Meet Jas McKinley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jas McKinley.

Hi Jas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started Jasberry Media during the pandemic, which gave many of us time to reflect. While living in Eugene, Oregon for 6 years during my undergrad, I found many moments where there was a lack of representation for people who looked like me and were also women. While I’ve been a freelance model for almost 7 years, I have been so lucky to have worked in local jewelry campaigns, an abundance of video stock modeling, and print work, but much of that reflection within the pandemic went towards curating an experience with photography and videography and necessarily curating a safe space for many BIPOC people and as well as LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Identifying as a mixed-racial bisexual female, with a loving partner whom I have been with for over 3 1/2 years. I owe it actually all to him for supporting me in my creative journey. He bought me my first camera and really helped influence me to start my own business based on moments of tokenism and wanting to make women genuinely feel safe when in front of the camera. I recently just moved to Phoenix, AZ this September of 2022, after my partner landed a wonderful job.

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 has been a smooth road thus far, I think the hardest part is trying to find a creative space again after moving to a new space, and networking to find those friends again.

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?
I specialize in personality-curated portraits and photos that feel empowering and are tailored to clients. What really sets me apart from others is I do it all. I curate set designs, style wardrobes and hair, and edit and retouch photos, while also being a creative director in the photographing process.

It’s rare to ever see the same set design twice because I ensure each session for clients is tailored specifically for them. While I shoot digitally, I also have a passion for analog and I work. I never put myself in a box and will always strive to get the client’s vision.

So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
Making a difference is the most important thing to me, no matter how small it is.

But I feel taking photos changes my life just as much s someone else’s, it’s a moment in time when someone can feel so incredible about themselves and feel beautiful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jasberrymedia

Image Credits
Jas McKinley and Makeup by Claudia Swanson