively friendly.
5. What current photo gear are you using?
Team Canon! My go to's at the moment are my Mark 3, 24-70mm, 85mm, and 70-20mm. 6. What do you think is the biggest misconception about starting a photography business?
That everyone does it and anyone can do it. Truly being a professional takes more than just gear. Artistic principles, knowledge/industry research, business savvy, and great customer service is what will truly separate the professionals from people with a camera. 7. What's your favorite editing software?
I mostly use Photoshop and sometimes Lightroom for bulk editing. 8. What was life like before photography?
Before going full time I had a few part-time jobs mainly working with children (before and after school programs) and at one point I worked for the city. I never took on a full-time job because the goal since I graduated was always to have my own business. 9. How long have you had your studio and what was the process of getting the space? My studio is in my home but I visited other friends' studios and got a feel for what I needed and made it happen. Most of the rooms in my house are dedicated to my business and eventually I plan to get a commercial space. 10. Have you always done studio sessions, or were you also shooting outdoors at one point as well? If so, how did you transition?
For the first few years I only did outdoor sessions and shot in auto mode (a huge photography no no). I honestly was intimidated by studio shoots but I knew in order to truly make this my full-time I needed to make the plunge. A lot of credit goes to Carissa of the Selfie Showroom (former owner of Diamondeyez photography). She was one of the first people I connected with once I moved back to Jacksonville and her friendship/mentoring has helped improve my skill set and business tremendously. Any words of advice for someone looking to get into photography or they are just beginning?
If you are getting in the industry just to make a quick dollar, it will eat you alive. It takes passion and perseverance to last. Don't be afraid to change and grow, follow the greats (get a mentor when possible), and develop your own style. Most importantly, good customer service will take you a long way.
Where to find more of Rayvon:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rayvoncreates/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rayvoncreates
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