Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackson Arnette.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I’m Jackson Arnette, a senior at The University of Texas at Austin studying mechanical engineering and an up-and-coming photographer passionate about capturing nature’s beauty. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I developed a deep interest in photography at a young age, inspired by family vacations that often involved hiking and admiring stunning landscapes. As my love for photography grew, I realized my iPhone camera couldn’t do justice to the beauty around me. I spent countless hours on YouTube, reading books, and exploring forums to learn more about techniques, camera gear, and the experiences of other photographers. For my high school graduation, I received a Panasonic Lumix G85 with a kit lens, a game-changer. With time, my passion and experience grew, and so did my camera gear. I was fortunate to receive the Fujifilm X100V as a gift for my 21st birthday, and my grandfather passed his cherished Canon AE-1 film camera to me before his passing, which holds a special place in my heart. Last year, I had the opportunity to upgrade my camera gear to the Sony a7IV and a couple of lenses, thanks to the earnings from my engineering internships. This investment gave me the confidence to advertise my business and expand my portfolio.
I devote my attention to personal and client-related work in Austin when I’m not traveling. I enjoy capturing various subjects, including street photography, architecture, fraternity events, corporate gatherings, and portraits. My father is a Landscape Architect, and I have developed a fondness for photographing and exhibiting his projects, which meld the elements I admire in natural landscapes with elegant homes and structures. I see beauty in the natural world and am passionate about capturing it through my lens. My dedication to photography has led me on a journey of growth and self-discovery, and I’m excited to see where my career as a photographer will take me in the future.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Undoubtedly, the journey toward establishing my photography business has been anything but smooth. Despite my ardent passion for photography, it has been a constant struggle to find enough time to devote to it due to the demands of my schoolwork. I have also had to contend with the daunting challenge of securing clients and building a robust social media following, which has been challenging. Along the way, I have experienced burnout and a gnawing sense of self-doubt, which has only added to the hurdles. However, I am deeply grateful to have had a supportive network of family and friends who have stood by me during these challenging times, providing the much-needed boost to get back on my feet. Furthermore, surrounded by a supportive community of fellow photographers has been an incredible source of inspiration, as I have witnessed their progress along their respective journeys. Although I am only starting my photography business venture, I am eager to see what the future holds and am excited to navigate the challenges and triumphs ahead.
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?
The beauty of nature continues to inspire and challenge me as a photographer. I have always been drawn to capturing the beauty of the world around me, and I have explored many genres of photography over the years. However, what truly captured my heart was landscape photography. I started taking photos to document the beautiful landscapes I came across, which quickly became my passion. I love capturing the vast landscapes with towering cloud formations formed in the hot desert afternoons and the shadows and contrast created by harsh sunlight throughout the day. Many of my images come from Big Bend, one of my favorite and most visited National Parks.
When I’m not traveling, I like to explore my hometown of Austin, Texas, and document everything that makes this city special. I enjoy capturing cityscapes, eccentric people, events, and lots of dogs. I take my camera on hikes, and photo walks throughout the city, photographing everything that interests me. Beauty can be found anywhere, even in the most mundane places, and I strive to capture that in my photos. While my work is important, I have recently focused more on client work. This includes photographing fraternity parties, corporate events, and engagement and portrait sessions. I take pride in my editing style, which is inspired by film and features bold, saturated colors and punchy black-and-white images.
My true passion for the craft sets me apart from other photographers. I am not in this for the money but for the experience and the joy of creating something beautiful. I am known for capturing candid moments and turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. One of the things I am most proud of is the connections I have formed through photography. Whether with fellow photographers or those I photograph, photography can bring people together and create meaningful experiences.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next decade, the field of photography is set to undergo a significant transformation fueled by technological advancements and shifting societal trends. With the improvements in smartphone cameras, sensor technology, and artificial intelligence, photography is poised to become more accessible to a broader audience while opening up new avenues for editing, post-processing, and automation. As both a photographer and an engineer, I am excited to witness the substantial changes that have taken place over the past decade and those that are yet to come. Despite these developments, these changes will not negatively impact professional photographers but will be useful tools in their workflows. While smartphone cameras can produce beautiful images, they are likely to replace larger cameras sometime soon. As such, the future of photography is one of boundless possibilities and opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jacksonarnette.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jja.photo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-arnette-6a11411a2/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jja_photos
