Today we’d like to introduce you to Equiano Jackson.
Hi Equiano, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was never fond of pictures of myself. I grew up an insecure, self-conscious kid and didn’t like the image of myself. This all changed when I spent my first summer in San Francisco. I befriended a group of photographers and models there and was taught how to naturally smile for the camera and began to love how I looked. Or more like accept it. After seeing myself on a professional camera, I believed I had to get one in order to always look this well. So that’s when I bought my first camera this stylish Pentax Q-s1 in Champagne Gold. Really it was more of an accessory than a camera and the pictures came out terrible. But I still enjoyed using it and learning how to take better pictures of myself, others, and nature. After a few months, I decided I wanted to get a little better and start taking on clients. Finally, in 2019 I got the first client who was my own sister and literally bought a new camera for her shoot. Now three years later, two new camera purchases, hundreds of youtube videos about photography techniques and lighting, and here I am…getting interviewed? Still in disbelief. But honestly, I thank all the creative people I met throughout my short career. So many talented people in Austin I inspire my work after. So many painters and dancers and music artists that I have been able to connect with on a personal level because of my camera. I wouldn’t change anything about that. Now these days after meeting these people, I focus more on creative works that leave a message instead of taking on clients for gigs. I hope one day one of my series ends up in a museum somewhere. That would be amazing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely hasn’t been smooth. So many times in the beginning, I didn’t know what I was doing. Sometimes I went months without a gig and felt like selling my equipment just to make some money back. Other times I was too focused on how good other photographers were and tried too hard to imitate their style and work. I think the biggest tip I learned is to focus on personal development. “How can I challenge myself?” Experimenting with shoots like levitation or mixed media allowed me not to get discouraged and keep photography as a passion of mine. Loving what I do is the most important to overcome any struggles that come along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Recently I stopped focusing on client work and doing more personal projects I have had in mind. I usually end up setting up a tripod and modeling myself since it’s easier for me to know what I want to do vs posing a model. I am probably most known for wearing one of my signature’s big hats during a shoot if Texas permits it, haha. Eventually, I want to incorporate custom oversized hats in all of my creative work. And yes, I started learning how to make my own hats at home! I think the biggest thing that sets me apart is that I am very meticulous with what I release. Some shoots I end up doing just don’t meet my vision and instead of posting just to post, I scratch the idea. These days I want anything I release to send a message.
What matters most to you? Why?
One of my biggest loves is nature. Nature is beautiful and not everyone has the luxury of living in a city that is intertwined with nature like Austin. I don’t take this for granted and often visit the trails with my doggo. Sometimes I wish I could be a landscape photographer but my current skills fail at capturing its full beauty on camera.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@bighat.media
- Website: www.bighat.media
- Instagram: @bighat.media
Image Credits
Big Hat Media – Equiano
