There are plenty production studios in Atlanta, along with plenty creators that vary from: novice to hobbyist, all the way to career professional. Jai Merelus is a professional that purposely resides in the content creator space and has an established media career making content convert and creating moments that are memorable.
Jai Merelus
Event Videographer & Brand Photographer, Owner Media by Jai
In this interview Jai addresses some of the critique that’s been dealt her way and drops some wisdom for those looking to forage their distinction in the visual communication space that is marketing.
Specifically, what do you do?
I own a media agency where I focus on helping personal brands grow through strategic photo and video content. My goal isn’t just to create visuals, but to help my clients turn their content into multiple streams of income.
In short, I help personal brands monetize their content.
Content is the currency of social media for everyone at this point. What’s the difference, for you, between content marketing and just content?
There’s a huge difference between having content and actually using content as marketing. Anyone can post content, but without intention, it’s just sitting there.
Content marketing is strategic. It has a purpose, a direction, and a clear call to action. It takes the viewer on a journey—from watching to engaging to eventually purchasing.
That’s the difference: content exists, but content marketing converts.
Recently in a post, you said “I’m a videographer and content creator”, do you mean to make a distinction between the two?
I actually planned that post ahead of time because I wanted to highlight a key distinction. There are a lot of videographers right now, but not all of them are content creators.
As a videographer, I can film, edit, and deliver a final product without ever being seen on camera. But as a content creator, I have to show up differently. I have to be on camera, share behind-the-scenes moments, connect with viewers, and make the work relatable.
Because I help people grow and monetize their brands, I have to understand both sides. I can’t just create content—I have to think like the person who’s using it to build a business.
When you’re scouting places to create visual campaigns for clients, what’s important to you as a videographer that makes you want to book?
It always starts with the client. I have a conversation with them to understand their vision, their goals, and the results they’re looking for.
From there, I look for locations that can give us multiple looks so they have variety in their content. I also consider their budget and how flexible the space is creatively.
Communication is a big factor for me too. I reach out to the studio or owner ahead of time to make sure the vision can actually be executed. If communication isn’t smooth upfront, it can create problems during the shoot—and I want the experience to feel seamless for my client.
“Your equipment isn’t holding you back” is a comeback quip for some criticism you received… so here’s a very pointed inquiry: How does equipment matter to executing a vision?
That post came from a real place for me. Instead of holding onto that frustration, I turned it into something useful.
Both equipment and skill matter—but if I had to emphasize one, it’s skill. I’ve seen people create incredible work with minimal gear, and I’ve seen expensive equipment produce average results.
If you don’t understand how to use your camera—your ISO, aperture, and shutter speed—it won’t matter how much you spent. Mastery will always outperform price.
Production experiences are something you are familiar with capturing, what are some things about the production space that clients should tell you about before you show up?
Before I walk into any production space, I need to understand a few key things.
Lighting is first—whether they have a setup and how it works, or if I need to bring my own. Then I look at the size of the space so I know how to prepare—whether I need a full setup or something more minimal.
And honestly, the vibe matters too. Music plays a big role in my shoots. I come prepared with playlists so the environment feels right, because that energy translates into the final content.
You’ve shot in Le Cabinet Noire before. What makes the videography and photography experience in this studio valuable for your clients?
I loved shooting at LCN for a few reasons. First, it’s unique—you don’t see many production studios that offer both pole and non-pole rooms in the same space.
Beyond that, there’s a level of elegance and creativity that aligns with the type of visuals I create. My clients want that elevated, polished look, and LCN helps bring that to life.
Every time I shoot there, the content comes out with a distinct, luxurious feel, and the overall experience reflects that.
Photos: Courtesy Jai, Headshot and boudoir photography by @mediabyjai Profile and archive shots by @notakillah
Set Locations: Inside Le Cabinet Noire Studio, Mirror Immersive & The Parlour Lounge
Contact Information: Media by Jai – @mediabyjai on Instagram
Atlanta Content House
Join Jai and other photographers on Friday April 24, 2026 for 30–40 min session to receive 5 professionally edited photos (no raws this time), creative direction and content planning on-site.
Learn More: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWyvalVkS3X/
Career & Creator Studio Packages
Have a trusted and safe space to service your clients, build worlds and execute the creative visions you’ve imagined and planned utilizing every scene in the studio. Check out Le Cabinet Noire’s Media/Lens Creative Practice Package that’s available to photographers, videographers, directors, cinematographers, content creator groups, influencers and creative visionaries.
Learn more: https://lecabinetnoire.com/artist-creative-rental-packages/
About Inside Their Space Atlanta
As a profile column, Inside Their Space Atlanta takes you into the worlds of local artists and creatives to expose hidden wisdom and talent. Le Cabinet Noire Studio is a mysterious black box of wonder that gives creators the ability to make something out of nothing, and this column spotlights the brilliant human beings who are building and emerging out of darkness.