We recently connected with Jayme Kimball and have shared our conversation below.

Jayme, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

As a photographer, I believe that anyone can succeed in this field with the right education, a willingness to learn from trial and error, and most importantly, a deep passion for the craft. This might be an unpopular opinion because many people view photography as something only a select few can truly excel at. But I think it’s more about mindset and dedication than inherent talent.

When I first started out, I was overwhelmed by the number of talented photographers around me. I saw their work, their polished portfolios, and thought, “How can I compete with that?” But over time, I realized that what sets someone apart is not necessarily the technical perfection of their work, it’s their unique perspective and their ability to connect with people. Anyone can learn to use a camera, adjust settings, and edit images. What’s more challenging, and rewarding, is discovering your own voice as a photographer.

I recall a specific moment in my journey when I was struggling to define my style. I was photographing events, products, portraits.. everything. One day, I took a step back and asked myself, “What makes me different?” It wasn’t the gear, or the settings, or the lighting. It was how I saw the world. Once I tapped into that, everything started to fall into place. I realized that being a good photographer isn’t about trying to imitate what others think looks good; it’s about embracing what makes you.. YOU and presenting that in your images.

The industry can be intimidating, especially with so many photographers competing for attention. But the truth is, the ones who last are the ones who figure out what makes them stand out. It could be a specific niche, a particular style, or even the way they interact with their clients. Passion, perseverance, and a continuous desire to learn are what push you forward. You just have to keep refining your craft and trust that your uniqueness will shine through.

So, while others might tell you photography is only for the “naturally gifted,” I believe anyone with the right mindset, a willingness to grow, and the drive to stand out can make it in this field. It’s all about figuring out what makes you different and leaning into that.

Jayme, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always had a love for photography. Back in high school, I was that person who was always behind the camera—whether it was for the yearbook or just capturing memories with friends. Growing up in the MySpace era, where a digital camera was practically a necessity over a phone, I was constantly snapping photos. I was hooked from the start.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I wanted to document every moment, every milestone. I vividly remember standing in line on Black Friday, 6 months pregnant, to get my hands on a Nikon L320. That camera became my baby, and I was obsessed with capturing everything in my child’s life. But as life often does, things got complicated. I became a single mom of three, with no job and no income. But through the encouragement of friends and family, I decided to lean back into photography. It was something that had always brought me joy, and I realized that maybe this could be my path forward.

Being a mom and a business owner isn’t for the faint of heart. There were days when I was running on just 3 hours of sleep, working late into the night, and taking care of my kids during the day. Many times, my kids were right there with me on shoots, learning the ropes with me. But somehow, I made it work, because I was passionate about what I was doing. I found so much joy in family photography, especially because I have a special connection with kids—it always made the sessions so much fun and full of energy.

However, my true passion lies in boudoir photography. As a mom and woman, I understand how hard society makes it to feel beautiful in your own skin. After years of struggling with self-confidence and body image, I knew I wanted to create a space for women to feel powerful, beautiful, and celebrated. Boudoir allows me to give women the gift of a day where they feel like the goddess they truly are, where they can embrace their beauty and radiance without any judgment.

At the core of my work, I’m an empathetic person who thrives on connection. I’m known as the ultimate hype girl, the one who brings the energy and makes every session feel like a fun, unforgettable experience. When you come to me for boudoir, it’s not just about taking beautiful photos—it’s about having the ultimate girls’ day, filled with laughs, dancing, and pure joy. I believe in showing women that their true beauty comes from within and that every one of us deserves to feel incredible, no matter where we are in our journey.

So, when you work with me, it’s more than just a photoshoot. It’s an experience—one where you’ll feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. My brand is all about capturing your authentic beauty from the inside out and showing you just how amazing you are. It’s about embracing who you are in this moment and celebrating it. And I want every woman to walk away from our time together feeling like the absolute queen she is.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My photography journey definitely didn’t start as a full-time career. It was more of a side hustle, something I did for fun and passion. But as life took unexpected turns, it slowly transformed into something much bigger, and today, it’s my full-time business.

I was always into photography—whether it was capturing moments for friends, family, or even working on the yearbook in high school. But after becoming a single mom of three, I had to figure out how to make ends meet fast. I didn’t have the luxury of time to figure out how to get my business off the ground right away. I found myself working three jobs at once for over two years just to keep the bills paid and support my kids. It was exhausting, but it also pushed me to lean back into my love for photography because it was something I was truly passionate about. I began picking up small gigs here and there and using every free moment I had to learn more about my craft and improve my skills.

However, it wasn’t until I met my husband that things really began to shift. He became my biggest supporter and motivator. His encouragement pushed me to take a leap of faith and transition into photography full time. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t immediate. I continued to juggle multiple jobs for a while, but the idea of following my passion was always in the back of my mind. And then, about a year ago, I took the terrifying plunge of opening my own studio.

Opening the studio was one of the scariest and most exhilarating decisions I’ve ever made. I’d been juggling so much for so long that it felt like such a big, risky leap, but the timing felt right. And looking back now, it was totally worth it. I had so much support from my friends, family, and, of course, my husband. They were the unsung heroes behind the scenes, encouraging me when I doubted myself, helping with the kids, or simply cheering me on. They probably don’t realize just how much their belief in me pushed me forward.

Now, I’m proud to say that photography isn’t just a side hustle—it’s my main business. From those early days of shooting for fun to becoming a full-time entrepreneur, this journey has been a rollercoaster. But every challenge, every late night, and every bit of doubt along the way has been worth it. I’m so thankful for the people who helped me get here and for the growth I’ve experienced. I’ve learned that you can build something beautiful, even from the most difficult circumstances, if you’re willing to take the leap and surround yourself with the right support.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has always been a bit of a natural progression for me. I’ve always had a fairly large following because, at my core, I’m a people person and an entertainer. Growing up, I was always known as the goofy, outspoken girl who wasn’t afraid to be myself. I think that authenticity really resonated with people, both in real life and online. I’ve always been the type of person who loves to connect with others, share laughs, and be real—and that’s exactly what I brought to my social media presence.

When I started focusing more on my photography business, I made a conscious decision to stay true to who I am online. I didn’t want to be another business account with the standard “perfect” posts. Instead, I chose to show the behind-the-scenes moments, the highs and lows, and the real life stuff that everyone can relate to. I’ve posted everything from funny moments with my kids, to late-night editing sessions, to personal struggles and triumphs. People want to see the person behind the business, and by being open and authentic, I’ve been able to connect with my audience in a deeper way.

I think the key to building a strong social media presence is consistency and relatability. People don’t want to follow someone they can’t connect with or who seems too perfect to be real. So, I kept it light, fun, and real. Sharing relatable content is what helped me grow my audience. And as I did that, the right people—clients who resonated with my energy and vibe—started reaching out to work with me.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to stay true to yourself. Don’t try to be something you’re not just to gain followers. People follow real, relatable people—not just businesses or “perfect” curated feeds. Engage with your audience, show up consistently, and share your story. Whether it’s your personal journey or the work you’re doing, let people see the human side of you. Authenticity is what truly sets you apart and helps build a loyal following. The more you show up as yourself, the more people will be drawn to you and your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://radiantglowcophotography.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiantglowco/