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

Hi Jocelyn, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose a creative career because it is really the only thing I can do. I know that’s not exactly awe-inspiring, but it’s true. I was lucky in realizing young that art was the only avenue that would really fulfill me. I found that no matter what task I was assigned, my mind would inevitably travel to some story to tell or some picture to take. Artistry makes the world tangible to me, so art is what I do. 

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.
My art feels like it has a pretty wide range if I’m being honest. My business tends to follow my art in that I sell what I take and I take what I live. From selling landscapes of my travels, raising awareness through covering civil rights events, to booking quinces or family portraits, Bernadette River has seen it all. Most of my clients come by word of mouth, a friend of a friend. The stock images I sell are from travelling abroad and just letting my camera find its own magic. It isn’t always easy, there are certainly dry spells, but that is when you put your head down and get to the real work. When you can do nothing else, create. The rest will come.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well, if we’re talking Bernadette River, I have to give a shout out to the guy who gave me the idea. Travis Ryan (of Travis Ryan Photography) is a friend and fellow creative who tossed up the idea of starting an Instagram page. It was just something to try, somewhere to share my work. I came up with the name (a shout out to my home in the Inland Empire) in about ten minutes and started posting. As my brand has grown, TRP has been a supporter and collaborator whose contributions you’ll find across the span of Bernadette River’s history. I also am blessed to be surrounded by a community of artists from Moreno Valley and surrounding areas. Ryan White Photography, Tino Relz, and Memories by Mya are just a few of the members of this little family of creatives. Keep an eye out for collaborations!

Website: https://www.bernadetteriver.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernadette_river/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bernadetteriverphotography/
Other: A Bernadette River x TRP Collaboration can also be found featured in “BOOTSTRAPS” an essay by Elyn Niel. https://vocal.media/families/bootstraps https://medium.com/@enielwrites/bootstraps-652547cdfadb

Image Credits
Collaborations with Travis Ryan Photography

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