BY INDY MAEALASIA
WHAT began as a passion for photography has now blossomed into a thriving side-hustle business for Jason Gagame.
The fourth of five children, Jason hails from northern Malaita and is a self-taught photographer based in Honiara.
Jason’s interest in photography developed while pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and International Affairs at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji, which he completed in 2020.
“During my time at university, after going to the library for studies, I would surf online and watch numerous tutorials on YouTubes and getting inspiration from professional photographers. I would spend countless hours looking through magazines and books,” he recalled.
Armed with his first Canon camera, Jason sought to refine his new skills and techniques through every available opportunities
“After studies or on the weekends, I would go out and get pictures of just anything” he said. “I would attend contemporary arts events occasionally held at the university and just snap photos,” he stated.
As a beginner, Jason focused on perfecting his skills rather than earning money. “I began without having interest in money basically doing it out of my passion. I just wanted to learn more about photography” he explained.
His efforts began to pay off as he gained recognition for his work online and started receiving small gigs During holidays in the Solomon Islands, Jason volunteered with various organizations, which occasionally led to paid work.
However, his journey hasn’t been without challenges “To be honest, being in the photography business is one of the most expensive business, this is because of the equipment used in the whole process of photography,” Jason noted.
He also faces difficulties managing client expectations. “People have different expectations, like they think pictures you take on mobile phones are the same quality with those taken on professional cameras which is totally different,” he said.
Additionally, Jason emphasized that photography is incredibly time-consuming, “It is Time consuming, a lot of hours I do work is not paid hours that I entirely commit too. Whenever clients ask for discount is a big challenge” he said.
Jason provides photography services for a variety of events, including weddings, individual sessions, corporate events, and travel photography. He has been contracted with companies, Non-Government Organization and Sports Federations.
“Entirely based on info given by clients, and the packages I offer, I provide them with a final package and work according to it” he explained.
Due to the nature of the side-hustle business, delivery times typically range from three to five working days, or up to one or two weeks for busier periods, depending on client communication.
Despite these challenges, Jason’s passion for photography keeps him motivated, “I think what keeps me going is the passion I have for photography. Overtime, I have learned a lot on what it takes to be in this business,” he added.
He emphasized that his business has open many doors of opportunities,” It took me places, meet people I thought I will never meet and allows be to create networks”.
Describing himself as “not much of a talker”, he finds comfort in pictures where he can be creative and freely relay the message he wants to share with others.
“I won’t stop here and hope to grow big and be able to inspire other young photographers. I want to give them hope to always believe in themselves and pursue their dreams” Jason added.
To view some of Jason’s magnificent work, visit his Facebook page, ‘Jason Gagame Photography’.
