Meet Destiny Jones | Photographer

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

Hi Destiny, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
I am definitely one of those people that finds joy and happiness within making others happy. In a photography sense, one of my favorite moments is making a client laugh and being able to capture that natural smile. Many of my clients begin the session with a timid energy. It is very fulfilling to watch them slowly become more comfortable with every giggle. It is definitely a beautiful transformation!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Choosing boudoir as a niche was an easy decision for me. I watched several photographers from the sidelines, hoping and praying that someday I would be able to afford a boudoir photoshoot for myself. As a struggling single mom of three, this didn’t seem like something feasible for me. I watched many clients rave about their session with various photographers, mentioning how empowered and beautiful they felt afterward. I always had an interest in photography, as I took a few classes in high school, and my grandmother also emphasized the importance of a good photograph. As a millennial, I definitely had a few polaroid cameras as a kid, and don’t forget the disposable cameras. There’s always a rush in seeing how your photos turned out!
After many sleepless nights of research, YouTube videos and talking with friends, I decided, “What do I have to lose, really?” So, I did it. I bought my first “nice” camera secondhand. I forced myself to shoot in manual mode, learning all the specifics and how it worked, the causes and effects, etc. I took countless photos of my children, flowers, wildlife, pets, etc. I watched tutorials and did a lot of reading, I tried several photo editing programs until I found one that seemed to be understandable. I then would post in groups on social media, providing free photoshoots for families until a price tag seemed right.
Family photoshoots just didn’t connect with me, though. I quickly burned myself out. I wanted to help women feel beautiful, empowered and confident. But, I wanted to make sure this was accessible for them. Specifically, for people like me. Struggling mothers cannot afford astronomically priced photoshoots, yet ironically they’re the ones that need them the most. But what REALLY called to me were those feminine, all-enduring hearts out there. I knew I wasn’t alone in my struggles. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. We often lose ourselves when giving our all to others limitlessly.
I asked Savannah for her help, and she modeled for me out in the desert! Savannah is also a mother of four, so feeling that fire in her soul reignite was extra special for me. From that moment on, that’s when I knew that boudoir was the right fit for me.
Most boudoir photographers remain indoors though. I wanted to be different. I wanted to capture the beauty of earth and human in one photo. Those Arizona sunsets make for an excellent backdrop! Remaining outdoors also reduces cost, so that I can continue to be accessible for those of us who aren’t exactly rich.
I wasn’t exactly business savvy in the beginning, but that’s something I learn more about as I go. It has not been easy in the slightest, but it has definitely been worth it. I have learned many lessons the hard way, but I now get to hear my own clients raving about how empowered and beautiful they feel after their session with me. It doesn’t feel like “work” to me. I love to do it, and I feel very fortunate to have stumbled into this business. One lesson that has been the most difficult for me is learning my self worth. This is a lesson that I continue to work toward every day, and my business has absolutely helped me see it. I have discovered a passion and confidence within myself that I didn’t know existed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think most Arizonans can agree that the desert landscape is truly one of a kind. So, given the time of year, I would definitely focus on outdoor activities. We would go to the Sonoran Desert Museum after driving through Gates Pass. We would go hiking in Sabino Canyon, and up Tumamoc Hill. We could visit the Pima Air & Space Museum, Old Tucson, and possibly plan a day trip to Tombstone. As far as eating, I would definitely pencil in a visit to Lovin’ Spoonfuls, which is my favorite vegan restaurant in the area. Oh, and we can’t forget about Eegees!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This could definitely be a hefty list! I have so many friends that have volunteered to model for me, to aid me in bringing my creative vision to life. As a single mom of three, this has not always been an easy task. Those monotonous things like time and finances often get in the way. Photography is definitely the most time and money consuming hobby I have! Specifically though, my goal was to specialize in boudoir photography. I was riddled with self doubt in the beginning. I didn’t know where to begin, or how. My very first model to send me off through my boudoir journey was my friend, Savannah. Savannah has been encouraging, reassuring and dependable the entire time. I have asked her countless times, “Am I good enough for that, though?” She is quick to remind me of my talent and to give me the gentle nudge that I need to keep going. I can no longer count how many photoshoots we have done together!
Another friend that I would like to shoutout is Brian. We’ve had many, many talks just bouncing ideas off of each other and giving honest feedback. Brian has always thoughtfully encouraged me to keep going and has helped me recognize my self worth. He has even donated his time to dress up and participate in my horror themed shoots!
I am eternally grateful to have crossed paths with both Brian and Savannah, even if we don’t always see eye to eye.
I would also like to give recognition to my three children; Novallie, Acelyn and Lyla. Although they quickly grew bored of modeling for photos, they are a constant reminder of the pilar of strength I must continue to be for them. My oldest has watched me flourish with more understanding eyes, and my heart beams with pride when she proudly tells her peers “my mom is a photographer!” I do hope that while watching me relentlessly build up my business, they’ve absorbed valuable lessons and courage to do what calls them as they grow into adults.
It is also very important to give credit to all of my clients and followers! Even the ones that weren’t happy with their experience taught me a valuable lesson. Every share, like and comment has an impact in every small business! All in all, I have several acquaintances, friends, clients and relatives that deserve a huge thanks from me. Thank you all very much for your past, present and future support!

Instagram: @jonesstillshots

Facebook: Facebook.com/jonesstillshots

Other: jonesstillshots@gmail.com TikTok: shutupjonesy

Image Credits
Destiny Jones/Jones Stillshots