Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Schulz.
Jay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My photography journey began in childhood with simple point-and-shoot film cameras. Even then, I was drawn to the intersection of technology and art and the ability to freeze a moment in time while telling a story through an image. In college, I had the opportunity to photograph gameday coverage at Texas A&M, and that experience truly hooked me. Photography remained a creative constant in my life, something I always returned to, before I fully dove into shooting motorsports about nine years ago.
As my work began to circulate, friends started asking if I would consider taking portraits. I eventually said yes and quickly fell in love with portraiture. There is something incredibly powerful about revealing the beauty in each person and witnessing the confidence that grows when someone sees themselves through a thoughtful, intentional lens.
Today, my focus is on portraiture in all its forms, including editorial, beauty, boudoir, bikini, branding, and senior portraits, working with both digital and film. This year, I am especially excited to expand into the fine art and fitness spaces, continuing to evolve my work while staying rooted in storytelling, connection, and authenticity.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly has not been a smooth road. As artists I think we are all exceptionally hard on ourselves and always striving to improve. This yearning can feed a tremendous amount of self-doubt and manifest in feelings of imposter syndrome that are always a challenge to overcome. Mental challenges aside, there are so many talented photographers in the Houston market and building a business is a constant grind in today’s economy where photography is often seen as a luxury.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I suppose I would have to ask others what I’m actually known for but I like to think its for my clean portraits and strong compositions. My focus is so heavily specialized in portraiture that I rarely take on other work anymore. As proud as I am of my overall body of work, I care more about the experience my clients have and I believe my professionalism and mindfulness set me apart from a large number of my colleagues.
Any big plans?
In the immediate future, I’m really looking forward to attending Shutterfest in St. Louis later this year and connecting with other creatives and growing as a person and artist. I’ve also been delving back into analog photography and I am looking to add that into my workflow going forward. I’m launching a film project this year titled “Meet Your Maker” where I showcase artists, creators, builders and dreamers because I feel like these people deserve to be seen!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jayschulzvisuals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayschulzvisuals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayschulzvisuals
Image Credits
Jay Schulz
