Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bamrick.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve genuinely always had a love for the arts! I saved some money in 2011 and bought myself my first DSLR (a professional camera). I had no intention of making it a business; I just wanted to have fun and have my creative juices flow. I love the outdoors, and I first wanted to photograph all the small details we tend to miss, like flowers, little bugs on leaves, butterflies, birds, and shadows. It wasn’t until a few friends/family started asking me for photos that I learned how much I enjoyed capturing the small and sometimes missed details in love, life, and happiness. I also found incredible joy in making mothers smile with photos of their little ones or having couples find more profound love and meaning in their images. As I began to meet new clients, I realized how much I appreciated building relationships with them, and it warmed my heart to be able to watch (& capture) families as they grow. I had many referrals and returning families within a few years, and it has not slowed since!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It could have been a smoother road! It still isn’t, and I don’t think it will ever be. There were many challenges and learning curves at the beginning, but challenges are still faced today. From the actual learning of camera settings, posing, and rules of photography, learning my editing style, and overcoming my introvertedness and shyness to the business aspect of it (which is a whole beast in itself), I struggled. I spent countless hours (and years) of self-teaching and practicing. I reached out to other established photographers. I used every resource (Google & YouTube came through!). Knowing your camera settings, posing, and business details is half the battle. As my business increased, my greatest struggle was my confidence, knowing my worth, prioritizing, and setting boundaries. I’m still growing in this area. My confidence has reached new levels. I struggled with comparison for years and had insecurities about my work, but over time, I found that the less I compare myself to others, the more value I see in myself and my work. Once my work had more value, I could find fair prices for my clients and business. I’m now learning to prioritize. I realize that my faith, my mental health, and my family (In that order) are above my business and should always come first. It has been a difficult road for me, being that “Yes” (wo)man, but I find that no when something does not benefit you or your family, is okay. Setting boundaries (and sticking to them) are the most important things you can do for yourself.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wife, a momma, a dog lover, and a believer. Second to these, I’m a family photographer in central Florida. However, what most need to learn about me is that photography is not my full-time job. It is a fun hobby I get to do with pay! I work in both the chemical engineering field as my M-F job and pediatric healthcare PRN on occasional weekends. I’m most proud of the number of years I have dedicated to my photography hobby (12 years and counting) and the number of families, couples, and individuals I have been able to meet and grow with. What sets me apart is my experience with different areas of photography. I have done primarily families and have years of experience with weddings/events, maternity, newborn, couples, product, headshots/branding, and even real estate.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
The best way for people to support me is to give referrals and offer social engagement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jmphotographyorlando.com/
- Instagram: jmphotography_orlando
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMphotography.Orlando
Image Credits
jmphotographyorlando, dawnaiellophoto
