We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaime Emfinger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaime below.
Hi Jaime, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I have created both of my businesses through passions. Dance.. Photography.. now Yoga. I was a member of the Texas Tech Pom Squad 95-99 and during the summers, I was hired by different dance teams in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and would teach choreography. After graduating Texas Tech with a major in Pre-Dental studies/human development and minor in chemistry, I changed my life long goal of being a dentist to owning a dance studio. I owned Ultimate Dance in Dallas,TX for 10 years. My studio was an old church sanctuary and had lovely stained glass windows. My dancers were auditioning for summer intensives and needed action shots and headshots. Once I got the camera in my hand, knowing the timing of the movements of the dancers.. Photography was my next adventure. My kids were 6 & 2- my son did not draw me in a family photo in pre-school one day and said.. “Mom was at the studio”. After realizing I wanted/needed to be home mom for my own kids, I decided after so many prayers.. Close my studio and try photography full time.
And boy.. did it ever become full time.
I never stopped dancing even after I closed my studio. I taught my own ballet barre method class at lifetime fitness for 6 years and eventually found a lovely studio in Southlake, TX to teach my “swan” ballet class. Sanara Yoga and Wellness is now where I proudly earned my 200 yoga teacher training and now teach a dance/yoga/movement class called “SOUL”
Dance..Photography..Yoga..
Sped up.. I am living and loving every second
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I love movement, and connection. People say when I take photos I capture souls. I look for laughter, hugs, personalities, movement… emotions. If you want a posed photos session in the fall with a park bridge.. I am not your person. I don’t just shoot 1-2 things. I want to capture all things. families, newborns, dancers, hockey players, yogis, product or company branding, boudoir, seniors.. I love it all.
Weddings- I only shoot the wedding. The reception is for phones. I want to capture the love of 2 people and their families. After all.. that is what it is about- not the reception. I mean, who puts pics on their walls of the drunk uncle with the tie around his forehead on their walls? (hehe)
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
People love a mom with a digital camera because they are cheaper.. But a photographer knows how to look deeper than documenting the event, the play, the vows..etc. I edit each photo and love the time it takes. And I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for.. Also in family photos.. don’t ware matching clothes. Hard NO!
to all the moms that over think photos.. don’t.. just chill, have fun, and let the emotions and love for your kids be the focus.. not on the outfits and “your best angle”
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I have yet to take my favorite photos.. there are so damn good ones, but still going.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.truphotography.me
- Instagram: truphotographybyjaime
- Facebook: tru photography by Jaime
Image Credits
Tru Photography by Jaime