Community Minded-Stories of America One Small Business at a Time.

Capturing the beauty of the people she photographs naturally is what Jamie Lee Porter of Jamie Lee Photography does best.  Read on to find out more about one of my favorite local photographers.  

Business Name:  Jamie Lee Photography

Interviewee Full Name & Position: Jamie Porter, Owner/Photographer

Business Summary:  I’m a natural light lifestyle photographer based in Sand Springs, OK.  I specialize in working with families and children.

What made you decide to open this business? When I had my second daughter, I knew I wanted to be able to capture more of their everyday milestones, but in a beautiful way.  So I bought a camera and took one of those “momtog” classes to learn the basics of the camera.  The rest I taught myself with a whole lot of trial and error.

What was it like when you first started? When I first started out it was hard.  Trying to learn how to pose, lighting, attracting clients, finding out what works and what doesn’t.  With a lot of patience, you eventually figure it out.  It gets a little bit easier every day.

What has surprised you most when owning a business? I was surprised by what all goes into it.  Doing this all by myself from start to finish much of the time.  But in the end, I’d rather do this than any 8-5 job any day.

What would your customers say they love most about your business? I hear a lot that I’m very patient with children. Ha Ha! With three kids of my own age 6 and under, I have to  be patient.  My clients also like how I happen to capture them so naturally.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had working with a customer?  I would say the most memorable moment was when I was photographing a young couple with their baby and without me even knowing, he kneels down and proposes to her.  It was the sweetest thing and I was there to capture it. 

Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about? For the New Year, I am thinking about starting a rewards referral program.  My clients have been so loyal and sweet, sending so many people my way.  I want to thank them for that.

What is something most people don’t know about the business? Some people don’t know that I edit every single image by hand.  Sometimes that means I am working on sessions into the middle of the night.  I think the latest I stayed up was 5 a.m.

Who are some of your business idols and role models? And why? My top business idol is a photographer whose business name is Sarah Beth Photography.  She throws out the rules, but at the same time makes complete magic.  

What do you like most about being an entrepreneur? I think the thing I like most about it is that I can set my own hours.  I work as much or little as I want and still get to stay at home with my kids while they are young.

Do you have any advice that you want to share with other entrepreneurs? If you have an idea or something you’ve been wanting to do; Do It!!  Don’t wait, because the longer you wait, the longer it will take for that dream to become a reality.

What do you love most about the neighborhood? I love Sand Springs because it’s a small town.  The people here really care about people’s businesses and want them to thrive.  They greet you with a smile and try to help out when they can.

Anything exciting going on that customers should know about? Next up on the agenda are Valentine Minis for the end of January!

Where are your favorite places to go/things to do in the neighborhood? I love all the things that are held downtown year round, but when those events aren’t going on, you can most likely find the kids and I at the New Case Community Park or Splash Pad.

Why do you think it’s important for people to shop local?  It’s very important that people shop their local businesses; they count on that.  And when you support and buy local, then in turn you help support your town too.

Email: jamielee.photography@yahoo.com

Business Website: 

Jamieleephotographyok.bigcartel.com

Business Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Jamieleepics

Business Instagram: jamielee.photography

Business Phone Number: (918) 697-6861