Today we’d like to introduce you to Rotcelis Jones.
Hi Rotcelis, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Photography has always been a passion of mine since an early age. I remember going to the store with my mom and begging for a disposable camera. I would look forward to our next store visit so I could drop it off to get developed. This was the case for most of my childhood.
Fast forward to years ahead, during college and early adulthood I was “that friend” always pulling out her phone or point and shoot camera to capture milestones, link-ups, and “just because” moments. In 2014, my husband and I found out we were expecting for a second time after a miscarriage the year prior. We were UBER excited!
At 21 weeks and 5 days, we endured yet another heartbreaking experience, we lost our daughter to early-term delivery. We were devastated beyond our imagination to have come so close and lost another child in less than a year. To hold my little girl in my hands and watch her take her last breath is something that I’ll never forget. I begged the doctors to save her but nothing could be done.
I found myself at my lowest after losing our daughter, Rose. All while returning to work a week after delivery and starting my first year in graduate school at NCCU. Three months later, we were expecting again. This time, I immediately wanted to document our pregnancy journey following the heartbreak and purchased my first “big girl” camera body. I vowed to never miss a moment because life was too short!
I am officially 6 years into photography (5 in the actual business of it) and I couldn’t be happier with how life has evolved. I’ve spent the last 5 years building on the art of capturing people specifically BOLD, Vibrant, Chic women. I enrolled myself in YouTube University (hahaha), attended workshops, invested in mentors, and simply applied my love for people, good times, and good vibes to the business of photography. The pandemic really allowed me to zone in on my niche which is why I consider myself a “Lifestyle and Branding Photographer.”
My passion is shooting women of all walks of life and business. To showcase not only their services but their personality, vibrancy, and style. Consistency and investing in myself really help me get to where I am today. I also owe my family, my village a lot of credit for their support. I couldn’t work in my career, work my side hustle full time, be a wife, mother, and friend if it wasn’t for them.
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? The road hasn’t always been smooth. While growing my photography business, I’ve maintained the working full time as the Director of Strategic Implementation for a nonprofit in Durham, we welcomed our second son at the end of 2019 (right before the pandemic), and so much more.
Juggling life and maintaining a healthy balance is a REAL task. Not only has life been “life-in” but then the personal challenge of staying current with the market and new trends, creating a schedule that allows for growth, stability, and new opportunities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Lifestyle and Branding Photographer specializing in capturing bold and vibrant everyday businesswomen, bloggers, moms, and entrepreneurs. I capture chic, over-the-top, and lavish brunches, girl vacays, conferences, and so much more for the women I work with.
I am known for being the go-to women’s photographer when you’re looking for someone to have fun with, do a little role-playing, and blend in with the crowd.
I show up to all my shoots and sessions expecting to meet a new “girlfriend” and lifelong business partner. I am most proud of my work with local small businesses and initiatives leading with the purpose to empower the working millennials and everyday career and mom/entrepreneurs like myself.
I am also very proud of opportunities where I shot and was featured with Nike, Courvoisier, Makers Mark, Rolls Royce, The Prevailing Woman, Supermom Culture, Mom Redefined, Beauties with Brains, Lane and Associates, The Business Mogul and so many more!
I believe my energy and passion for beauty, passion for people, and dedication to continue to learn set me apart from others.
With a background in human behavior, I find myself bringing a diverse set of people skills to every atmosphere of creativeness.
What matters most to you?
My family. They are my loves and anchors in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@rotcelisrose.com
- Website: Rotcelisrose.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rotcelisrose/
Image Credits
Rotcelis Rose Photography, Morgan Crutchfield Photography, Art by Court Winter
