What’s up! My name is Jerrad
I’m 23 years old, proud husky owner, and a huge sports fan! Sports are the biggest reason why I got into photography, and slowly began to love all types of Photography. From game days, to wedding days, I love being able to capture special moments for the people I meet!
Hanging out with friends and family is one of my favorite things to do. I have the absolute best girlfriend ever in Tatiana, who means the world to me. I have a younger brother named Brenden, who has been my best friend forever. I own a pomsky named Snickers who is the fluffiest dog you will ever meet. He has heterochromia, meaning he has 2 different colored eyes and I believe makes him even cooler. (I’ll add some pictures of him below if you want to see him)
How I got Started:
My photography journey started after I just finished my 2nd year of college. I was pursuing Marketing at the time, and although I didn’t mind taking those classes, I knew my heart wasn’t there. I decided to start looking at other interests. I wrote down many different ideas that I could pursue as a career path but ultimately I decided on Photography.
I saw DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College), had a Photography Program, I decided to take a chance at my passion and learn as much as I could. To anyone looking to start photography, I can’t recommend DMACC enough. David Purdy as the program chair truly knows what it takes to give the best amount of resources to upcoming students. With 3 full studios, and 10 product studio stations, it felt almost impossible to fail. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA, 2 certificates, and still keep in contact with David to this day. He has recommended me to many different jobs with most prominently being working at Primary Images in Des Moines with Chris Hennessey, working on projects for many clients, most notably Hy-vee.
I’m forever grateful to DMACC and the opportunities presented to me. I seriously don’t think I would be where I am at today if it wasn’t for that program. I hope in the future I can pay it forward someday, and inspire other upcoming Photographers.
What I’m Doing Now:
Currently, I operate my business Downer Photo LLC, here in the local Des Moines area, serving everyone throughout the Midwest! I am still doing assisting work for Primary Images, and I am so grateful to have that opportunity. I am also the Team Photographer for the Iowa Barnstormers, which has been an amazing experience to learn how to operate in a professional, fast paced environment. I love working with everyone from the Athletes, the Front Office, and all the staff members who make the experience possible.
If I’m not busy with those, I’m usually taking photos in my hometown for the Ankeny Fanatic as the Lead Photographer. I have worked there for over 2 years and has been the crucial stepping stone for me in my journey. It has allowed me to connect with my community, and grow my business into what it is now. Doing so, has allowed me to meet the parents of the athletes, take their senior photos, or do their family photos! It has been absolutely so much fun to be able to produce these images for the community and I have the Fanatic to thank for it.
When I have down time, I travel to visit my girlfriend in Minnesota, who is pursuing her career in Accounting. She has been my rock throughout my journey, always giving the best advice and never letting me give up. I have a big portion of my career thanks to her support and couldn't have done it without her. Snickers is the best travel buddy, keeping me company on those 3 hour drives there and back, making sure I don’t fall asleep at the wheel. His favorite hobbies include but not limited too Going Outside, playing with his best friend Bando, and sticking his head out the window when we drive.
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