Life & Work with Jamie Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Jones.

Jamie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2009, I picked up my camera as a hobby. I knew I loved art so to be able to capture and create my own piqued my interest.

My very first photoshoots began with my sons and then lead to the underground music scene here in Nashville with photo credits under my previous photography name Moneyshot Photography before rebranding myself and my creative avenue under JLJ Images in 2013.

After the sudden loss of my son in October 2022, I created a clothing brand, Forever 29, not only in memory of my son, Nate, who was 29 at the time of his passing but also to provide a path of income to assist in taking care of his sons, Kavion and Armondo.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road? Absolutely not. You are your own worst enemy, client, and critic. I have given up a million times and picked myself up a million and one.

I quit every single day out of frustration and allowing my light to dim however I get up, relight and reignite not only my light but I continue to uplift and encourage those around me. When I choose to give up, I also choose to give it one more day. So, smooth road? Not at all. Worth it? You bet.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
JLJ Images: What I do is freeze moments in time and bring those moments to life through someone else’s vision and my creativity. I specialize in not one specific avenue of imagery and have discovered to not stifle my art and the limitless possibilities; however, I have found my heart does beat a bit harder for the music scene and weddings.

What I may be known for is my work and the relationships I have built in the music scene over the past decade-plus under my previous professional identity, Moneyshot Photography. What I am most proud of would have to be my growth and development with a craft that I love so very much. As a creator, having that “wow moment” when capturing an unbelievable shot, those are the moments we live for. What I believe sets me apart from others is passion. I live to create the visions my clientele underestimate that can be brought to life, to bring those visions to fruition and see the light in their eyes light up with the results.

Forever 29: I am designing a clothing brand that I am sure my son would not only love but would be proud to wear himself. This is most definitely unchartered territory for me as a creator, but I have found an amazing partner that has been such a blessing to me in helping to bring my vision to life. I am extremely excited about the successes that we have celebrated since just stepping out on that branch of faith in March.

Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice for finding a mentor would be to stalk the work of those you admire, reach out to them, and ask questions.

Leaving your heart open to others’ opinions and advice is so very difficult however so important, to network with those in your creative field is crucial, as you will never know everything and there will always be someone who will hold your missing pieces.

What has worked well for me in my career is to be present, show appreciation and give kudos to others. I have so many friends in my field and we work to build one another up and provide those moments of clarity when our world gets cloudy.

Whether photography or clothing, find your tribe. Reach out for help and find a sounding board.

Contact Info:

• Website:www.jljimages.com, tumblersbybretz.com/forever29
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlj_images/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLJimages1 

Image Credits
JLJ Images and Wally Holt