Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Jemison.
Hi Naomi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Like many others, I was that girl with the camera in high school. I didn’t fully know how to use it, but I brought it with me every where I went. I took photos in auto mode of everything under the sun. At 17 when my cousin was expecting her first child, she asked if I would be willing to snap some photos of her on the beach to capture her maternity. Her expectations were low, she said “It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, I just want something to document this time in my life”. As a gift to her, I spent the next few weeks researching and learning how to use the camera in manual mode, posing ideas, and editing techniques. I wanted to surprise her by knocking her socks off with her maternity session. Not only did I succeed in surprising her, I surprised myself with how much I loved it! I had been taking photos for a while, but I loved diving deep into the technicality of the medium and taking the reigns on posing and sculpting the frame. I was immediately hooked. I went home and made a facebook business page that night, and never looked back.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting into photography so young was mostly a blessing, but trying to build a business while in school and working full time was definitely challenging. Luckily I really loved what I was doing, so it made the grind a little easier, but it took many sleepless nights to get to where I am now. I thought about quitting many times, but I am so grateful I stuck it out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer here in Central Florida, but I travel all over (I’m actually passenger princess-ing on the way to photograph a wedding in North Carolina right now as we speak!). I would say my specialty is making people feel comfortable to be themselves in front of the camera. I strive to create & capture genuine moments for my clients, and that always starts with building their trust and comfort with me. I am known for being silly and goofy, and eliminating any awkwardness or tension for my clients. My goal is for even the most awkward people feel effortless during my photo sessions. One of my proudest moments was when a client was so nervous before their photo session that they were literally brought to tears; and in one hour I was able to bring them out of their shell and have an awesome photo shoot with them that ended with them saying “that was so easy I had nothing to be afraid of. You made me feel like a million bucks, I never would have imagined I would leave this experience feeling so amazing about myself”. For me, it is so much more than just taking pretty pictures. Showing people the beauty of their own authenticity is the best part of it for me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The most important thing contributing to me doing my best in life is keeping my mental health as a priority. My car is my rolling library, and I am constantly listening to podcasts and audio books about mental health and wellness. My favorite podcast is called We Can Do Hard Things. The list of books I love is a mile long, but I will say I have had “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins on repeat lately,
Pricing:
- Weddings starting at $2,900
- Adventure Elopements starting at $1,800
- Photo Sessions starting at $290
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naomijemison.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomi_jemison/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomijemisonphotography/
Image Credits
Naomi Jemison Photography
https://naomijemison.com
