Meet Princess-Najuma Dawkins | Freelance Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Princess-Najuma Dawkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Princess-Najuma, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started out taking pictures for my friends using my cell phone. I enjoy doing it in fact and one day a good friend of mine was like “Why don’t you start taking pictures for a living? And that kept festering in my mind and I made that leap during Covid like everyone else. I always wanted to be a photographer, since I was in my early 20’s in Jamaica. Knew several people who took party pictures within the well known club/nightlife scenes and I always envisioned myself doing something along those lines and even beyond. But life happened and I started my family so it was at the back of my plate until 2020.

So to answer the question, what was my thought process behind starting my photography business was the age old question we all ask ourselves, simply put “why not start a business doing what I enjoy and love?”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from other photographers, is my eye for eccentric photography. I try not to be like everyone else and a big part of that comes from my personality. The jamaican in me is wired to say “everything is irie” meaning nice or pleasing. To some extent the words of the great Bob Marley “Dont worry, be happy!” does resonate very well with me growing up. Rarely you see me without a smile on my face and I also love to laugh at the small things, it makes everything  easier. Professionally I take what I do seriously and I like to listen to my clients when they tell me their vision or ideas so I can make it come alive for them. I also enjoy taking the not so obvious picture perfect photos with candid shots which works out to be often time, the most loved shots from the photo sessions.

The challenges that I faced  in the beginning was not getting out there and marketing. I since then created my social media pages which allowed me to now have a social footprint and even booked a few sessions. Being a single mom that carries itself unique challenges with trying to get a business off the ground and maintaining it. But my kids are so awesome we make it work for us, they are very supportive and my son sometimes ventures out with me to help along with my clients.

I want the world to know that this lady from the Hellshire hills of Jamaica is a very talented photographer. Najuma Photography is the best at capturing the true essence in photography, and that is telling your stories and keeping memories alive!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Funny y’all should ask because one of the places I always, i mean absolutely always take anyone that is visiting me is the Stockyards! I love it, especially the live mock gun fight, the horse buggy ride and of course the texas longhorns. There are a few restaurants also a must go, since i am jamaican and missing the cuisines, both Murphy’s Mansion and Island Spot is a must. However, if it was more upscale I would definitely take them to Toro Toro in Fort Worth, for drinks and hanging out at Thirsty Lion or Boomer Jacks Grill. For attractions the Water Garden, Sundance Square(live music nights) and Botanical gardens in Fort Worth, depending on the time of year the State fair or the Dallas Zoo. Although not in Texas but a very short drive to Turners Falls, OK.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sasha, my very dear friend who kept in my ear about how good my pictures are, she kinda jump started my confidence. My dear Henry, who always always motivates me and in this instance encouraged me to take the leap of faith and to be my own boss. Most importantly my kids (Julian, Jenelle, Jessie) for helping with that spark to create content that they can be proud of now and forever!

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Facebook: Najuma Photography

Image Credits
Sarah Langer