April 3, 2017

Meet Pam Jones of Paris Mountain Photography in Metro Atlanta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Jones.

Pam, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I took my first photography class in 1993 when someone gave me an old 35mm camera. I wanted to learn how to use it so I minored in photography and got my degree in broadcast communications. I worked at several television stations including CNN for nine years.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting any business has its challenges. The first challenge for me was education. I had a minor in photography but there was still a long road to go to become skilled enough to do it as a profession. The smartest thing I did was investing in my education. Every year I would invest at least $1000 in taking classes workshops and conventions. Every time I attended these classes my skill level increased and I noticed a major increase in my business after I started attending those classes. Sometimes it’s scary to spend that kind of money for education but in the long run as long as you do it wisely it is an important investment for your business’ future.

I also did a lot of networking with other photographers and professionals in my field. I was able to learn more about the business side. Doing taxes and insurance and marketing and advertising etc. Learning those skills along the way was difficult but I was finally able to manage both ends pretty well. In the first few years of business I also had to revise my contracts and business policies. As I went along I’ve found that clients had expectations that I needed to meet or some had expectations that were unrealistic. I need to make sure that my communication with my clients was clear and specific. I’m a very honest person and I always want to make sure that my clients know what to expect and never feel like I was misleading them. Communication is the key!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Paris Mountain Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
Paris Mountain Photography is a boutique style portrait\wedding photography studio. I like to give each and every client a one on one experience. I limit my sessions and wedding each year so I don’t get bogged down with so many clients that I can’t give each client the personal attention that they deserve! My photography is different from others in that I do not follow trends. I shoot bright, bold, and beautiful images that won’t look outdated in a couple of years! I try to think outside the box and do fun quirky and exciting/epic photos. And that’s what draws most people to me – the epic, creative, out of the box images that I create!

Aside from the images – most of my clients book me just because they know they’re going to have an amazing time! I’ve had several brides who change their wedding date to accommodate my schedule, and I’ve had high school girls ask me two years before their senior year when they need to book me to make sure they get an appointment! I like to have fun, I like to laugh and I love – love! People love working with me simply because they know that they’re not just getting a stuffy photographer. They’re developing a relationship! I really love people and when clients work with me they’re getting more than just great pictures, they’re developing friendship!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck? Luck is word people use when someone doesn’t have faith. As a Christian, I never use the word luck. I use the word blessed! Some people might call it lucky when you get a big break. But also for me, it’s always been hard work. From the very beginning. Putting in 60-hour work weeks and living each day with the goal in mind to be successful! Luck is defined as a random occurrence, or chance! Success in business usually isn’t random… It comes with a lot of blood sweat and tears.

Contact Info: