Meet Justin Clark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Clark.

Hi Justin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
As many do, I began photography with it only being a hobby that I loved. As I grew in my photography skills, I realized I could do what I enjoyed as a career and as a way to meet amazing people from different walks of life. I began in the Southern California area with landscapes and the beginnings of portrait work with different artists and creatives in the LA area. I loved the way it opened up doors to connect with people. Connecting with people is the heart of my business. I moved to the Seattle area and began working with small businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs. I then opened up the wedding side of my business soon afterward, which quickly became my focus. I recently relocated to Raleigh and have enjoyed connecting with couples on this side of the country. There is something special about being a part of the intimate details of a couple’s most important day. Because of the time and intentionality we have with each other throughout the wedding day and the sessions leading up to it, the couples I work with are much more than just clients to me, and we often create a friendship. It’s a really special experience to be a part of!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Limiting myself to one photography niche has been a challenge from a business perspective. I love people, and I love the art of photography, so I have often felt pressured in the past to be just one aspect of a creative. I eventually realized that my heart is to connect with people, and I am now content in whatever way I can do that through my skill set. I co-founded a video production company 4 years ago, which also means I face challenges of juggling multiple aspects of what I do daily. Projects can range in scale from a tiny photo edit to a 3-month campaign. I love that I can be doing a wedding one day and working on a commercial set the next. But with that also comes the added complexity, which can be a crazy client schedule, and mentally being able to wrap my head around 2 very different industries, which have had their challenges.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer and a filmmaker. I have 2 businesses and sides of my craft that I do full time, photographing weddings and working in the commercial space as a photographer and filmmaker. What sets me apart in the photography space is I love to capture real moments. I am all about capturing the heart behind a couple, what makes them unique, their quirks, etc. I veer away from cold, posed, stock-looking photos and film as a creative. Authenticity is a huge value of mine, and I aim to capture it in all my work. I believe creative work should make you feel something. A photograph should give you that nostalgic feeling of being there. And a video should be an immersive experience, not just something to watch.

What has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that authentic connection with people is the most important thing in business. Every single client and connection is valuable. A business is just a business unless there is a purpose and authentic connection.

Pricing:

• Engagement sessions – $750
• 10 hour full wedding day – $3750
• Commercial photography and branding services range depending on scope of project

Contact Info:

• Email: justinclarkphotography@gmail.com
• Website: http://www.justinclarkphotography.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/JustinClarkPhotography
• Other: http://www.elementfilms.co

Image Credits
Justin Clark Photography.