Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Jemison.
Hi Naomi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My passion for photography started in 2016 when the first cousin of my generation got pregnant. I was so excited, as this was the first baby in my family since, well, I was a baby. I had a camera at the time that I used to snap some photos on vacations and whatnot, but I didn’t fully know how to use it. She reached out to me and told me she couldn’t afford a photographer but really wanted to document her pregnancy and wanted to know if I could just take a few photos of her. “Nothing fancy.” As a surprise for her, I started hitting the books to learn how to use the camera and take better photos. I spent about a month taking notes and playing with the camera. After taking her photos in August of 2016, I was hooked for life! I knew immediately that I wanted to do this as a career someday. I eventually went on to attend the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies and have been photographing families, weddings, and everything in-between ever since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, if there aren’t any bumps in the road, you probably aren’t trying hard enough. I have had my moments where I wanted to throw in the towel. It can be a grind. So many nights of choosing editing over sleeping. Mistakes here and there. It’s all a part of the process, though and it is oh so worth it to be able to do what you love.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently specialize in portraiture. I photograph everything involving people. I love to meet new people and make connections, so I always knew I would go into the family/wedding realm. I think that’s what sets me apart from others too. When people hire me, they aren’t getting some person that shows up and clicks a button a few times and then leaves. I am there to answer questions and start meaningful conversations from the second they inquire until forever! Every single person I have ever photographed I genuinely consider a friend of mine. I’m proud to be able to connect with people on that level.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid-19 has taught me to be more adaptable. It is a very strange time to be a business owner, and it has been so important to be flexible during this time in order to stay afloat. It is a great test, though. I think if your business can survive this, it can probably survive anything!
Contact Info:
- Email: naomijemison@gmail.com
- Website: naomijemison.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomi_jemison/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/naomijemisonphotography/
