Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Tobin
Hi Jamie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My origin story isn’t your classic, “I found my mom’s old dusty camera one day and never looked back.” It’s more like, “I fell in love with love and that led me to photography and THEN I never looked back.” But let me rewind real quick.
Like every little girl ever, I was asked to be the flower girl at a family member’s wedding. I distinctly remember hating the way the scratchy fabric felt on my skin and wondering why the heck I had to wear it anyway. I couldn’t wait for the wedding to be over and change back into something comfy (and yes, this is still my line of thinking).
But the moment I walked down the aisle and began tossing petals left and right, I was hooked. The teary eyes. The oohs and aahs. The love you could feel in the air! It was like a real-life rom-com only better.
After that, I completely forgot about the dress and focused fully on getting down on the dance floor until my parents drug me out of the reception.
A decade or so later, I photographed my first wedding. And those feelings of excitement, love, and endless possibilities came rushing right back. I knew, with perfect clarity, that this was what I was made for.
Also yes—I did get a degree in photography which 100% helped me refine and elevate my technical skills. But that first wedding truly set the tone for my career. And if you ask nicely enough, I’d stand in as flower girl on your big day (with a camera for a bouquet).
It’s been 13 years now of photographing weddings + elopements, and I still have the same passion for it as I did way back in the day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
DEFINITELY NOT SMOOTH. Oh so many struggles, from learning the craft, constant changing in marketing.
When I first started instagram was barely a thing, and now its a huge source of marketing.
Reels, tiktok, it has changed the industry so much with wanting a ton of content quickly.
Also 2020 really shut down the wedding industry, but I like to think those of us that kept at it and are still here are true fighters, because it was hard keeping your business going in those early pandemic days.
It’s always a game of learning lessons and growing from them, but once you figure that out you take on the bumpy road with your head held a little higher.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I help couples have amazing experiences with each other while sharing intimate vows, and capturing memories that will last them a lifetime.
From adventure elopements, to winery weddings, and a bit of mischief between it all it keeps it fun.
No two weddings or elopements are ever the same and knowing that my clients are doing something that feels exactly like them instead of what society says — it makes it that much sweeter.
I’m really known for my client experience because I’m more than just a wedding photographer. I help my clients plan their elopement days, give them recommendations, ideas, and everything that will help them have a great experience and bonus amazing photos + printed albums afterwards.
I’m really proud of the attention to detail that I give my clients and knowing they can come to me and I will help figure out any problem we run into. Because something will always go a stray during wedding / elopement planning, we just have to be able to roll with it.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I actually don’t hate large weddings. I know, I know I am always talking about my adventure elopements but I love a good wedding reception where the DJ knows what he’s doing and everyone is just vibing off the energy.
Something a little more personal about me that you might not know is that I have been to all 50 states as of August 2023! I set that goal as a kid wanting to hit them all before age 30 and I made it happen. Alaska was my 50th state and I explored a glacier while 7 months pregnant photographing a helicopter excursion. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Pricing:
- Elopement packages starting at 5000
- Wedding packages starting at 5000
- Photo sessions starting at 800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jamietobinphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jamietobinphoto
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamietobinphotography
Image Credits
Jamie Tobin Photography