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hat drew you to photography and what motivates you to be an artist? I have always been an observer. I pay attention to the details and I enjoy sharing my vision of family or beauty or humor with others. I don’t want to forget the moments that form us into the people we become, though I would consider myself more of a documentarian and less of an artist.
Tell us a bit about your journey since leaving Prescott College. I began my career photographing housewares for a department store in New York City. It wasn’t my dream job, but I realized that I loved photography even if I was only shooting spoons. I discovered Mary Ellen Mark’s work at Prescott and was immediately inspired by the way she captured beauty within the grit. After discovering her old studio in SoHo, I contacted her office and I was given an internship and the inspiration to become a documentary photographer. Soon after my internship was over I left for Europe with a brand new Nikon camera and hundreds of rolls of film. When I returned three months later, I had a portfolio and landed my first job as a photojournalist. Since then, my pictures have appeared in Fortune Magazine, Der Spiegel, the Washington Post, and newspapers throughout the country via the Associated Press. I am currently an on-location photographer for Fox Television shows So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Most Wanted, and Master Chef. After having my first child in 2009, I intentionally turned my camera from sports and politicians to my newborn. With an eye trained to capture the “decisive moment,” I began to document the vanishing stages of childhood and family life. What in your portfolio are you most proud of? Definitely the photographs of my own children. They are my test subjects and the way in which I learn to become a better photographer every day. The staircase in my house is lined with large black and white images of my two boys. I keep adding and changing photos, or switching a few around. It is my absolute favorite project to work on and I am flooded with great memories each time I walk past them.
photographer. That kind of reassurance was surprising, flattering, and extremely motivating. The more positive feedback and constructive criticism I received, the more confidence I gained and the more my skills developed. Why family photography? I experimented with several different types of photography before settling on families. My subject matter changed as I did. I photograph what I know and what interests me. At the moment, my two boys consume my life and I feel a real connection to other mothers. I know the feelings of shock and awe and amazement when looking into your baby’s eyes. Those were profound moments for me and I like that my job allows me to witness that moment again and again. I feel honored to momentarily step into the lives of so many different types of families. I know that my clients have carefully researched the kind of photographer they want to hire and I take their trust in me very seriously. It’s also fun to see that I am not the only one with wild little ones. What do you think you’re clients get out of your work? My work brings joy to my clients. They get a few moments to do nothing but hold each other, smile, and look into each other’s eyes. I try to help them forget about the camera and just enjoy the moment. I know that when I complete a job, I leave behind a beautiful moment that is meant to be loved for a lifetime. Why do you think it is that so many Prescott College alumni are engaged in entrepreneurism? Prescott College is a unique college experience that helps to create interesting people with great independence and self-sufficiency.
Client (top); Jamie and sons (center); Jamie’s own “hallway of photos” (bottom)
How did your time and experiences at Prescott College influence your career path and decisions? Prescott College is where I started my photography training. It is where I was introduced to Mary Ellen Mark and Sally Mann, among many others. I remember Deb Ford’s hallway of photos in her home. The one of her son with the cicadas superimposed over his shoulder. I have always loved that photo and her hallway gallery. I’m sure that is what influenced my own version.
What do you like best and what do you like least about owning your own business? I’m lucky that my skills can be used to promote myself rather than someone I work for. Unfortunately, I can’t complain about my boss over drinks with co-workers.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing? I would definitely be a back up dancer for Beyoncé. It seems like fun, but I try not to aim too high. A backup dancer is good enough! What’s on the horizon for you? I look forward to expanding my business and hope that my documentation of family reaches beyond the United States. Interview by Ashley Mains M.A. ’11.
What’s the most profound thing that’s happened in the course of your career? I was very lucky early on. As I started on the path of photography I was continually encouraged by great professors and other experienced photographers and judges to continue growing as a
All photos courtesy of Jamie Horton. To see more of Jamie’s photography, visit www.jamiehortonphoto.com.
Transitions Fall 2013
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