Unlike Texas, things in New Mexico are small. Or rather, they are tight-knit, especially in Albuquerque. The community of Fashionistas/os is well-versed in the best places around town to shop and the different scenes. As such, there’s one business that’s been coming up with a reputation for taking on creative projects and, of course, photographing great headshots—JAK Media. Be it taking gorgeous event photos, quirky wedding snaps or standout headshots, JAK’s got it covered. So I figured it was time I sat down with the minds behind JAK to talk fashion, photography and a few cool projects.
Name: Austin Madrid and Kendra Crooks
Role: Co-Owners, JAK Media
CollegeFashionista: How do you describe JAK Media?
Austin Madrid: It’s a media company focused on developing local businesses by doing promotional videos and promotional photography—helping local business professionals to get jobs or just to broaden their network. We like to do a lot of non-profit work, projects that we can get behind.
CF: What type of non-profit work?
Kendra Crooks: Well, we recently did a video on Albuquerque’s Creative Mornings application—Albuquerque’s the newest Creative Morning city. We also work with Food Karma, which is a pay-as-you-go food bank, and that’s exciting. Earlier in the year, we did a Breast Cancer Awareness Calendar as well.
CF: What was the Breast Cancer Awareness Calendar shoot like?
KC: It was interesting because even though there were no clothes, fashion still played a role with the makeup. Aesthetics convey the message. We wanted to encompass their persona. So even though there was no actual clothing, it was still about conveying a message through the makeup and photography.
CF: Following that, how have you noticed the intersection between fashion and photography?
AM: For me, I’ve never paid as much attention to how I dress as I do now that I have a business. People don’t trust a creative in a suit.
KC: You really have to present yourself for your clients.You have to balance between creative and professional, blending in but still looking presentable.
Learn More: Check out JAK Media on Facebook and on their website.
