Each time we get to partner up with a photographer we get so excited. Within this partnership we get to see these photographers creativity and art come to life. Whether it be an incredibly important day being documented or the ones you love being photographed for a special occasion.
We personally feel that a furry creature is an incredible subject to photograph too.
We had the joy of partnering up with wedding photographer Jamye Chrisman this spring to feature the animals of Teton Valley Animal Shelter in Driggs, Idaho. Jamye Chrisman has an eye for the subtle sweetness of her subjects. Through each photo you can see she is passionate about photography. Capturing special moments through insane lighting and jaw-dropping backdrops is usually her M.O. so naturally we would ask her to turn her lens to the furry friends of the Teton Valley Animal Shelter.
We at Lens and Leash want to thank Jamye for donating her time and talent to helping these wonderful pups and cats find their furever homes.
Lens And Leash: When did you first start taking up photography and why?
Jamye Chrisman: I have always had an interest in photography. I was given a camera for Christmas when I was 10 or 11 and set up a studio in my house with lamps and took photos of my other Christmas presents. It was then that I decided I wanted to be a photographer.
Lens And Leash: When did you start your photography business and what was your goal when you started the company?
Jamye Chrisman: I started my photography business part time 8 years ago and went full time 3 years ago. My goal with my business was/is to do what I love and live in the place I love. I am grateful every day for where I am with my career and life.
Lens And Leash: What services do you provide?
Jamye Chrisman: I’m primarily a wedding and engagement photographer. I love pet portraits and occasionally to editorial work for local magazines.
Lens And Leash: What makes you stand out compared to other photographers?
Jamye Chrisman: I think the way I use light makes me stand out compared to other photographers. Many couples hire me because they love the work I do during golden hour. I also take pride in customer service. I respond as quick as I can to emails and deliver images in a timeline manner.
Lens And Leash: What is your style and what do you like to photograph most?
Jamye Chrisman: I believe my style is natural romantic. I love working with nature and light but yet still making the couple be the most important subject.
Lens And Leash: Do you have a favorite project you have shot and why?
Jamye Chrisman: I guess you could say my favorite project would be capturing my love of nature, travel and biking.When I’m not working you can usually find me riding my bike. Bikepacking, fatbiking, single track, ect. I love to capture it all!
Lens And Leash: What has been your favorite location to work at so far?
Jamye Chrisman: My favorite location is where I get to do most of my work, Grand Teton National Park. To photograph over and over in the same location challenges me to keep things fresh. I also love seeing how the light changes depending on season, weather and time of day.
Lens And Leash: What changes have you seen in the industry since you started?
Jamye Chrisman: I started photography when it was film and went through the evolution to digital. I love both but find digital is great for what I do.
Lens And Leash: What gets you most excited about your business and the future?
Jamye Chrisman: What keeps me excited about my business and the future is the incredible clients I get to meet. I love connecting and meeting people from all over. Hearing their stories and to capture the special times in their lives is amazing.
Lens And Leash: What inspires you?
Jamye Chrisman: I am inspired by light.
Lens And Leash: What is your favorite camera?
Jamye Chrisman: I’m a canon gal and love both my Mark III and Mark IV. They are work horses and are very durable.
Lens And Leash: What is the one thing you have to have on all of your shoots?
Jamye Chrisman: I have to have my Holdfast holster and every shoot. It helps distribute the weight of my gear and saves my back.
Lens And Leash: Do you have any tips for aspiring photographers?
Jamye Chrisman: My tips for aspiring photographers would be to get a mentor and keep dreaming! I was struggling growing my business and wanted to give up. I reached out and found an incredible mentor that supported me, simplified the areas I felt over whelmed with and was someone to bounce ideas off of. I almost gave up on my dreams a few years ago and I am so happy I didn’t.
Lens And Leash: Do you have any pets? Have you ever adopted?
Jamye Chrisman: We have 3 cats. Fiona, our 2 year old cat was adopted from the Driggs Animal Shelter as a kitten. She has been an incredible part of the family.
Lens And Leash: If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Jamye Chrisman: I can’t choose just one. Maybe a whole Bob Marley soundtrack. He makes me happy.
Lens And Leash: If you were a dog or cat, what type of dog/cat would you be and why?
Jamye Chrisman: I would like to be an adventure dog. One the gets to hike, swim, and camp then end my days by the fire. Being one of my cats would be pretty great too. They have the life. Good food, lots of love and soft places to sleep.
To book a session with Jamye or to view more of her portfolio, please check out here website and Instagram.
