Jaime Saunders shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jaime, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Since birth my children have watched me capture moments for so many people. Now, as adults, they had the opportunity to take my birthday photos and show me what they’ve learned. Proud is an understatement.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have had a camera in my hand since I was 11. My aunt was a photographer and she made sure to teach me the importance of capturing memories. She was only in her late 20’s when cancer took her and I was in my late 20’s when my Mom brought me my aunt’s camera and told me she would want me to have it. So I learned REAL photography with her Pentax K1000 with 35mm film. Now that camera sits on my desk right beside my laptop while I edit to remind me that sometimes all we are left with are memories so you better capture every one that you can.
I rebranded a couple years ago and have shifted more into weddings, engagements, boudoir, adult birthdays and much more. I focus on making sure to catch every angle and emotion so that when you look back at your photos those feelings and memories come flooding back.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I honestly have to credit my business partner for seeing the artist I really was before I completely realized it. Don’t get me wrong, lol, I’ve always been a pretty confident woman. And I’ve always loved all forms of art. But I didn’t realize I was limiting myself when it came to creativity until he convinced me to do the rebrand and focus on exactly what I wanted to shoot.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh my goodness, I’ve thought about letting go of photography so many times that I can’t possibly pin it down to one specific time. It hasn’t always been the most lucrative or consistent business to be in…but every single time I put the camera down I think back to my aunt telling me how important the memories are. And I also realize every time I pick that camera back up I’m the happiest I could possibly be and I realize I’m making someone else happy to.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
In public, I’m silly. I’ll break out in a whole song in the middle of the grocery store, I’ll start dancing anywhere and everywhere, I absolutely love a good twirl, I talk to strangers no matter where I am….and I would say I’m mostly like that in normal everyday home life too. Like anyone I have my moments that I just want to sit in silence. But I can truly say that at all times and no matter what I’m going through, I’M ME.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that every person that came and went in my life or the lifers that have stayed would have their own story to tell when I’m gone. I hope I left everyone with a part of me that they will remember fondly and that they can all say I was real and that I never hid my heart from anyone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jleephotography21
- Facebook: J.Lee Photography
Image Credits
J.Lee Photography
