Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Bugbee.

Hi Jaime , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has been anything but linear, and it all started with my first major life transition—becoming a mother. After spending 17 years as a dental hygienist, I felt the weight of burnout, especially after experiencing postpartum depression with my first child. I found myself craving more flexibility and the ability to be present with my family.

This led me to explore photography, a passion I’d never pursued seriously. My photography showed mothers, including myself, that they are seen and celebrated, even in the messy and challenging moments.

Building my business from the ground up wasn’t easy. I spent countless nights working after my kids were in bed, investing in online courses, and refining my skills. I often doubted myself, especially since friends and family didn’t fully understand why I would leave a “safe” career. But with my husband’s unwavering encouragement, I pushed forward. I learned to embrace the power of SEO, compelling website copy, and blogging, which became the backbone of my business strategy.

In my sixth year of business, everything began to align.

Now, I’m not just a photographer; I’m mentoring other family photographers, helping them find their path to success through portfolio reviews, website optimization, and effective blogging.

My goal is to show others that it’s possible to build a career that aligns with their lifestyle and values, no matter where they start.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the most challenging parts was investing in myself, even when it was scary. I poured time and money into online courses, SEO training, and business resources, often wondering if it would all pay off.

My husband worked a swing shift, making it almost impossible to build a full-time photography business while juggling our family. There were days when it felt like I was making little to no progress, but I kept pushing forward late into the night after the kids were asleep. Those small steps slowly added up, and little progress became significant.

Over time, my hard work paid off, and I turned my passion into a thriving business that allows me to be present with my family and pursue what I love.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a family and branding photographer, and my work focuses on capturing real, authentic moments. I specialize in documenting the beauty of family life, especially the raw, messy, and joyful moments that often go unseen. I’m also expanding into branding photography, helping small business owners showcase their authentic selves and connect with their audience.

What sets me apart is my ability to create a comfortable environment where families feel at ease, letting genuine emotions shine through. I’m known for my storytelling approach and for ensuring mothers are seen and celebrated in their photos. I also educate other photographers on how to effectively use SEO, blogging, and website strategies to grow their businesses, just like I did.

I’m most proud of building a successful business from the ground up while being present for my family. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work impacts families and other photographers, helping them thrive in their own unique ways.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My most significant piece of advice for finding a mentor is to look for someone who’s already doing what you aspire to do—and doing it in a way that aligns with your values. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself, even if it feels intimidating. The right mentor can help you skip the trial and error and provide a roadmap for success.

Joining supportive online and in-person communities made a huge difference. I surrounded myself with like-minded photographers and entrepreneurs who encouraged me to keep going, even when things were tough. Look for Facebook groups, workshops, and local meet-ups that cater to your industry. Investing in education and building genuine relationships with others in the photography community opened doors I never expected.

What’s worked best for me is being open, asking questions, and not being afraid to share my struggles. Authentic connections go a long way in this industry; you never know who can offer advice, support, or a collaborative opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaimebugbeephotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaimebugbeephotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimebugbeephotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-bugbee-5a9b8728a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaimebugbeephotography
• Other: https://jaimebugbeephotography.com/photography-mentorship

Image Credits
My headshot is by Shelly Sullivan. Other photos are mine.