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Spotlight: More Than a Photographer – Meet Jamie Shook, the Heart Behind the Lens


When you meet Jamie, the owner of Vintage Daisy Photography, you quickly realize that her work goes far beyond snapping beautiful pictures. With a background in corporate marketing and a deep-rooted passion for helping others, she brings a refreshing and intentional approach to photography. Her client-first mindset, paired with polished professionalism and a genuine desire to create a meaningful experience, sets her apart in a sea of shutter clicks.


Whether she’s behind the camera or connecting with clients during planning sessions, Jamie makes sure that every moment feels thoughtful, seamless, and a little bit magical. For her, it’s not just about delivering a final gallery—it’s about creating an experience that clients will cherish just as much as the photos themselves. Check out our interview with her below and reach out to her to book your next photo shoot - you'll be so happy you did!


 

Did you always want to be in or see yourself as a business owner & being your own boss?


It’s funny because I went to school for business marketing and wanted to work for a large corporation when I was younger. I never thought about owning my own business when I was younger. I ended up doing the corporate career and was happy with it for a long time but as I climbed the corporate ladder, and had children, my desires and priorities began to change and my zeal for that life waned. That was when the concept of being my own boss began to become very intriguing and became a new goal and desire.


What is it about Vintage Daisy that stands out in the photography industry?


I think a few things differentiate me as a business. The first and foremost is that I am very client-focused. My background in corporate marketing has given me some business and people skills that have really helped me to provide a professional experience. I also have a natural desire to help people and I think I can do that in my business by giving my clients more than just a product, but also an experience. I want them to feel seen and heard and to love the whole experience of working with me. I think this plays hand in hand with the fact I am a full-service photographer so my clients have the option of adding on a variety of professional services to their shoot which helps elevate their experience and takes the guess work out of their photos.


How do you balance being an entrepreneur and having a personal/family/social life? What does that look like for you and any tips for our readers?


This is a great question and one I wouldn’t say I am perfect at. I am finding myself having to be more intentional with my time and being sure to schedule personal days so I get a weekend or block off time in my day for family time. As an entrepreneur its so easy for time to blend together and to find yourself working all hours of the day and night. Especially when all of the other household things are still there to do at the same time. It’s incredibly important for me to remember why I started this business and flexibility was a part of that so I could spend more time with my family.


A few things that I have started doing that help is scheduling my days efficiently. Adding everything to my calendar and then each week looking at the week ahead and then the day ahead. It helps me stay organized and ahead of the game so to speak. From there, I can block out chunks of time to ensure I’m focusing on self-care and family too.


Another thing that has helped is outsourcing things that I may be good at, but don’t love. I’m trying to stay in my “zone of genius” so to speak and not do everything just because I can.


What is the part about your business that lights you up the most?


Definitely when I get to be creative with my clients and then watching them when they ooh and ahh over their galleries and their experience. It literally makes my day to hear someone tell me how much fun they had working with me and how much they love their photos.


Do you have any advice/tips for women wanting to start their own business & go after their dreams?


I think the biggest piece of advice I can give is to just do it. Take that leap. Timing will never be perfect. You won’t ever feel like you have it all together or know it all. There will always be a reason not to, but I have found that when I just jump in and take that first step, the next step will be given. You have to just take a bet on yourself, tell fear to step aside and take the leap.


What made you take the leap into entrepreneurship and start Vintage Daisy Photography? Was there a specific incident or a culmination of things?


I think it was a culmination of things for me but the tipping point was watching my young boys growing and not feeling like I was able to be present in their lives the way I wanted to be. I wanted to take those field trips with them or show up at school to support them when they had a project to share. I wanted to be able to take them to the zoo in the middle of the day but I also wanted to have something for myself and fulfill my own ambitions at the same time. This is ultimately the driving force that birthed Vintage Daisy Photography.


How has your journey been so far with your business and what services/products do you offer?


I think, as with any small business, there are twists and turns and ups and downs in the journey. I have evolved as a person over the past 13 years of entrepreneurship and therefore, my business has too! The biggest evolution is just coming to a point of being more comfortable with who I am as a business owner and artist. Feeling confident enough to step out and own my voice and to celebrate my wins and be okay with the losses and learn from them without feeling like a failure.


My business model has evolved over time too. I am a full-service photographer and I customize my sessions uniquely to my client. I offer a variety of professional services that can be added onto any session from hair, makeup and wardrobe design services. My clients always have access to exclusive print, product and wall art options that are archival quality and come with a lifetime guarantee. I work with brands and businesses, families and children and also do weddings and events and you have the option of an outdoor/on location session or in-studio.


Do you have a favorite part about your business whether it be expanding, learning about clients, creating new offers, & why?


I think definitely learning about my clients and designing something special with them is my favorite. Whenever I can get creative and do unique things that are outside of the box, I get excited. I also love learning about my clients and discovering how to help them feel their best and draw out their unique personality in the their photographs.


Connect with Vintage Daisy Photography

IG: vintage_daisy_photography

phone: 803.820.9838


 


 

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