The Blog Library
Words From a Pro | Interview With Jamie Delaine
All images in this post are copyright Jamie Delaine Photography. Used with permission.
I can’t remember now who introduced me to the fabulous Jamie Delaine, but I wish I could go back in time and hug them. Jamie has been a staple of my blog-reading time for a few years now. In addition to her constant creation of stylish, tasteful, real images, Jamie has a way with words that will wring your heart and make you smile at the same time. How blessed we are that she gives us such a beautiful slice of her life in British Columbia. I can remember dragging myself through some tough pre-photography days and watching her in her process of creating the life she wants, full of love and service to others. It inspired me to go and do the same.
One especially stunning thing about Jamie is that she’s so consistent and true to her heart and her style – it shows in her photography, her writing, her interactions with others, and the way she opens herself to new challenges and experiences. She has had great success showcasing a fantastic style and built great demand for it. Yet when you read her blog it’s as though she’s writing for just a handful of close friends, and you are one of the privileged few – you’d never guess that thousands are reading it along with you.
Jamie was kind enough to share some insight and advice in this interview – on life and business and helping clients be comfortable during a photography session. Absolute gems for us to consider. I continue to learn from her example. Without further ado….
Q. Please introduce yourself!
My name is Jamie Delaine, I’m twenty-one years old and live in Langley, BC. I’ve been photographing weddings since I turned 17 and loving every minute.
Working with couples to create images they love.
Q. People always seem relaxed, happy, and ‘unposed’ in your images. What are some ways you help them be themselves, while still making sure the photos are flattering?
I get this question often, even from clients in their initial consultations with me. I think the most important thing to do is to really get to know them. Ask a lot of questions, find out about their lives and their relationship — share a lot about you! Share who you are and that grows trust between the photographer and the client.
Q. What might you try if someone was having a particularly hard time relaxing in front of the camera?
I keep talking, I laugh a lot, we’ll try one pose, I’ll re-assure them there is no such thing as a “wrong move” in front of my camera. I joke that I take so many photos there will always be some amazing keepers! If I notice a client is really stiff, we’ll take a few photos and then walk a few blocks, find another spot. Even the stiffest clients relax after a half hour.
Q. What is the most important thing you learned about business in the past year?
Finding good help on a wedding day [a great second shooter] makes everything better. Wedding days can be crazy stressful, busy and complicated and you need to have someone there you love.
Q. You do a fabulous job of drawing clients who seem to share your specific aesthetic – what advice do you have for other photographers who are still trying to find + create a market for their particular style?
Thank you! i’m such a believer in a website and a blog that clearly displays who you are. I’m not saying that’s an easy thing to project; I still have insecurities sometimes that I show or tell too much — that I am narrowing my potential range of clients to a select few. But it has worked out for me in my business and when I do meet with clients, they often say, we’ve look at 60 photographers websites and knew we only needed to meet with you. You’re different. that feels really great to hear.
Q. Photography is a particularly hard business to balance with the rest of life, with atypical hours and always more work to be done! What are some things that help you stay happy and sane while running your own business?
Getting up early. I love being up by seven o’ clock at the latest so I still have time to read and pray in the mornings and be “at work” [which is my first floor home office] by 8:30am. I swear by my teux-deux list and my google calendar and enjoy making hour by hour schedules. They are flexible schedules, but I can relax knowing my work day is spread out and I know what I should be doing at every moment.
one of my favourite songs is “death in his grave” by john mark mcmillan. beautiful.
Isn’t she amazing?? There’s more where that came from. You can follow Jamie and keep up on her amazingness here:
Jamie’s Website: | jamiedelaine.com
Jamie’s Blog | jamiedelaineblog.com
Catch her on Facebook | facebook.com/jamiedelainephotography
Superb article! Jamie is such an awesome photographer; her style is so fresh, and she’s so inspirational 🙂 I love her work!!
I found Jamie first through Showit… and her work and story is amazing and so inpirational. Thank you, Jamie for being so willing to share.
Yes! Love for Jaime and Jenika for sharing her with us! I am adding her to my list of photo blogs to peruse right now. Thank you both for existing and creating!
Thank you for sharing this fabulous woman with us Jenika!
Jamie, you are truly inspiring. Beautiful work, and love your biz sense.
Great post! Shes so amazing and inspirational!
i’ve been following Jamie for a long time & love her work! you’re right…i live in the lower 49 and feel like i know her as a friend! 🙂 she’s great at letting her personality shine through her blog!