Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Jones Bargatze.
Hi Jamie Jones, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always loved to take photos for family and friends however I truly began my photography journey on a whim request from my brother to shoot photos for his Christian rap group, Season Of Change (David Manning, Jelly Roll and Steven North). I was both nervous and inexperienced but alongside my brother Jelly, both David and Steven quickly became family and provided me the encouragement I needed to find my feet and my confidence, and we created iconic photos that day. From that point, I fell in love with the artistry side of photography. I have spent nearly 2 decades capturing memories and creating moments and I am both blessed and grateful for each client that turned friend and family. I got to where I am today? God. I have been broken, confused and lost but God knew…he never gave up on me an allowed me. God knew I had to go through it to get through it and I did just that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life has no smooth roads. My life in the last nearly 4 years has been just the opposite. I am the mom of 2 amazing sons and I lost my oldest son to a homicide October 23, 2022. Nathan was shot and killed while standing outside of Club Premium After Hours nightclub on Murfreesboro Rd here in Nashville as the club let out. Nate and several others were standing out front when a car drove by and fired several rounds at the club, Nate being the only one struck and lost his life nearly immediately. His homicide remains unsolved however we fight every day to bring us closer to Justice For Nate…and we will get that justice.
I have created, alongside my amazing friend Eric, a clothing brand in honor of Nathan. I needed to find a way to keep his memory alive and also to continue to tell his story and what better way that to create something we can wear. If only one conversation is started from a simple “Where did you get that shirt” question, then we are successful. Under the Forever 29 umbrella (Nate was 29 when he was taken), we have sprouted 2 more lines, Brook and Bell and Oh5TwElve Apparel. Brook and Bell are the cross streets where Nate grew up and where we created our chosen family that has become so integral in our lives for nearly 20 years. Oh5TwElve Apparel is literally Nathan’s birthday, May 12.
www.forever29thebrand.com
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Nashville creative, I have watched my city bloom with so many talented photographers and I love to see the work my fellow shooters are putting out there. I am always looking for other photographers to align my won talents with and some I honestly strive to step up beside. Myself, I honestly have no true niche but if I had to choose, I categorize myself into artist (music) and event photography. I may also be known for being the creative that anyone can call for any type of need, but I am most proud of the work I used to do at a local music venue, The Rutledge. My love of independent music met my love of all thing’s photography, and I married them both holding my camera in front of that stage every weekend. If there is one thing that sets me apart, it is my heart. Every client leaves with a small piece of it with every encounter.
Most recently I am now a featured “experience” on Airbnb for Nashville photographers. How amazing is that? It has been wild being booked by amazing people that are visiting our beautiful city and having them choose me to capture those memories for them. I believe that God sends people to us that we may not even realize we need in that moment and I believe that he has sent my clients to me for their own individual purposes. I get to capture beautiful moments in their lives and I also get to share my story with them because you never know with whom you are in the presence of and maybe one day they will become a part of our journey for justice.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I have witnessed my industry explode in the last 5 years and I cannot wait to see what the next 5 holds for Nashville creatives. I do not gatekeep so if there is ever a question anyone has and they feel that I hold the answers, please ask. Locations, techniques, etc I will tell you what you want to know. Growth and Development can only come from knowledge and dedication, especially for my peers in my city.
Pricing:
- Mini Session
- Couple Session
- The Downtown Experience
- Artist Creation and Content
- Custom Quote Creation
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jljimages.com, www.justicefornate.info, www.forever29thebrand.com
- Instagram: @live_life_in_cursive, @jlj_images
- Facebook: Jamie Lemay Bargatze, JLJ Images
