Jamilia is the type of photographer who takes the reigns and goes for it 100% plus more! She’s gone through both The Perfect Portrait Editing e-Course and the Child Collection Editing Videos and has totally blown me away with the incredibly quick progress she’s made in her work. I first met Jamilia over on Instagram when she shared with me some of her work using the Cozy Clicks action packs, but I could tell she really wanted to understand to process herself. She got right into the courses, asked for clarification over in the private FB group, and instantly applied what she’d learned. Her work totally blows me away and I can’t wait to see more of what she’ll produce in the future! Come take a look at Jamilia’s work and learn her advice to YOU as a new photographer!!
Describe your photography journey.
I’ve always been a fan of taking pictures whether on my phone or using a wind up camera when I was younger. It wasn’t until my mid twenties I had gotten inspired by a friend who was practicing photography to be a pro that I started to think of it as something I could also do professionally. I eventually got a camera to start, my trusty Canon 77D. Yet still there were things I did not understand about the world of photography. As I started to join groups and do more research, I discovered that there were things within my reach outside of Auto Mode on my camera . For the past two years I have been learning and growing to develop myself into a true professional photographer. Although the road hasn’t been easy, I find that practicing and remaining consistent will be key. I then sought out to taking a class at my local college, which was only a basic DSLR class. My teacher of the class set me aside and said you have an “eye” for photography. That ignited the flames of motivation to continue forth my journey! I then found the amazing Emily on YouTube where I was mostly doing my self teaching, and was simply blown away by her easy to follow tutorials and simplistic explanations. I started to feel less frustrated and more fascinated with learning what I can do with Emily’s guidance. I signed up for the Perfect Portrait E Course and have started to see transformations in my photography. I find myself going away from just basic editing to being a true master of art. Since then I have also signed up for the Editing videos: Child Portrait Collection to continue to create magical content.
What type of photography do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy portrait photography. I love to be apart of pictures that mean something to families or individuals and be able to record a moment of a special occasion.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new photographer?
To be patient and take photography one step at a time. Also to take the time to research and practice. Avoid comparing yourself to others.
What (or who) was your inspiration for wanting to get into photography?
I first was inspired when I had my first little girl Niya. I wanted to take pictures of her all the time.
How would you describe your style?
I am still currently grooming myself to find my particular style. I think for the most part I love a soft look to my photos.
Describe how you find inspiration in your work.
I love Pinterest and follow my favorite photographers that have the look I want to achieve.
What tips do you have that would help others that are looking to advance their portrait photography skills?
As Emily had stated before, you can find lots of tutorials on YouTube but it’s hard to piece them all together when it comes to using any editing software. I think it’s just as important to learn your camera and as it is to advance your level of understanding of your preferred editing software. Signing up for Emily’s E Courses has been the best decision ever to be able to understand Photoshop as well as things that are important from the time you pick up your camera to then the final edit.
Do you have any funny or embarrassing moments to share about a time when you were out shooting?
I think lots of photographers might have done this in their time but while in a photoshoot I did not load my SD card and can you say EMBARRASSING!
Tell us a little bit about the gear you use.
Since owning my Canon 77D, I recently bought a Mark 5D II full frame camera. My favorite lens I currently use is my 50mm 1.8.
Where do you see yourself as a photographer in the next 5 years?
I see myself owning my own Portrait Studio!
Where can we find you? Follow and support Jamilia on any of her social media channels here!
Come check out more of Jamilia’s work!
Instagram @allthatshuttersphotography
To read more about students in the Cozy Clicks courses, hear their story, transformation and how they can help and inspire YOU! Check them out here!
