Tell us a little bit about yourself - where are you based and what have you been enjoying lately?
Hey there, my name is Jess Sykes. I'm a Uruguayan girl born and raised in Sydney Australia. With over 3 years of professional photography experience. I've just completed my diploma in photo imaging at the amazing Billy Blue College. My passion is to allow my clients to be themselves and enjoy the moment they're in with no distractions. I enjoy capturing unscripted moments that reflect joy and adventure for families and rands to keep forever.
In only a couple of words, how would you describe your style of photography?
My style is candid, timeless and genuine
Tell us about one of your most memorable photoshoots or perhaps a favourite photo you have taken?
Every year my best friends and I have a birthday tradition where we are without a doubt at each other's doorstep at midnight sharp with a cute DIY cake, sparklers and lots of laughs. On the 28th of february 2020 I turned 26, exhausted but alive from our midnight traditions I decided I wanted to do a sunrise shoot. Thankful for my best friend who is always willing and keen to adventure with me even if it's crazy. We headed to Little Bay Beach for a sunrise shoot, it was for sure worth it. It was that morning that I realised that I loved candid photography so much that I knew that I was going to pursue this as my dream career. This is one of my favourite images because I was able to capture a real emotion, a real memory that we can keep forever, I will always remember how amazing that morning was because we captured it. One day I will be able show my kids my beautiful adventurous best friend and show them all the wonderful adventures we've been on. I'm so thankful that not only can I do this for me and my family, but other families too.
As a photographer, nurturing your creativity while trying to balance self employment and life can be a little tricky sometimes. Where do you find the inspiration to continue creating and maintaining consistency.
1. Schedule in time for everything! Being intentional helps prioritise rest, work and play.
2. Don't over think! Write it all down and slowly get it done.
3. Surround yourself with other creatives! Have Fun!
4. Remember why you started! If you don't know your reason than make a statement vision.
5. Trust your gut ever when it doesn't exactly go by the rules!
6. Be true to who you are.
Having grown as a photographer, is there any piece of advise that you could give to yourself when you first started down this path, or wish you had known sooner?
Before I stated photography I was always afraid that I couldn't bring what others could and I was more focused on other people's work then my own. Until I stared to focus on the joy that photography gave me and that became my reason why. So my encouragement would be: There's nobody like you, you are unique and have so much to bring! If you don't then no one else will.
What gear are you currently using and what would you typically carry in your Kamrette camera bag?
In my beautiful Kamrette Lyra Backpack in black I don't travel without my Sony A7rii, Sony 85mm f/1.8, Sony 50mm f/1.8, color passport, Violet May harness, x4 SD cards, lens wipes, iPhone charger, Neewer flash and spare batteries
Let's finish it off with a fan favourite - if you could only have one lens, which one would you choose?
My Sony 85mm f/1.8 for sure!
