Meet Jamil Dawodu of Jamil Dawodu Photography in Downtown Phoenix and Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamil Dawodu.

Jamil, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When it comes to photography, my involvement as a professional in the industry is relatively short, as I have been shooting now for only six months. However, as a creative, I have a lifetime body of work. Imagery was always something that captivated me. It made me feel the emotions behind the art. It spoke to me. In my childhood, this came in the form of sketching. I’d grab a pencil and pad, and work for hours on end to create something dynamic. As I completed high school and pursued higher education at Arizona State University, this served as the stepping stone for me to learn product and graphic design. All the while, I served as the designated iPhone photographer at events, on vacations, and everywhere in between. Something about photography unveiled a strong passion for imagery. With it, I was able to capture color, texture, and energy like never before, all while continuing to search the cornerstone of emotion in every shot. Honing my skills and vision became something I began to obsess over. I strived to progress toward perfection with every picture I took. Initially, it took shape as a hobby in addition to basketball, as I worked a standard corporate design position to cover the costs of livelihood. Then, over time, people began to inquire about my rates, which validated the pre-conceived notions of my own talent. After only three months of shooting, I was contracted to shoot superstar music artists, Gunna, and Lil’ Pump, at Arizona’s Pot of Gold Music Festival. After displaying my work on my social accounts, I got a wave of requests for photo shoots, including corporate headshots, creative portraits, organizational event partnerships, student graduation portraits, and the list continues. Through it all, what drives me is still the love for the art. I enjoy creating something that hasn’t been done before, capturing individuals in environments in ways that have yet to be captured, and seeing the joy of the faces of those I work with after my work has been shared with them. Yes, getting paid for photography is a great bonus, but nothing beats the passion I have for creating art.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would not necessarily say the road has been smooth, but I also haven’t had the misfortune of too many obstacles. The way I see it when you put all of your energy into something, people tend to see the value in it. I started off just buying a camera body from a photographer in Memphis, and a friend happened to have a lens that I could use to get started. There were times when I struggled to find clients early on. I assumed that everything would fall into place simply. However, when I stopped hunting for money through photography, and just focused on being better and better at the skill of it, things did begin to take shape. Still somewhat of a hobby/freelance business, I don’t typically search for work opportunities. Although I accept them when they arise, I have career aspirations for a career in law, so being able to do something I love that allows me to continue being creative is all the satisfaction I need.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jamil Dawodu Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Mainly I focus on portraiture, but it isn’t as simple as limiting it to fashion, wedding, or editorial photography, because I like to think that I’m capable of creating quality work in all of those areas. I normally tell people that the only kind of photography that I don’t do is landscape photography, simply because photographing people excites me much more than nature. As I’ve continued to build my brand, I’m proud of the fact that I’ve tried to primarily be creative simply based on my own intuition, rather than using the work of others often as the foundation for my own concepts. That allows me to feel more creative and set my own standard rather than attempting to live up to the creativity of others.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As I continue to use photography as a means to express myself, I only plan for incremental growth with my skills and the willingness to forego any boundaries I’ve subconsciously set for myself. I would love to begin shooting weddings, engagements, start to do some more product photography, and just find more creative people to work with. I am always trying to improve my body of work, so if there are creatives, models, or business owners that can help with that, I’m always open to having a conversation, meeting up, and discussing ways we can be useful to one another.

Pricing:

• Portraits – $100 60-minute sessions, 20 edits, Additional edits are $15/edit
• Events – $150/hour (Includes all quality edits)
• Product Photography – $100 60-minute sessions, 20 edits, Additional edits are $15/edit

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JamilDawodu.com
• Phone: (404) 955-5094
• Email: jamil.dawodu@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamildawodu/

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