“You need to have a 'Why?' Having a 'Why?' whatever it is, becomes food. It makes your dreams [become] more urgent.”

This quote was immortalized by George Schiaffino about life in Baltimore, Maryland and how he rose above life's hurdles. 20 year- old music photographer Jbeezy is no different. "I was born & raised in Baltimore, Maryland growing up wasn’t easy but that’s the typical life being from here." His keen interest in media & entertainment growing up got him inspired by various films the likes of 'Scarface' and 'Don’t Be A Menace'. "Taught me a lot of lessons about greed, trust & loyalty." Jbeezy only picked up his first camera when he was 17. Four years later, he's making a living out of his new-found passion, getting him closer to the ultimate goal.

How are you coping with the current pandemic?

It hasn’t really phased me at all TBH, I been spending a lot of time learning & investing in myself financially and mentally just because of the fact it’s a lot of downtime. I feel like even though it’s terrible we’re in one this is the best time to really find your purpose.

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How did you get into music photography?

Starting off I was doing social media ambassador work for my homies, known as LOWFI. They ended up getting signed to a record deal with Cinematic, & the CEO there pitched that I should pick up a camera and start taking pictures also. So that’s what I did & the rest is history.

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Most memorable photoshoot and with whom?

Well it technically wasn’t a photoshoot but some shots I got of Da Baby at this concert hands down had to be the most memorable, I went through so much trouble getting into that concert *laughs* so it made me happy with how everything turned out.

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What can you say is your distinction as a photographer? Your signature style so to speak.

Well, I would say I think colors in my photos stand out the most. I don’t have a specific editing style I play around with tones & saturation until I find something I like, also the fact it’s not much posing going on really just a lot of candid shots. It’s been helping me stand out in a time where it’s a lot of really creative photographers.

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colors in my photos stand out the most

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Practice!

What's your typical day like?

I spend my day researching, editing also going outside, and doing some street photography just to practice & not be stagnant.

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Most unforgettable photo session?

It was a pop-up that A$AP Ferg had. He was hella cool & made sure he stopped what he was doing for me to get some dope pictures.

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Among the big names in the music industry, who do you want to have a photography session with? Why?

I know 100% that I want to have a photoshoot with Kanye West just because he’s my favorite rapper & it’s rare that people get to just come across him unlike other rappers in the industry so I feel like that would be a legendary shoot for sure.

What were the challenges you faced pursuing a music photography career? How did you overcome them?

One thing I would say is being a small fish in a big pond really early, I definitely had a big chip on my shoulder as far as proving that I’m meant to be in the spot I was in. I overcame the situation by learning from the photographers that were better than me, watching what they did best & figuring out how I could incorporate certain things in my own work.

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being a small fish in a big pond

If not photography what would you be doing as a profession?

I’ve always had the thought in my head to start producing/ making beats so if I wasn’t doing photography I definitely would pick that up as my profession.

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What can you advise aspiring photographers?

To constantly study the art of photography the more you read books about it and documentaries definitely help with inspiration & getting better. Also that it’s nothing wrong with doing things for free or very low priced at the beginning just to get better than once you're a professional you can charge whatever you want.

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What is Jbeezy's 'Why?' His ability to see beyond what's in front of him — the struggles and hurdles — gives him the drive to be one of Maryland's sought-after music photographers. And it's not far-fetched.

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