Get to Know the Photographer: Jaire Byers

MODA Blog is lucky to work with a talented group of photographers. Today, we would like to showcase first year Jaire Byers who has taken photos for Quad Style and Campus Coffee Spots!

Tell us a little about yourself!

I always hate this question, to be honest. It's a frightening test of how modest or how self-assured you are, and I never really know which side I lean towards. I guess we can start with that: I'm not good at talking about myself on cue, so I'll let other people do the talking. I'm an INFJ and a Libra—figure out the rest.

Why did you pick up photography?

This is corny, but I think photography picked me up. I always admired photographers since I was a kid, and I struggled in trying to become one, feel like one. I eventually gave up. And, it wasn't until I joined my high school's yearbook staff during my senior year that I realized that all I needed to do to become a photographer is to start looking at the world like a journalist does—like every person and every place is waiting to share their story. Photography taught me how to do that.

Where do you draw inspiration?

I'm definitely most inspired by my photographer peers (shout-out to my friends Gabe Barrón and Yamini Nambimadom)—they make me want to be more creative, to be more curious, to be more in awe of the world around me.

What’s your favorite shoot you’ve ever done?

I would probably say this latest shoot I did with May Malone at Wyatt's Wall behind Cemitas Puebla. I'm used to airy, romantic photography, and here I was pushed out of my comfort zone with the unnaturally bright colors and the grungy environment. It made me question what my signature photography look actually is, and it got me excited about consciously trying to develop and establish it in the future.

Any advice to students trying to get into photography?

Don't think you need expensive equipment to be a photographer—don't let that stop you. It's all in the principle. You can take great photos with just your phone if you're taking the photos the right way and for the right reasons. Likewise, you can take bad photos with an expensive DSLR if you think the technology will do the artistic work for you. Just get out there and start. Let the world teach you how to look at it. Save the mastery and sophistication for later.

Check out his portfolio for more photos here!

All images courtesy of Jaire Byers