Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Naomi Jemison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Naomi, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people. For a long time, that looked like a very traditional path. I actually tried going into healthcare, but after one anatomy and physiology class, I realized pretty quickly that I would not be doing anyone any favors if their care was in my hands. Let’s just say science is not my strong suit.
When I finally committed to making photography my career, I struggled with the idea that it might not be “helping people” in the way I had originally imagined for myself. It took some time to reframe that, but eventually I began to see just how meaningful this work truly is. I’m not just taking pretty pictures. As a wedding and portrait photographer, I get to freeze fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments for people during some of the most important seasons of their lives.
It feels especially meaningful to do this work in the place where I grew up. Being based in Orlando, Florida allows me to photograph people from my own community, and beyond, as they get married, grow their families, and celebrate all of life’s milestones. There’s something really special about being invited into these moments again and again, sometimes for the same families over many years.
The more I photographed these weddings and families, the more I realized how deeply people connect to these images. Years later, they’re not just photos. They’re memories, proof of love, reminders of who they were and what mattered most. Being able to capture those moments in a warm, authentic, and honest way gives my work real purpose, and it’s something I feel incredibly grateful to do every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a wedding and portrait photographer, and my whole thing is making people feel comfortable enough to be themselves in front of the camera. Most of my clients tell me they’re awkward, nervous, or “bad at photos,” and I always tell them that’s perfect, because my job is to take that pressure off. I guide my clients the entire way so their minds can take a break. All they have to do is listen to my voice, move naturally, and be present with the people they love.
What feels most special about my work is the balance between guidance and authenticity. I don’t believe in stiff posing or forcing moments that don’t feel true. Instead, I work with what’s already there. If I ask a couple to hug, I don’t micromanage where every hand or shoulder goes. I let them hug the way they naturally would, and then I adjust my own position, angles, and timing to capture that honest moment in the most flattering way possible. The result is imagery that feels warm, real, and effortless, even though there’s a lot of intention behind it.
Being based in Orlando, Florida makes this work especially meaningful. I get to photograph people from my own community, and beyond, as they fall in love, get married, and build lives together. One of the most meaningful moments in my career was being voted Central Florida’s Favorite Photographer by the Orlando Sentinel, an honor that meant so much because it came from the very community I get to serve and grow with.
Professionally, I’m focused on continuing to create an experience that feels relaxed, joyful, and genuinely supportive, while still delivering beautiful, honest imagery. I want my brand to feel like working with a friend who happens to know exactly how to make you look amazing without ever asking you to be anything other than yourself.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, there are three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey.
The first is what I like to call a very strong “why not me?” mindset. I’ve never been someone who gets stuck in imposter syndrome for too long. For me, if someone else has built something I admire, I genuinely believe there’s no reason I can’t do it too, as long as I’m willing to put in the work. I’ve always trusted that effort compounds over time, and that consistent, imperfect action will lead to growth. My advice for anyone early in their journey is to stop waiting until you feel “ready.” Most people who are doing the thing you want to do didn’t feel ready either. They just started.
The second is my people skills, and my genuine love for connecting with others. I truly love humans, and I love serving people through my work. Making clients feel comfortable, supported, and cared for is not something I have to force. It’s something that comes naturally to me, and I think people can feel that. Especially in a post-COVID world where customer service often feels rushed or transactional, showing up with warmth, patience, and real care goes a very long way. My advice here is simple: if you’re working with people, lead with empathy. Skills can be taught, but how you make someone feel will always matter more than any technical detail.
The third is maintaining a student mindset. I’m always learning, refining, and finding ways to grow, both creatively and professionally. I don’t believe there’s a finish line where you suddenly “arrive.” Curiosity has kept my work evolving and my business moving forward. For anyone starting out, give yourself permission to be a beginner. Ask questions, try things, make mistakes, and stay open. Growth comes from staying curious, not from trying to be perfect.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Truly, my ideal client is anyone who wants to be seen and celebrated exactly as they are. I’ve worked very hard to ensure that Naomi Jemison Photography is a very inclusive business, and I genuinely love working with people of all backgrounds, identities, family structures, and love stories. My approach is very much “come one, come all, come as you are.” You don’t need to fit into a box or show up a certain way for me to be excited to work with you.
That said, the couples and families who tend to connect most deeply with my work are adventurous, fun-loving, and a little non-traditional. They care more about how their day feels than how it’s “supposed” to look. They’re drawn to warm, authentic imagery that reflects real connection and honest moments, rather than stiff or overly posed photos.
My ideal clients trust me to guide them in a relaxed, supportive way so they can stay present and enjoy the experience. They value an approach that feels comfortable, natural, and human, and they want images that feel like memories when they look back on them. Whether I’m photographing a wedding, a growing family, or a milestone moment, my goal is always the same: to create candid, emotion-filled photos that feel true to who they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://naomijemison.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomi_jemison/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomijemisonphotography/
Image Credits
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