We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tabitha Baldwin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tabitha below.

Tabitha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I initially envisioned opening a studio because I wanted a space that provided flexibility—somewhere I could photograph clients in a controlled environment, no matter the time of day or the weather. I imagined a studio with a welcoming, home-like feel, an aesthetic that’s both beautiful and versatile, with different areas to inspire creativity and help me continually grow my craft. As I developed the idea, I realized that other photographers could benefit from this same type of space, so I decided to open it up as a rental studio. I chose this location for its convenient accessibility and the gorgeous natural light, which really enhances the overall vibe and offers even more creative possibilities for anyone using the space.

Tabitha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Tabitha Baldwin, a Jacksonville native, wife, and mom who has been passionate about photography for as long as I can remember. I started my professional journey in 2017, initially focused on wedding photography, capturing intimate and heartfelt moments that couples could cherish forever. Over time, I found myself drawn to studio photography, where I could create a variety of dynamic settings and experiment with light, angles, and creative setups. This led me to transition from weddings to my current focus—branding and portrait photography within a studio setting.

My journey into opening Jax Mini Sessions Studio began with a vision: I wanted to create a space where photographers, including myself, could have full control over their environment regardless of the time of day or weather. I imagined a place with a cozy, home-like feel but with a modern, high-end aesthetic—a space that could set the stage for any style of shoot, whether it’s a personal branding session, lifestyle mini session, family portraits, or more. It quickly became clear that other photographers and creatives could benefit from having access to such a space, so I decided to open it up as a rental studio. The studio is now a bright, airy location that provides flexibility and the freedom for photographers to get creative in a professional and inspiring environment.

What sets my work apart is the commitment to creating genuine, inviting spaces that make everyone feel comfortable and confident, whether they’re clients or photographers using the studio. In terms of services, I offer various session types, including lifestyle and branding mini sessions, content creation sessions, and classic portrait sessions. For those who need quick and easy setups, I offer seasonal mini sessions with unique, carefully curated backdrops. I’m also dedicated to supporting the local photographer community through our featured photographer community days, monthly meet-ups where photographers can test out equipment, network, and hone their skills in a supportive setting.

What I’m most proud of is building a creative community and a space that feels welcoming and personal. Helping photographers grow their own skills and build their own brands, all while providing clients with high-quality, timeless photos, has been incredibly fulfilling. If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fellow photographers to know, it’s that both my work and my studio are grounded in the spirit of collaboration and creativity. Whether it’s a family coming in for a portrait session or a photographer discovering a new creative angle, Jax Mini Sessions Studio is a place where all of your wildest creative dreams can come true.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My journey from wedding photography to opening Jax Mini Sessions Studio was shaped by both my love for photography and my commitment to my family. For years, I poured my heart into photographing weddings, capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments for couples. But as anyone in the wedding industry knows, weekends are prime time, and for me, that meant missing out on countless weekends with my own family. I’d be away during milestones, family gatherings, and the little everyday moments that are just as precious. Eventually, it became clear that I wanted—needed—to find a way to pursue my passion for photography while having the flexibility to be there for my family.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media has been such an incredible part of my journey as a photographer and studio owner, and it all started with a focus on authentic connection and collaboration. I knew that in order to grow, it wasn’t just about posting images or promoting the studio; it was about fostering real relationships with other creatives, local brands, and influencers. Social media became a place where I could not only share my work but also connect with others who shared a similar passion.

One of the first things I did was reach out to other local creatives—photographers, stylists, and small business owners. We’d collaborate on shoots and tag each other in posts and Stories. I started encouraging those who rented the studio to share their work and tag us so that we could repost and celebrate their creativity. This not only gave them additional exposure but also showcased our space in action, helping potential clients and photographers see the possibilities the studio offers.

I also saw the value in collaborating with local influencer brands and marketing my business through people who had a genuine connection with our community. By working with influencers who aligned with our studio’s brand and values, I was able to reach a wider audience in a natural way. Their followers got a real look at the studio through their eyes, which helped create trust and drew in new clients who felt connected to our vision.

Through these efforts, we built a supportive, engaged community. My goal has always been to uplift the creatives who use our space, so I’m always thrilled when a collaboration expands their reach, too. Seeing our community of photographers, clients, and local brands grow through these shared experiences has been one of the most rewarding aspects of building our social media presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaxminisessions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxminisessions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaxminisessions/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Lb_O03MLPACUCIdLvo64w