We were delighted to catch up with Jamie, fresh from a photoshoot in Mustique, and thought that you would also be interested in the story behind this talented photographer and all round great chap!
Q: So Jamie, when did you first pick up a camera?
I started photography from a very young age. My dad was always involved in video production, so I was lucky enough to get my hands on cameras from a very young age. I was entranced by the whole experience, and I knew I wanted to be involved in the creative art scene since I was about 12. I had no idea what direction I wanted to go, or where it would take me. But that early experience in working with cameras has taken me on a massive journey- I’ve explored fashion, music, commercial and event photography and it has allowed me to travel and see so much of the world. It really is an amazing job, I love each and every moment of it. Now, working with models and amazing brands, and acting as a creative director, is what I love doing more than anything in the world so I feel very privileged.
Q: Was photography a path that you always wanted to follow?
From a young age it certainly was, but I never knew if it would work out. It’s such a competitive industry, and I had so much to learn. Not going to university, and being self taught, forced me to learn how to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera which can be a really tough thing to do. I just loved directing and shooting so much, so now the fact I can do it as a job is honestly a dream come true. I take such pride in my work, and seeing a client/friend look at the results of my work and being so pleased is a real blessing.
Q: Who and what inspires you?
I take great inspiration from my dad for sure. As a commercial video director, he has to make his work look exciting and interesting often under difficult circumstances, and so when he sees the kind of things I shoot and am able to do (aside from the jealousy) I always appreciate his feedback, support and determination for me to do well!
Q: When was your first trip to the Caribbean?
I first came to Mustique a few years ago. It’s truly a photographer's dream. As much as photography is about making the best out of a situation, in Mustique half the work is done for you. The backdrops and opportunities to make a shot look great are endless. But because Mustique is so beautiful, as a photographer, it gives you the incentive to try and make each shoot unique and different. Shooting in such a beautiful place often looks like a walk in the park, but because you’re given the most amazing scenery, there is extra pressure to make sure you get the perfect shot and create something new and exciting.
Q: We hear that your shoots on Mustique are great fun - any moments you would like to share with us?
I always like to approach shoots with a laid back, friendly atmosphere. Particularly in a place like Mustique, the last thing you want is for the model to think the shoot is a chore. Building a relationship with the model is so important. You want your subject to relax and have fun! You can instantly tell in a photograph if the shoot is staged, or if the subject is uncomfortable.. Bouncing ideas off the model and getting them involved in the creative process is so important and experimenting with ideas always makes a session more productive. With the sun setting, the golden light disappearing, I remember Gabija and I at Dolly beach spotting this scene in the water that we both knew would look amazing on camera. It did however mean sacrificing my shoes and jeans, jumping in the water, and skipping over rocks and poor Gabija scaling a fallen tree. At the end of the day, we laughed, we knew it would look great, and was well worth it in the end.
Q: What is next on your schedule?
Lotty’s products are just so beautiful (and I’ve been lucky enough to see some of the new products coming in stock at the end of the year), and now the plan is to continue to produce content for you guys because I love the brand so much. I’m hoping to come out to Mustique at the end of the year, so hopefully more photos will come then. But also, as a photographer in the UK, I’m producing some content for you guys here too so watch this space!
