When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I began my love affair with the camera in 2010. I was given a DSLR for a staged crime scene that we were filming on the set of a television show taking place on the North Shore of Hawai’i. Surrounded by paradise with a bag full of lenses – I fell in love at first sight. From there, I purchased my own equipment, and mentored under master photographer, Kellie Riess. The more I learned, the more I fell in love with the art of taking pictures.
How did you first start out?
For the first two years, I shot mostly landscapes and major sporting events via a press pass per event. I spent that time shooting raw in manual mode, learning to post process my raw files in both photoshop and lightroom, and to study and use both artificial and natural light. Thereafter, I focused my studies on directing my subjects and creating a collection of products for photographers that you can find in the shop at BP4U!
How did you know when the right time to start charging was?
It took me a few years to hone my craft to taste. It’s also safe to say that I’m a perfectionist. Once I felt confident in introducing myself as a photographer – that is when I started branding, marketing, and charging as a photographer.
How would you describe your style?
My personal style is sundresses, sandals, and a great pair of sunglasses. My photography style is the way that I see the world!
What’s in your gear bag?
The OMD. It’s light as a feather, vintage inspired, mirrorless, and perfectly crafted. I have a 2 Sues Kelly Moore bag that contains the OMD, 3 lenses, a few memory cards, a couple of batteries, a microfiber lens cleaning cloth, Shiseido pureness oil-control blotting papers, Hollywood lint removing sheets, and a flash unit. Previously, before my OMD, I had a Canon DLSR, 3 lenses, pocket wizards, a flash unit, every filter made for mankind, a remote shutter release, and my camera bag was a thinkTANK.
What is one lens you can’t live without?
The 45mm 1.8 prime is on my OMD the majority of the time.
Top 5 Chic Critique, Spring 2014 Winning Image
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
I currently average $460 minimum; a la carte before prints & products. In the past I averaged around $150 minimum; shoot & burn.
How do you market yourself?
Most of my clients are from word of mouth. However, I do update my website regularly. I offer a mobile app for each of my clients to download, view, and share their session directly from their mobile devices. I use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to tag my clients in their images that I post from their session. As well, I run a senior rep program.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
I would probably be a chef, a director, or a producer. I love to create.
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught?
I’m self taught. As well, I had a mentor, Kellie Riess. We met at a bookstore in the photography section earlier on in my career. We are still very good friends to this day!
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
Learn to shoot raw in manual mode and learn how to set kelvin in camera.
What are your thoughts on props?
Other than statement pieces – less is more.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
Learning to say no; to only photograph what I love and specialize in.
We are going to play a game… name the first person that comes to mind when you think of…
Newborn photographer: Fresh Light Photography
Wedding photographer: Jana Williams Photography
Lifestyle photographer: Yasmina Cowan Photography
Jamie Dalton is a Natural Light Photographer for Topeka, Kansas specializing in Senior & Family Portraits.
“I’m a photographer. I capture the inner and outer essence of whomever is standing on the other side of my lens. I see beauty in everything.”
Jamie holds the Top 5 Chic Critique, Spring 2014 Winning Image. She has written articles on posing and lighting amongst other photography related topics. As well, she has been internationally published and featured. Jamie has worked on numerous television productions; including American Idol and Hawaii Five-O, as both a member of the Screen Actors Guild and as a PA. Thus, giving her extensive knowledge both in front of and behind the lens. She’s also a photo editor and retoucher with credits including General Motors (GM). Additionally, Jamie offers one-on-one DSLR Workshops and she has an entire collection of products for photographers that you can find in the shop at BP4U!
Find Jamie Dalton Photography on the Web: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST
Do you have any questions or comments? Leave them in the comment section below!