Meet Jaidyn Jiron | Owner & Photographer

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

Hi Jaidyn, how do you think about risk?
I love the saying, “high risk, high reward,” because that’s how I started my business, and it’s become a motto I use frequently. A little over three years ago, I left one job that I had been with for a couple of years to work another retail position at a job with less of a commute for me. I’d been working there three days when I realized that it was an extremely toxic environment and, it was not the job for me. I did something out of character for me, but I walked out at the end of my shift one day and told them I wasn’t coming back. I sold most of my jewelry and invested the money I made from that and my last paycheck into starting my business. It was a huge risk, but I couldn’t be more glad that I took it. I think most entrepreneurs will tell you that to succeed, it’s necessary to take risks. Last year I felt I was becoming a little stagnant in my business and wasn’t working on projects that ignited my passion. This year I decided to change my target audience and market myself solely as a wedding and couple’s photographer. Since doing this, not only has my business grown financially, but I am working on projects that excite me. I have grown not just as a photographer in a creative sense, but I’m also exploring different business ventures.

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.
I have always loved taking photos, but what I love most is documenting people’s story’s through images. I walk into every shoot intending to capture emotion, authenticity, and candid connections between people. It’s taken a lot of trial and error from a creative standpoint to document genuine emotion, but I now feel like I’m able to reach that goal with every single shoot. There’s nothing that I love more than when my clients tell me that they walked into their session nervous but left with a great experience and with images that capture them.

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?
In another life I was a tour guide, because I really have some great recommendations for where to eat, hangout, visit, and drink in San Diego! First place I would go to is Crack Shack in Little Italy, it’s right by the airport and it’s a great little place to hangout with outdoor seating. After that I would spend the afternoon walking around Little Italy and I would definitely stop for some ice cream at Salt & Straw. If you’re there on a Wednesday or Saturday you must stop at the farmer’s market!

Day two would consist of donuts from Donut Bar, some Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee from Cafe Moto (they serve that there), walking around Coronado, and chilling on the beach. I would for sure stop in Park Place Deli and get myself the El Diablo.

The next day would be for visiting La Jolla, starting the day off with a hike at Torrey Pines. Then explore and do some shopping, stop for lunch at The Taco Stand, visit the seals, go tide pooling, and check out Sunny Jim Sea Cave. Dinner would be at Din Tai Fung in the UTC mall because it is one of the most amazing restaurants!

Day four: brunch at Breakfast Republic in Liberty Station and then we’d check out some of the cute stores like Pigment and Moniker General. Next on the list of places to check out is, Stone Brewing Co. for a beer flight and snacks. After we’ve seen all there is to see we’d head to Old Town and check out more small shops! Dinner would be at Cafe Coyote and a couple of margaritas would be enjoyed. You have to order the tortillas as an appetizer to enjoy, they’re handmade on-sight!

Day five would be reserved for the San Diego Zoo and checking out the USS Midway Museum. These two things are very touristy places to explore in town, but worth checking out!

On the final two days in town I would rent some jet skis or take a sailboat out and tour San Diego from the Bay! Tacos from Tacos El Gordo are the absolute best you’ll find. An afternoon of mini golf and enjoying ice cream from the Sweet Shoppe at Belmont Park is a total blast! And you have to catch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be wear I’m at today if it wasn’t for my husband’s constant encouragement and support. He has helped me every step of the way and has always cheered me on from the start. Through all my triumphs and failures he’s been there to celebrate with me as my business grows and I couldn’t be more thankful I have him on my team.

Website: jaidynmichele.com

Instagram: instagram.com/jaidynmichelephoto or @jaidynmichelephoto

Image Credits
All images taken by Jaidyn Michele Photography