Behind the Lens: Meet Student Photographer Jamail Barnes
Student Jamail Barnes (he/him), known on social media as Chasin’ Clips, has made a name for himself as a talented student photographer with a unique vision and passion for storytelling. A senior marketing major with a minor in digital media, Barnes’ journey into photography was anything but planned.
What started as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a promising creative career. Barnes initially gained attention through his YouTube channel, where he created entertaining content, including interviews and social challenges for an audience of 12,000 subscribers. When the pandemic eliminated in-person interactions, he found himself being captivated by fashion and creative expression.
“I started falling in love with fashion and being able to just create things on my own,” he recalled.
Barnes’ passion for creativity led him to establish his own clothing brand, which gained significant support from his community and beyond. However, his entrepreneurial path took a turn when financial challenges led him to start photographing his own shoots. With just a basic YouTube camera and lots of determination, Barnes began capturing images that resonated with his growing audience.
One of Barnes’ most significant early breakthroughs came from collaborating with other creatives. He credits his local photographer and videographer friends for teaching him fundamental skills such as composition and storytelling.
Reflecting on his growth, Barnes shared, “I feel like I improved the most by being able to accept failures and learn from them. A lot of people tend to quit when they mess up, but I’ve learned to keep going.”
At the heart of his craft is storytelling through the camera lens. Barnes believes that each photo should convey a narrative, capturing more than just an image.
“I feel like it’s so important, whether it’s video or photo, to tell a story in that one frame,” he explained. This commitment to storytelling is what sets his work apart and keeps his audience engaged.
Chasin’ Clips has since evolved into a unique brand known for its versatility and storytelling through photography. From birthday shoots to editorial work, Barnes is dedicated to ensuring that each image tells a story. His commitment to personal growth and community has also led to the establishment of a collective called Weakitude, where creatives come together for conceptual photo shoots.
Key components of Barnes’ creative process are planning and adaptability. Before a shoot, he connects with his clients to understand their vision and what story they want to tell. He then creates detailed mood boards, selects locations, plans lighting setups, and even prepares poses that fit the concept. “I try to figure out who they are and see what photoshoot would best portray them,” he explained.
Despite all the preparation, he knows that unexpected issues can arise on the day of a shoot. “If things don’t work out, you just gotta improvise on what to do next,” he said. Whether it’s a lighting issue or a technical problem, Barnes remains calm and resourceful. “Practicing the lighting or studying it can help a lot. If you’re missing a light or if your battery’s dead, you can still improvise with what you got,” he noted.
As a Christian creative, faith also plays a pivotal role in Barnes’ journey as a photographer. He often leans on his faith in God during challenges, including the pressures of running a photography studio. He recalls a moment of uncertainty when he feared not being able to pay rent. “There’s times where I didn’t think I was going to be able to pay the rent the next month. But out of nowhere, I got a random crazy booking, and it paid off the rent,” he shared. Barnes believes that his faith helps him stay grounded and motivated despite obstacles.
Now, Barnes’ work has reached new heights, with his photos published in 1723 Magazine and more features coming soon. Yet, despite his achievements, he remains humble and focused on his journey. “It’s not about the equipment or having the most expensive gear. It’s just really your heart. If you’re passionate, you’ll figure stuff out and grow along the way,” he said.
Looking ahead, Barnes aspires to build something bigger—a production agency that would serve as a platform for other creatives. “I want to be a source for other people to grow,” he said. His passion for uplifting others is evident not only in his own success but also in his dedication to helping fellow artists thrive.
Those looking to work with Barnes can message him directly on Instagram @chasinclips.
