Matthew Schmoll // Fort Wayne, IN

Ive known Matt for some time and this is the second time I have shot him. He is an awesome kid with such a good attitude on life, It's humbling. Matt has been into skateboarding and music for some time so I most definitely incorporated that into the shots I took. Before this shoot I really sat down and mapped out my shots/poses etc. I even drew up a story board on paper which was something I've never done but I'm now a believer cause it worked for sure. I woke up knowing that I had to set the bar with this shoot. Its 2012 and I, as a photographer needed to progress and shine through and I am so stoked at the final product. success achieved! Matthew informed me that he has been accepted to Ball State for Journalism! Proud of this kid. I wish him the best of luck in the future. ...and my favorite shot from out session from 2010...

...is it shameless self promotion?

Ive been weighing my options on this matter and the conclusions Ive drawn are that as a working photographer I have to market myself and Im going to have to ask for help somewhere along the way or Im not going to be able to make it. bottom line! Ive barely cut my teeth in the photo industry. Ive booked maybe 45-50 clients in three years. That may sound like a lot to some and I appreciate every one of them. They were all fun in their own right and I set out to up the bar every time I go out and shoot clients so I can stay one step above the rest but with zero marketing I am barely treading water.

In 2009 I focused most of my efforts to photograph abandoned architecture, schools and the like. Basically get in the car and drive to the most rural of locations to see what I could find. This proved itself to be fruitful in most cases. Always loving to educate I was drawn to the abandonment of old one room schools and multi-room schools. I sense started a project that spanned almost 2 years with intend of publishing a book called Brick by Brick. Having shot over 180 abandoned schools in the state of Indiana. I sat down for layout and looking at self publishing and realized I just dont have the financial means to make this work and still provide for my family and live life. I sense started with a site called Kickster.com to help lauch this book.

Brick by Brick, a photographic journey by Jeremy Jacobs

So far only one backer. Im getting there with hope that I can pull this off. I have also started selling prints of mine from the various schools Ive shot over the past two years with the proceeds going to printing and shipping with the remainder going to fund the book. I signed up with Instaproofs.com which I have sold one print so far.
JJacobsphotography Prints

I have even sense started a proper URL which directly link the viewer to this blog which I use just about as much as any proper website until I can get things up and going with a legit layout, folders and info. This will work for now.

No one ever said it was going to be easy. No one ever said the world would come catering to me but I will hustle and work my rear end off to accomplish and establish myself in this photography world with the tools I have and continue to persevere no matter how small the mark...that mark has been made!

Thank you for reading!

Personal Work: Set 3. Chanute Airforce Base.

Spring is shaping up nicely in the Midwest however I cant seem to shake this restlessness off during my downtime no matter if its a full day to a few hours. No rest for the weary I guess. I have known about this location for some time. Chanute AFB was built in the late teens and has sat abandoned since 1993 with the exception of some local businesses and retirement communities using the buildings. These photos were shot in White Hall, which was the only location that I ventured to. It within itself was massive leaving 4 floors to explore with many offices and remnants of what was leaves a smile on my face. "...And by shooting I don't mean it has to be client work. Personal work is even better. Self assignments close to your heart are gold" -Zack Arias.