Oct 07, 2013 8 Questions With: Ja Tecson
Recently becoming a young father himself, Ja Tecson was following in his father’s footsteps when he picked up a camera back in 8th grade. “He brought photos home from the lab every day, and loved showing us what he documented. The sense of appreciation was there for me at an early age,” he recalls. In the years since, Ja has worked for clients including Nike and Staple Clothing, searching out the projects and brands which give him the most creative freedom, allowing him to challenge himself while trusting his instincts. I was lucky enough to meet Ja when he attended #ICL13 here in Long Beach earlier this year. Even then I’d been a fan of his work for quite some time. You can check out more of his work on his website, as well as on his VSCO page, and of course, you can follow him on Instagram too.
What are you currently working on?
I’m actually in a self discovery mode! I feel very rejuvenated at the moment. I just had my first baby girl arrive into the world, and it has brought so much perspective into my life. After meeting with my creative team, we both agreed that one of our main objectives for the year is to do what I’m doing right now: Putting myself out there. Reaching out. Connecting more with the world. To inspire and contribute to my craft. Things like that! I’m very excited for the road ahead.
Other than that journey, I’ve been able to work with amazing brands this year. Anytime you get the opportunity to create imagery with the very people who have inspired your own work, then I would consider that doing what you love. The chance to shoot the summer lookbook for Staple Design was pretty rad. If you follow me on Insta, you’ll see I’m a superfan of the #staplepigeon and #flockwithus hustle! Working with Nike is also a dream come true for me. I was working with Nike Basketball over the summer shooting the infamous Drew League which was a great experience, and I just wrapped up a super fun shoot for a NikeiD campaign. My personal work drives me, so I’m just pushing out new shoots that I’ve been imagining in my mind for some time now. It’s just about shooting what you love in the end, so that is where my focus is at right now. MJ said it best – “Love the game, and the game will love you back.”
How would you describe your job?
I would describe my love for photography as an art of communication. I get to inspire culture through my eyes, and through a tool called a lens. Whatever it is that I am shooting, my job is to stir emotion within a viewer that communicates thoughts and ideas. I think professional observer is a better fit than professional photographer.
What does your average work day look like?
As of late, I hang out with my daughter in the morning. I document her daily portraits which has become a fun little ritual since she’s giving me new expressions every day. It’s pretty surreal! After that, I head out to any of the great coffee shops in my hood around Silverlake/Echo Park. I’ll get some emails & editing done, meet up with some friends, or cruise around LA and get inspired. Finding balance is key. At the end of a productive day, I just love hanging with my wife and baby girl at home to relax and refocus.
Where do you find inspiration?
It really is everywhere. I think it’s a two-way street sometimes. I’ll cruise the streets with no itinerary at all, and hope inspiration will find me. When it happens organically, it’s just a different kind of process & appreciation.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
It’s kind of funny. A lot of the things you see in my portfolio is exactly what I wanted to be as a child. Basketball & Jordan were definitely key in my upbringing. Growing up in the 90s in Los Angeles, I basically wanted to be everything in the culture that embodied style- bboy, gangster, skater, and baller. It’s pretty clear when you look at my work that there is a certain swag or energy to the photos because I was all about that lifestyle as a kid.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading The Tanning of America by Steve Stoute. I want to articulate my thoughts like him – too fresh.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
HAWAII or any beach will do. ALOHA!
What’s the best thing about living and working in LA?
It is all about the people for me. We are all inspiring each other out here directly and indirectly. I am grateful to have friends that push me, and also accept me. I love connecting with individuals who share the same hustle and positivity.
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