Jason Morrison, currently resides in McDonough, Georgia. Jason has had a successful career in photography and graphic design. Most recently, he has partnered with his brother-in-law and started the photography firm, JayMar Photography. Jason has this true passion for his work, and loves to share his knowledge with other creatives. He has been published in a number of magazines and has been awarded a few awards for his work.

Jason was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions for us to enjoy.

How did you get started with the type of career you are in now? Was it something you always wanted to do?

Photography was not necessarily something that I had always wanted to do.  Something artistic was.  I have always been involved with art, as far back as I can remember.  I pursued it heavily in high school and even further in college.  The progression into photography for me has been gradual and began more so with graphic design, which I would say was the gateway to what I do now.

Describe for us what a usual workday would be like.

Right now, photography is a part-time venture.  During the day, I impersonate a graphic & web designer.  My daily routine, after coffee, consists of a variety of design and web maintenance. Since maintain a rather large site, the frequency of requests to the webmaster can be many throughout the day.  I also design printed collateral and logos for various initiatives. One great aspect to my job is that every day is different.  I can walk in the door expecting to work strictly on the web and end up working on a large printed piece.  So that part I enjoy.

What is the toughest project you have taken on? What was your favorite one?  Any others that stick out in your mind that you liked more than others?

The toughest project was one recently where a client called and wanted a shoot in a studio. It was a birthday party for her daughter and she was bringing several of her friends along for some studio fun. I believe we had about ten 13 year old girls in the studio getting their pictures taken. It was really tough for me and my business partner to keep the creative juices flowing but the challenge was actually a good one and kept us on our toes.

Where do you get your inspiration?  Do ideas just pop into your head, or do you have other artists you look to for that magical spark?   What sites do you frequent?

It really varies.  Some music does the trick.  There are times when ideas pop into my head and other times it takes combing the web looking at the work of others.  I have found it quite helpful to not look strictly at other photographers work, but all artists.  You never know where that spark might come from. I have learned to keep a small journal with me just in case something pops into my head that I want to keep for later. As for websites, there are a ton: www.angryblue.com, www.damnengine.net, www.zarias.com, www.hydro74.com, www.fatoe.com, www.eyesuckink.com, www.scrapbookmanifesto.com, www.artcoup.com, www.deanzulich.com, www.digitalapocalypse.com, www.thefivemilegrace.com, and a slew of photographers on Flickr.  I am sure I am forgetting some.

What type of hardware and software setup do you use for work and home?  What kind of photography equipment do you shoot with?

I have a PC and a Mac setup in the mancave upstairs at the house.  Most of my graphic design work is done on the PC and all of the photography processing is done on the Mac.  The more I use the Mac the less I want to use the PC.  I use a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop for processing and organizing photos.

I shoot with a Nikon D700 and a variety of lenses. I have a Nikon D80 for a backup but it rarely comes out of the bag.  My business partner shoots with a Nikon D3 and similar lenses.  It is great for us on a shoot because we have a great collection of glass to select from.  When he is using one lens I dont have to worry about that shot, because he is getting it.  It frees me to think differently and work with another lens.

You seem to have a number of published works, articles, or photoshop resources in magazines.  Is there a secret to getting your name out to these magazines and getting one’s work published?

I think the two things that have helped me the most have been longevity and also putting free resources out there.  For my blog, dubtastic.com, I have had that site around for quite a while now.  I have always tried to put free Photoshop resources up there which helps drive traffic to the site.

What is the one thing you most enjoy about your career?

Photography for me is freeing.  I dictate whether I succeed or fail and make the decisions about the work.  I like talking with people during a shoot and knowing that my work is helping them pursue goals of their own as well.

Is there another side to you that not a lot of people know about?  Do you have any hidden talents that are not showcased?

I make the best breakfast.  Seriously.  Nobody even wants to test me on that for they will perish.  Aside from that, I actually enjoy writing but sadly I have done little to pursue that.  One of my goals before I die is to author my own book.

What advice and insight can you give other individuals wanting to achieve your level of work and status in the design community?

Be a nurse or doctor instead.

What is your middle name?

Frederick.  It was my grandfather’s name on mother’s side.  For the longest time I used to be embarrassed by it for some reason.  I guess it was not really common.  But I am proud of it.  My grandfather was a very kind and intelligent man.

What is the best way to survive a zombie attack?

Don’t get bit!  There is no one fool proof plan.  The best way to survive the coming tides of darkness is to continually run through scenarios.  If you are out to eat with your spouse or friends, think about what you would do if the zombies attacked.  How would you survive at work, at home, etc.?  Keep thinking through, stay armed, and stay alive.

If there is any more interesting details bout yourself you would like to share, please do.

For those looking to pursue this as a career, develop your own style.  Get comfortable in your own shoes.  Draw from inspirations that keep you going and keep you creative.  Do not be afraid of putting your work out there or getting negative feedback.  In the end, it is about what makes you happy and what makes your client happy.

You can find Jason’s flickr stream at the following link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/soufwes/

Jason’s Blog.
http://blog.dubtastic.com/

JayMar Photography.
http://www.jaymarphotography.com