We were lucky to catch up with Jadyn Shea recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jadyn, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
One of the biggest risks I took in my photography business was when I invested in my first high-end camera and lens setup. At the time, I was still building my brand, and every dollar I made went right back into my business. I had been working with an entry-level camera for a while, and while it got the job done, I knew I was reaching a plateau. I needed better equipment to boost my work and attract the clientele I always dreamed of working with.
The decision wasn’t easy. I had saved up some money, but it wasn’t a casual expense, one that almost felt intimidating. What if I spent thousands on gear and didn’t book enough clients to make it back? What if I wasn’t “good enough” yet to justify the upgrade? Those doubts crept in, but deep down, I knew that if I wanted to grow, I had to take the leap.
I remember sitting in front of my laptop, adding the camera and lens to my cart, hesitating before clicking “purchase.” It felt like a decision that could either propel me forward or set me back financially. But I trusted myself. I reminded myself that I had worked hard to get to this point, that I was serious about my craft, and that quality gear would allow me to deliver even better work to my clients.
The moment my new camera arrived, I knew I had made the right choice. The difference in image quality was immediate, and suddenly, I had the confidence to market myself at a higher price point. My work started attracting more clients, and within a few weeks I had already made back my investment. Although I am a firm believer that a good photographer can take a great photo with any camera, that risk was a turning point for my business.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Jadyn, and I’m a photographer specializing in lifestyle, branding, wedding, and couples photography. My work is all about capturing authenticity, whether it’s a couple’s deep connection or a business’s unique identity. I thrive on telling visual stories that feel real, natural, and full of emotion.
My journey into photography started with my love for the ocean. As a marine biology student at the University of South Florida, I was always drawn to nature and the way light, movement, and color came together so effortlessly. Over time, my passion for photography grew beyond the ocean, and I found myself drawn to people. Their love, their stories, and the way small, unscripted moments can say so much. That’s when I transitioned into branding and couple photography, blending my love for storytelling with my artistic vision.
I work with couples, entrepreneurs, families and small business owners to create imagery that feels genuine, personal, and visually striking. I capture love stories in an intimate, natural way; whether it’s an engagement, wedding, anniversary, or just a celebration of their journey together. For brands & entrepreneurs, I create branding imagery that aligns with their vision, helping them connect with their audience through powerful, purpose-driven visuals.
Many of my clients come to me because they don’t just want pretty pictures; they want images that truly represent them. Whether it’s a couple who wants to feel at ease in front of the camera or a business owner who needs photos that actually reflect their brand identity, I make sure they feel seen, confident, and understood.
My approach is all about making people feel comfortable and capturing raw, unscripted moments. I don’t believe in stiff, forced posing; I create an environment where people can be themselves. I gravitate toward warm, timeless aesthetics, drawing inspiration from nature, whether it’s a sunlit beach, a cozy coffee shop, or golden hour glow. I don’t just show up and take photos. I take the time to get to know my clients, learn their stories, and create something that feels deeply personal to them.
The relationships I build with my clients are what I value most. Seeing people light up when they see themselves in a new way, watching businesses thrive because of the brand presence we created together, and capturing love stories that will be cherished for a lifetime. That’s what makes this job so rewarding. I want my clients and followers to know that photography is more than just an image, it’s a way to capture a feeling, a moment, a memory. Whether I’m shooting a couple in love or an entrepreneur’s passion project, my goal is always the same: to create something that feels real and meaningful.
If you’re looking for a photographer who values connection, storytelling, and authenticity, I’d love to create something beautiful with you.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of social media marketing and in-person networking. On Instagram, I focus on showcasing my work, sharing stories, and engaging with my audience in an authentic way. This helps me build trust, attract clients who resonate with my style, and encourage word-of-mouth referrals from happy clients.
Beyond social media, attending local events and markets has been a great way to connect with people face-to-face. Meeting potential clients in person adds a personal touch that online interactions can’t always provide. Whether it’s networking with other creatives, chatting with people, or collaborating with small business owners, these real-world connections often lead to bookings and referrals.
By combining an active online presence with in-person relationship-building, I’ve been able to expand my business in a natural and meaningful way. Social media helps me reach a wider audience, while events and markets allow me to create lasting impressions and deeper connections.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Photography started as a passion project for me, but it turned into my business when my job at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium didn’t align with my college schedule after I graduated high school. As a student at the University of South Florida, I needed something more flexible, so at 18, I decided to turn my love for photography into a business. At first, I started small- shooting for friends, couples, and local brands. As word spread, I realized this could be more than just a side hustle.
One of my first big milestones was booking my first paid session, which made me see the real value in my work. From there, I invested in better equipment, built my online presence, and started marketing myself through social media and networking events. Attending local markets and creative gatherings helped me meet more clients and collaborate with small business owners, expanding my reach even further.
As my bookings became more consistent, I knew I wanted to fully commit to photography. Balancing school and business hasn’t always been easy, but taking that leap was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Now, I get to do what I love, capturing love stories and helping brands bring their vision to life, all while continuing my studies. Looking back, the biggest lesson has been trusting the process, putting myself out there, and embracing the journey as it unfolds.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jadynsheaphotography