Today we’d like to introduce you to Janeè Bailey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always had a deep interest for the creative arts, being that both my parents were both very creative people. My dad was a Houston based wedding photographer and owned a photography studio and my mom was a talented baker. When I was young they made sure to expose my siblings and I to the arts, through music, photography and food. In high school, my focus was Web and Graphic design along with digital photography, but discontinued pursuing those in higher-ed for the idea that something else would full-fill me more financially. But in the summer of 2014, I had the opportunity to embark on a study abroad trip to Accra, Ghana.
About a month before, I bought a camera specifically for the trip. Little did I know that, that one investment would alter my idea of what my future would look like. The trip was about two weeks long, and I began to take photos of anything my eye landed on. The city of Accra, everything and everyone in it was absolutely beautiful. It awakened a part of me that I truthfully I had forgot existed. When I returned home from my trip, looking over the photos I took, I realized that this was the start of something worth moving forward with despite knowing how it would all come to fruition.
8 Years later, I am now a full-time portrait and lifestyle photographer, constantly growing, learning and making great use of the gift God has blessed me with.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely has not always been a smooth road. There have been moments of self-doubt, fear and uncertainty. Even moments of complacency, but moving forward through those looks like embodying faith in myself, God and my path. It takes work and with the constant support and belief in me from my family, friends and clients has helped me to see how important it is to take a chance on the unknown. With great risk, always comes great reward.
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?
As a photographer, I specialize in lifestyle portrait and branding photography. I work on location with my clients, to create visuals that highlight the essence and authenticity of their brand/business, family and significant milestones. This year I am working on expanding in the field of Real Estate and Interior Design Photography. Through all of the portraits, I’ve taken and of all the people I interacted with, my most proud work is my series “Wrapped In Strength”. It’s a portrait series I took of my Mother, a year before she passed away. It won first place in The Spring Student Art Exhibit in 2016 at the University of Houston- Downtown. It’s something I will always cherish.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The thing I love most about Houston, is the diversity, in people, the arts and food. There is always something fun to do! What I like least is how much Houston people take Houston for granted!
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@jlenzphotography.com
- Website: Jlenzphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlenzportraits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jlenzphotography
