We had the good fortune of connecting with Jama Pantel and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jama, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Simply put, working hard for someone else was draining. The lack of respect in the workplace and feeling unfulfilled was a huge catalyst for getting started with my portrait photography business. However, once I learned how photographing my clients made them feel, that took over as well. Making women feel beautiful, heard and seen, it drives me to continue doing what I love.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a portrait photographer, my clients LOVE that I handle every step of the process and hold their hand through it all. From the initial phone call to personally delivering their final albums, wall art and prints, I am with them every step of the way.
In the portrait photography industry, our biggest differentiating factor is ourselves. Having the courage to put your true self out there is intimidating, especially if you are an introvert like me.
I feel like I can differentiate myself in the industry by taking the time to really get to know my clients before they ever step foot in front of my camera. Before any session, I always get to know my clients. I listen to them and what they want. I want them to be seen and heard. I want them to feel special because EVERYONE is special.
We also work closely together on outfit selections, so they end up with portraits that they LOVE. I have even gone through closets with many of my clients to help them in that way. Talk about really getting to know someone. A huge differentiating factor. Of course, I have a few fun statement pieces in the studio as well, and custom design “gowns” for my clients.
Each session also includes hair and makeup, because that can also be stressful. By the time my clients get in front of the camera, they are relaxed and look and feel amazing! This shines through in their portraits.
To get to this point, it was definitely not easy. Most people call and ask prices and expect that I am like every other photographer. However, I differentiate myself in that my clients all get finished art. I have had many influential women in my life that have made a lasting impact on me. The most notable is my paternal grandmother. She had a portrait of herself from her senior year of high school in 1948 up in her house my entire childhood. I loved looking at that framed portrait growing up. When she passed away my senior year of high school, I was devastated. I still have that portrait today, and it’s one of my most prized possessions. I want all my clients to have that legacy piece. A piece of art that they can pass down. Most women say, I don’t need a picture of myself. Yet, the truth of the matter is, you just might not realize how much impact a single picture could have on someone in your life. Sharing images and stories create lasting memories for those you love. I can still hear my grandmas voice sharing stories while showing me pictures. Talk about priceless.
So many important lessons were learned along the way. The biggest lesson, don’t listen to anyone but yourself…and your mentors who “get it” – early on in my journey, I simply supplied my clients with CD’s of images. Without a doubt, NOTHING ever got printed. Most people ended up losing the CD and coming back years later looking for help because they finally had time to print. Lesson learned, clients need help with printing as well. Now, they LOVE the presentation of the finished pieces and even that is an experience for them!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a fun question. As I previously mentioned, I am a HUGE introvert, so asking me what to do and where to go is hard. I am a homebody. That being said, the Texas Capitol is one of my absolute favorite buildings and a must see to anyone visiting the city of Austin. I am very physically active, so the views overlooking the 360 Bridge are breathtaking. It is a hike to get up there though, but worth it! It also makes a great spot for some portraits! 😉 And, not to be missed, the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Even if you don’t run like me, it’s worth taking a walk or bike ride around. The skyline views throughout are EVERYTHING!
As far as food, TexMex and pizza are some of my favorite things. Home Slice down on South Congress (SoCo) is great, plus SoCo is an experience worth walking and hanging around in and of itself. Again, it also makes for many great photo ops! Plus, the view of the Texas Capitol down Congress Ave. is one of my favorites. And for TexMex, Chuy’s on Barton Springs. You can take a dip in the famous Barton Springs to cool you off on a hot summer day then work up an appetite and head over to Chuy’s!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
During the Pandemic, I quickly learned that my photography business wouldn’t sustain itself if I didn’t pivot and put myself out there. I didn’t know Linda Nickell in person at the time, but thankfully I do now! Linda put together a weekly Zoom Photography Educational series called “Happiness Hour” and I was her first “educator”. She is going on 3 years now of hosting this series every Wednesday evening. Putting myself out there has always been something I struggle with, but her giving me that opportunity has opened so many doors and I am forever grateful for her allowing me to share my photography knowledge with others.
Website: https://www.jamapantel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbyjamapantel/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/485079/admin/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jama.pantel.photography
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-7oa2tZ0N7A_A7E7DL9G7w
Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jamapantel/
Image Credits
Jama Pantel