Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimya Oglesby.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Photography just kind of fell into my hands. I don’t remember ever not wanting to either take a picture or be in a picture. It was something that my sister and I have always enjoyed and I just love capturing the perfect moments! My business simply started by taking pictures of my friends. In 2016, when I returned from the military, my significant other suggested that I start a photography business and I just bloomed from there. I started off photographing scenery, my family, and friends as practice. Then, I started gaining clientele from others in the Middle Georgia area, including Atlanta. The farthest I’ve traveled for photography is to Florida, where I photographed a wedding, engagement session, and family Christmas photos. My family has been my greatest support (immediate and extended).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road as a photographer. I have noticed that people don’t need/take pictures as much as we used to in the K-Mart and Sears era. So, I categorize my business as seasonal. I usually see an influx of bookings in the Spring (senior photos, graduation) and Fall/Winter (Thanksgiving, Christmas). I am also a self-taught, so I’ve had to figure a lot of things out on my own (apeture, lighting, setup, etc.). I am mostly an outdoor photographer, my most recent challenge is making a transition to also including indoor photography packages. I am also an educator, so finding balance between my full-time job and my part-time hobby/job presents a challenge during the busy seasons (holidays and graduation).
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance photographer specializing in outdoor photography (maternity, senior/graduation, individual, couples, family, seasonal). I am most proud of how much I’ve progressed since beginning my journey as a photographer, seeing my growth. I think what sets me apart from others is the candidness of my photos. I shoot to tell a person’s story — I love telling a story through pictures.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up, I was a military brat. So the favorite part of my childhood was traveling with my family to different places. Every new place we visited, we always took a picture. The most memorable place I visited was when my dad and I would hike Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii. I loved reaching the top of the mountain and getting a picture!
Pricing:
- 1 outfit/1 location $85
- 2 outfits/1 location $100
- 2 outfits/2 locations $150
- Events $100/hr
- $35/hr travel fee
Contact Info:
- Email: candidlypicturedbyjso@gmail.com
- Instagram: @candidlypicturedbyjso
- Facebook: Candidly Pictured by JSO Photography
