Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Escola.
Hi Jamie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Photography is deeply personal to me, and I feel fortunate to be able to provide for my family while expressing my creativity through my work. What makes it even more meaningful is getting to play a role in preserving cherished memories for the most incredible clients. Being a part of these moments is an honor that I will never take for granted.
My original interest in portrait photography actually started back in college at Kent State University, where I was majoring in Information Design. At the time, I had dreams of doing layout design for a magazine or newspaper. I took a few photography courses along the way and loved the hands-on, visual storytelling aspect. But at that stage, I leaned more into the writing side of my major, thinking that would be my path.
I actually reconnected with photography after my first daughter was born. I had this beautiful, ever-changing little model right in front of me every day, and I felt inspired to capture every moment. That inspiration pushed me to really learn more—experiment with new techniques, try different styles, and explore the creative side of it. I started following photographers who inspired me, and I eventually invested in mentoring sessions that completely lit a fire in me. That’s when I knew I wanted to turn this passion into something more and to offer other families those same meaningful, lasting memories. That’s how my business was born!
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?
The biggest struggle I’ve faced while building my photography business has definitely been self-doubt. I’ve always been my own toughest critic, and in the beginning, it was hard not to constantly compare my work to other photographers, especially those with completely different styles. I’d find myself second-guessing my creative choices, wondering if my work was really resonating with the people I wanted to reach. It took time to realize that I could trust my own eye, and if I stayed true to MY style, I would bring in just the right clients for me.
Social media has been particularly challenging. Putting myself out there still takes courage, and it’s something I’m actively working on. But I’ve come to realize that the more I trust my evolving style and share from a genuine place, the more I connect with people who truly appreciate what I do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a portrait photographer who specializes in family and senior portraits. That includes everything from couples and maternity to newborns, kids, and even extended families. What really sets my work apart is my focus on capturing authentic expressions – those real laughs and genuine connections that make people feel like themselves in front of the camera.
I’m most proud of my ability to connect with clients on a personal level. My goal is always to make them feel comfortable, like they’re just spending time with a friend, rather than posing for a photo shoot. When people relax and enjoy the moment, that’s when the magic happens. I want their session to be a real experience, something they can remember and feel when they look at their images. That emotional connection is what makes the photos truly meaningful.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the photography industry is going to keep evolving in some exciting ways. Technology is making it easier than ever for people to take their own photos, especially with the quality of phone cameras improving so much. But at the same time, I think that’s actually increasing the value of professional photography. People are realizing there’s a big difference between snapping a posed photo and having someone truly capture a moment and a connection with intention and artistry.
One big trend I see growing is the desire for more authentic, emotion-driven imagery. People want photos that feel like them, not just look pretty. That aligns really well with the way I approach my sessions—focused on comfort, connection, and capturing the real stuff.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamieescolaphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.escola.photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieEscolaPhotography
