Meet Jesse Volk | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Volk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, how do you think about risk?
Risk is so important – especially in the creative field. The landscape is constantly changing with new technology that risk and evolving has become necessity.

I remember when I was in college I lived walking distance to campus so I decided to sell my car and invest in camera equipment. I remember telling people and they were like are you sure you want to do that? Looking back now it does sound kinda insane but I had such a drive and passion for photography and making it work that it felt like a no brainer.

Fast forward to now, (now that I own both a camera and a car), risk looks more like investing in new equipment/gear that will help distinguish my aesthetic. Also doing a free shoot- never be afraid to plan a shoot for free (as long as it’s your aesthetic) if it will help you get clients attention down the road. I will always produce a shoot that I think will help me with my career – sometimes it means paying out of pocket for things like hair/makeup/styling/studio.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve gotten where I am today because I genuinely love what I do. If photography didn’t make me a dime id still do it.

Photography is a unique business because yes- you gotta know what to do with a camera but then there’s a lot of idiosyncrasies, like what the heck am I going to do if my camera breaks during my shoot? There’s this side of it that’s kind of like a performance. I’ve had cameras break, lights break mid-shoot and you truly just have to roll with it and adapt.

Taking someone’s photo is such a unique responsibility. I don’t take it lightly. Everyone has a different reaction with a camera in their face. Some get excited, some intimidated and I think for me- that’s the thrilling part because it forces me to adjust and be in tune with the person. When we finally get “the shot” it’s the best feeling. Knowing you created something that was once just a concept in your mind and now it’s come to life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Century city mall is a go-to for me / shopping, coffee shops and good food

Taverna tony in Malibu is an experience + the country mart to walk around and shop

Thrifting at crossroads

Santa Monica strand + Montana street- sweet lady Jane cheesecake

People visiting are always intrigued by erewhon so it’s a must and definitely all its cracked up to be

Kazu nori

Lavo restaurant

Honor bar

Motherwolf

great white for a brunch

I always get my visitors a crookie from le pain quotidien

seeing a movie in LA is an experience too. We are all movie goers in Cali so chances are your theatre will be packed and people interact more here with films so it’s a good time. IPIC for a movie always

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I first started out, like with anything there’s highs and lows. I remember my parents mentioning to try and get a mentor within photography that could encourage me etc. I met with one guy and he told me to quit because photography is a too hard of a career. I remember leaving that meeting with zero notes but a lot of determination.

When I look back I truly only remember the people who encouraged me to keep going. My family deserves a shoutout for always letting me take over the living room for a shoot or helping me brainstorm and talk out loud what I’m thinking. They have always been my rock and even though they don’t know much about photography they do give great feedback. I always show them photos and just ask them the initial words that come to mind when they see the photo and they’re great sports with that.

Website: https://Jessejvolk.com

Instagram: @Jesse-Volk