Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Klatt
Hi Jordan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always wanted to be a photographer and have had an eye for the things that many might walk by and miss. I believe that beauty can be found everywhere, you just have to pause and look for it. Instead of diving into the creative world early on, I followed another passion in my life first; sharing life, love, and hope to high school students. I have and continue to work for a faith based non-profit for many years, where I get to mentor students. It has been an incredible blessing to me but It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, I felt the strong pull to go back to my desire of capturing moments behind a lens. I t happened when I went back home to New Mexico for a friend’s funeral. Her name was Adri and she was someone I was always inspired by. Her passing was sudden and tragic. Going back home to be with mutual friends and grieve was extremely heavy, but as I was sitting in the ceremony, photos of Adri were shown on a slideshow and as tears rolled down all of our cheeks, these photos also brought slight grins or even small chuckles as people saw them. They made us reminisce on the memories we had with her and remember the joy she brought to every room she walked into. In a grieving room, these pictures brought a smile and some hope. This was the moment I realized just how powerful, healing, and beautiful photos really are. It is crazy how you can pick up a photo and it takes you back to a moment that feels just like yesterday, all the emotions running back in an instant. They tell a story.
When I got back to San Diego, I figured out my finances and took a leap of faith purchased a camera and started to dream about what could be. As a faith filled person, who was 27 at the time, I truly felt the Lord calling me to “Dream again, Mija”. Mija, being Spanish for daughter/darling. I started making phone calls, sending emails, DM ing those who were where I wanted to be and asked for help and opportunities to grow. If I am being honest, I had no idea what I was doing, but asking for help and pushing myself outside my comfort zone is where I started.
Now, at 29 I have my own photography and videography business, Jordan Marie Creative. I have captured moments and stories from musicians, artists, friends, athletes, and even some current olympians. I have been able to work alongside and meet some incredible people and continue to learn from them every day. I have been able to travel to incredible places with my camera and tell stories that I believe are impactful and special, something I always wanted to do. Some days I feel like I need to pinch myself to believe it.
What stemmed out of a time of grief, has become an adventure of a lifetime and has brought incredible joy. Joy that I know, Adri was all about in her lifetime. Joy, that I know would make her proud.
It has been an incredible journey that has really JUST begun, and I hope as you read this you will continue to root for me, as I root for you. Everyone has a dream, has a calling, has talents to share with the world that will make it a better place, and what I have learned is that the most amazing journeys always start with incredibly terrifying faith-filled steps. My passion is to share and capture beautiful stories, and I believe every story is worth sharing. My hope in sharing mine today, is to encourage you…. maybe it is time to “Dream Again Mija” and take that step.
Who knows, it may take you to places you never would have imagined with a camera in hand.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting something new at the age of 27 can be pretty challenging, especially in a field where the way to get your foot in the door is usually with internships. For instance, to be a sports photographer, internships are the biggest pathway to get there. Unfotunately, I was already a college graduate and had a full time job that I love, so internships were not an option for me. It was difficult to find ways to gain some experience and opportunities to grow my portfolio in the sports world. Eventually the opportunities came once I realized that the worst thing that can happen is whoever I ask for an opportunity says no…. but worse, is if I never ask at all. So I asked A LOT of people for help, for experience, and offered a lot of free shoots in my early days that helped me get the courage and belief in myself that I have now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for doing a lot of different types of work. Wedding films, portrait sessions, events, concerts, sports, and more. But what I LOVE and what I think sets me a part is my eye and heart for people doing what THEY love and capturing those moments. There is something special about capturing what gives light to someone’s eyes, whether it be a sport that they love, them creating art, the sharing of a story that has been impactful to their life, or talking about even someone they may love. I am forever intrigued and interested to hear the story of those around me, because everyone has a story and that story makes them who they are today. There is so much beauty in people and in seeing what gives them life. I desire to capture THAT story.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
To be where I am right now, took a dream, lots of prayer, and a BIG step of faith. But it also took a lot of people around me who saw my talent before I even did. It was these people who continued to encourage and root for me to keep going, and still do to this day. To them; my family, my friends, thank you!
If you would like to follow along, hire me, or even work together, I would love to connect!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jordanmariecreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanmarie.creative/
Image Credits
Samrawit Cain and Angie Sandoval
Ground Floor Murals – Paul Jimenez and Signs Ditona
Carlsbad Surfer – Karleigh Cole
