Meet Jourdain Quijas | Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jourdain Quijas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jourdain, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I lost my way creatively for a while and I came to a point in my career where I was seriously debating giving up. Despite the external validation, internally I was at war with comparison and devaluing my work. If it wasn’t for the persistent aching in my heart I might’ve put my camera down all together. Internally there was an innate desire to create and I wanted to reconnect with what made me feel centered when I am creating. So I made the choice to take the pressure off of myself to achieve success through someone else’s eyes and took a temporary hiatus to connect with myself. In this time, I learned that it is more than okay to shift courses, that giving up doesn’t make me worthless and instead it gave me the power to say no to what is not serving me. I am empowered now that I gave up my idea of what my career was supposed to look like and now embrace the uncertainty of the details as I press forward. Because when I am operating from my authentic self I can be the person I was made to be, and that person is not finished yet.Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I specialize in capturing the raw and authentic, unbelievably beautiful quirks that make you who you are. This is my focus because for so long I let negative self talk confuse my flaws for faults rather than seeing them as freckles that accented who I am. I love to help people embrace their freckled selfs and give them portraits that feel raw, real and genuine to who their authentic nature.Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a Dallas local I have many favorite spots in the city that are worth checking out! One of my top favorite places is Lula B’s Vintage Mall in the Design District. I love to put in my AirPods, turn on my favorite playlist and get lost into the many eclectic finds. When it comes to food, there are so many places to eat at here! I am almost certain I won’t be able to choose just one. I am a long time lover of Ziziki’s , The Standard Pour or Cattlelack Barbeque. And if we are talking about just something sweet then either The Salty Donut, Emporium Pies or Kessler Pies is going to win. If the weather is nice you can bet that might go over to Klyde Warren to enjoy either free entertainment or possibly join a free dancing class in the park. Or walking around Deep Ellum or Bishop Arts is always a great way to enjoy the city.The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
At the risk that I might sound like a cheesy acceptance speech at an awards show, I truly have too many people I would like to shoutout! I am an avid student of life and have loved my continued education outside of the formative four walls we are all accustomed to. I’ve been influenced by mentors such as: Wally Carnes, Sue Bryce, Peter McKinnon, David Suh, Dixie Dixon to authors Alex Wolfe and Alexandra Elle. Ultimately it has been the value, and encouragement poured into me by so many others that has been pivotal in my story.

Website: www.jourdain-quijas.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheusesacamera/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jourdain-quijas-a98387196/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheusesacamera/

Image Credits
Portrait of me – Monica Martinez