Was It Chance?

Step into a world where dance meets stillness, and artistry transcends boundaries. Join us as we uncover the magic behind James Jin's lens, where each click captures not just a moment, but a story. Discover how James's Artist Mindset transforms his subjects  into empowered, expansive artists, and learn why his work is more than just photography—it's a journey of self-discovery and expansion.  

James Jin is a Brooklyn-based artist, singer, educator, and photographer on a mission to transform the experience of being photographed and “seeing” ones self. Through his Artist Mindset photo session, James helps clients tap into their more expansive selves, capturing stunning moments that transcend far beyond the shutter click. His work, showcased on Instagram and his website, reflects a unique blend of photo shoot, therapy, and guided meditation. Alan and James's chance encounter at a "Pretty, Witty and Gay Cabaret" (hosted by past WIC guests Jasmine and Cassidy) event sparked a conversation about the transformative power of photography as live, in-action coaching. James creates a safe, empowering space for vulnerability to shine, helping his subjects become more expansive artists. He encourages artists to step out of their comfort zones believing that discomfort leads to profound learning and growth. 

Connect with James on his website and Instagram.

• Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance.
• More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
• More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

• Alan and James met by chance at one of Cas and Jas’s “Pretty, Witty and Gay Cabaret” events
• The James Jin process is about creating an environment where people can feel safe enough to open up to being vulnerable while on camera
• James wants to help his subjects feel empowered to do this work for themselves
• This is really a live, in-action coaching experience using the art of photography as the vessel
• This experience helps you be a more expansive artist
• James was in High School when he first picked up a camera but it wasn’t until post-college that he decided to make this a career.
• Dancers of New York was the “chance” encounter that really changed things for James. The idea of this was inspired by Humans of New York.
• His approach is “I will create opportunities for you to challenge yourself, go out of your comfort zone, and face your fears—because when you get better at doing those things consistently, you get closer to where you want to be.”
• Business school was how James learned NOT to do things. Ditching the “business as usual” approach.
• James credits Seth Godin for helping him think outside of the box with his work.
• The next phase of business is to work with artists for repeat sessions to build their confidence and support them as they grow and expand professionally 
• The moments filled with regret are also the moments where you learn the most and it’s a gift to embrace them.
• When you feel discomfort don’t run from it, explore it!

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