Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Escobar.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I took photography classes in High School where I learned to develop film and such.
Then, I actually never realized it would be my passion and my business until years later. I went to college, got a job in the IT field, then picked up a camera years later in 2010 shooting mainly video. I fell in love with the landscape and architectural photography as a fun hobby.
A close friend of mine was working on his own business of being a fitness coach and personal trainer; he was getting recognized and published in fitness magazines as he wanted to start modeling. He gave me a call and asked me if I was interested in portrait photography. (which I have never done before). I told him I would give it a try and took probably the most horrible portraits ever, pretty much as all beginners do.
What he taught me next is what propelled me into a fast growth in my portrait skills. I would edit the photos; he would send them back and tell me based on his experience working with pros what needs to be fixed. I went on youtube and learned how to make the adjustments and re-edited the photos. He would view them again and send them back with suggestions for changes.
After going back and forth many times, I finally got them to a point where he thought they looked good. Without his help and him pushing me so hard, I would not be where I am today with my work. So, Luis. Thank you so much for pushing me and believing in me when no one else would and pushed me to the limits over and over. He has a great story about his life, the business he built as well.
Also, thank you to Hendo Studios in Kearny Mesa for believing in me as well and helping drive me forward in my career.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There was definitely nothing smooth about learning to master your craft. Lots of sleepless nights learning to edit and learning how to use your equipment like the back of your hand. Learning about lighting, both natural and flash.
Learning to connect with your model and get the best result you can in a fast-paced environment. Buying expensive gear and learning to run a business. Dealing with competition and how to make your work stand out. All of these are just a few things that come along with the trade and chasing your dreams to make a living off of them.
Please tell us about JREMultimedia.
Well, I provide a number of services with my business. From photography to videography and now, partnering with Hendo Studios to provide education and training on those subjects along with editing and business strategies for other creatives in the community to come learn and get a step ahead of the curve in the industry. I mainly specialize in portrait and product photography, while also doing a wide range of other things clients may need content-wise.
What I am most proud of with my company is definitely the education aspect. If I had someone to teach me things along the way rather than gathering the information myself, I feel I would have been able to grow even faster in an already fast-paced industry. Being able to provide that for other creatives is the most gratifying feeling I have ever felt.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing really, I always feel that peoples paths fall before them for a reason. I learned the way the industry wanted me to learn because that is what made it stick in my memory like glue. We all learn differently, and I learn from life experience the best.
Contact Info:
- Website: jremultimedia.com
- Phone: 619-519-9292
- Email: jremultimedia@gmail.com
- Instagram: jremultimedia
- Facebook: facebook.com/jremultimedia
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
