Sep 21

Sep 21 Yazi Davis | Wedding + Elopement Photographer

Yazi is a Jacksonville, FL-based fine art photographer specializing in weddings and elopements. With a passion for people and the human connection, she seeks to not only capture the moments of her clients, but live in the moments with them. She also recently launched The Come Up, an educational workshop series for photographers where all are welcome to connect, learn, and grow in their craft together. Her supportive, community-first philosophy is rooted in the belief that “when your approach is to love and serve your clients, you can’t go wrong.”

The Basics:

Hometown: Fleming Island, Florida
Current city: Jacksonville, FL
Alma mater: University of North Florida *SWOOOP*
Degree: B.A., Sociology + Social Welfare
Very first job: My father has owned a used car lot for the last 30 years. When I was young he would bring me to his office and pay me to wash cars and learn paperwork.
Hustle: Wedding and Elopement Photographer, Yazi Davis Photography

The Interests:

Babe you admire and why?
Ashley Smith with Wisteria Events Jax is one of the hardest working women I know. She exudes confidence and kindness, and I just really want to be more like her.

What fictional character do you identify with most + why?
A lot of people say I remind them of Jessica Day from New Girl. If I’m being honest, I’m definitely a minion from Despicable Me.

One album, no skips: what are you listening to?
Suburbia I’ve Given You All and Now I’m Nothing by The Wonder Years

The Hustle:

Tell us about your hustle.

Have you heard the saying “I left my 9 to 5 so I could work 24/7?” That’s what it’s like being a photographer. As owner of Yazi Davis Photography, I probably spend 15% of my time actually taking photos. Everything else is spent editing, emails, client consults, and marketing—oh, and freaking taxes. There is always work to be done. As soon as a gallery is edited, there’s about five more right behind it. I used to work in child services, so being a social worker I learned some pretty awesome time management skills. I have implemented those skills into my business. For example, I have a weekly task calendar and only work on certain things each day of the week.

How long have you been pursuing photography? How has your style evolved since?

Both of my parents were super into photography. I guess you could say that I have been pursuing photography since I was a kid, rockin’ that pink Fujifilm digital camera. I took that thing everywhere! I have always loved photos, they tell a story—and photography is the only opportunity we have to truly “freeze” time. I think it’s important that we keep evolving as individuals. My style and the way I edit is consistently based on what I like and what I want others to feel when they receive their gallery. Trends change, but the root of my work will always be to love and serve my clients. It’s all about capturing those sweet, in between moments that make you feel something.

What do you look for in potential clients? What’s most important to you in your professional relationships?

I LOVE meeting new people. I like to meet my clients in-person, or at least have a phone consultation before they book their wedding with me. The more I know my client, the better I can serve them. I love connecting with people; I want to help others feel comfortable enough to let their guard down and get a little weird. That’s where the real magic is: when people can look back on their photos and feel that genuine emotion. One of the most rewarding things for me is the relationships and friendships I’ve made through my business. Some of my best friends started as clients.

Tell us about The Come Up. What do you hope attendees get out of these workshops?

I wish I had a mentor when I first started my business. Sure there were people I talked to or second shot weddings for, but most people didn’t have the time to invest in me—even though I was willing to pay someone to help me out. Not even with just the photography piece of it, but all the little things that help a business run. My goal for The Come Up is to equip and encourage photographers to just get after it. There’s enough business in Jacksonville for everyone. We can learn so much from each other and still maintain our individuality. Your clients choose you for a reason.

How have your past professional and academic experiences and lessons prepared you for the work you do?

I’m a team player through and through. I love a great team of vendors on a wedding day. My goal is to make sure my couples get exactly what they want/need from me. Obviously it’s photos, but sometimes I also have to pull out my social worker deescalating tactics. The wedding day can be stressful, and I’m pretty good at keeping the environment calm while moving things along.

How has being a woman impacted your professional experiences? What can we collectively do to support and empower women in your industry today?

Honestly, there was a local photographer I met several years back when I really started pursuing my business who really made me sit back and think, “I do not want anyone to ever feel the way she made me feel.” It's nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice. I want other photographers in our community to know that I am here for them, regardless of what stage they’re at.

What do you like to do in your free time and outside of photography?

I love being outside and being active. My favorite thing to do is ride bikes with my family to the beach and get ice cream.

What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career thus far?

I’m really proud of myself for leaving my 9-5 job to fully commit to my business. Four years ago I was working crazy hours trying to run my business and work my full-time job. If I can talk anyone into leaving their full-time job for their passion, I will. The fear was real, but the reward is greater.

Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?

Gosh, there are so many. Each of these women are so different, yet each one strives to serve their clients—and I just love that. I’m always so inspired by Celeste Burns, Stefanie Keeler, Lauren Bowser, Melissa Wright, Ashly Grano, Angelica Pompy, Halle Morgan, and Nicole Kiesling.

Career and/or life advice for other babes?

You should definitely quit your 9-5 to pursue your passion—unless the 9-5 is your passion. I want everything I do to be rooted in love, even when I don’t “feel” like it. When your approach is to love and serve your clients, you can’t go wrong.

Connect with Yazi:

Instagram / Website / Email

This interview has been condensed and edited.

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