Inspiring Journeys from Passion to Print: Power To Our Pros Week

Author: Gabrielle Grace

The Power to Our Pros: Inspiring Journeys from Passion to Print
Welcome to Pro Week! This June, Printique is shining a spotlight on incredible photography professionals. Our “Power to Our Pros” series celebrates creators from all walks of life – from hobbyists turned pros to seasoned experts in editorial and fine art. We’re diving into the magic of different print materials and how photographers use them to tell stunning stories that last a lifetime.

Iovany Meslab: From Welding to Worldwide Wedding Wonder
Iovany Meslab’s path to becoming a professional photographer is truly extraordinary. At 25, a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis prompted this former welder to make a life-changing decision: pursue a graphic design degree. It was during a required photography class that everything clicked. “I instantly fell in love with the camera,” Iovany shares, sparking a new philosophy to live life with no regrets, pouring his heart into everything.

Now 40, Iovany has embraced this mindset, traveling the world with his camera. He’s photographed countless events, worked with celebrities and musicians, and even spent time in NYC with renowned photographer Lindsay Adler. His mission isn’t just about teaching photography; it’s about inspiring others to “embrace and develop the unique talents God has given them.” Iovany’s story is a powerful reminder that passion, even in the face of challenges, can lead to a profoundly fulfilling life and a lasting creative legacy.

Kyle Batson: The Traveler & The Magic in the Mundane
Kyle Batson, our featured “Traveler,” finds deep inspiration in the everyday. “My inspiration is a curiosity of the mundane,” he explains. He believes his camera performs “wonderful alchemy,” transforming familiar scenes into something remarkable. This unique perspective shines in his work, like a drone photo of a mining site’s tailings pond that evokes the beauty of a stellar nebula. Or his captivating image of a cleaner in Rajasthan, India, whose “pink, flowing sari elevates her to the center of her own artistic moment.”

For years, Kyle has trusted Printique to bring these visions to life.

“I’ve been using Printique for many years. I have tried other vendors, but I have always thought of Printique as the highest value with excellent quality and color correction,” he shares.
His go-to for printing? The Fine Art Hahnemuhle Bamboo paper with low texture.
“I prefer a matte texture to my prints that retains an excellent representation of color with high contrast,” he notes, emphasizing his commitment to showcasing his art with precision.
Kyle’s work proves that beauty exists everywhere, and his dedication to print ensures every detail of his craft shines through.

Jacklyn June: Embracing Evolution and the Power of Print
Jacklyn June’s journey as a professional photographer offers an honest look at growth, self-belief, and adapting in a fast-paced creative world. We interviewed Jacklyn this winter to hear about her process and how she co-founded her own shoot space.

Key Insights from Jacklyn:

Confidence is Key: “I still wrestle with self-doubt in my craft,” she admits, highlighting a common challenge. Yet, she champions continuous growth and openness to change.
A Turning Point: Her “breakthrough moment” wasn’t a single event but a shift during COVID lockdowns. She dove into learning retouching, lighting, and exploring her personal style, gaining foundational knowledge that built confidence.
Navigating Technology: Jacklyn values tools like AI that boost productivity without compromising vision, especially with chronic illnesses. “I think it’s essential to grow with the times, but without losing sight of the heart of what it means to be an artist.”
Her Most Impactful Work: A self-portrait inspired by Frida Kahlo’s ‘The Two Fridas’ powerfully conveys her journey through loss and chronic illness. “That photo will always be my favorite… because it tells my story.”
Why Print Matters: While social media offers a voice, “a web portfolio offers a more polished, professional presence.” But printing is different: “We live in a digital world, but we are not digital beings; we’re humans having a human experience. When I print my work, I feel proud. I get to hold what I created… And to me, that feels a little bit like magic.”
Jacklyn’s story reminds us that art is a powerful voice for connection and expression, and that physical prints hold a unique, lasting magic.

Inspiring Journeys from Passion to Print: Power To Our Pros Week

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