Life & Work with Jeff Fyke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Fyke.

Hi Jeff, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I was born and raised in Nashville and have been a storyteller my entire life. In 2007, I had the opportunity to travel to China and I believe that is where my passion for photography was born. I had an old Olympus Stylus Zoom 35mm camera and was so excited with how well the photos turned out when I returned. The next summer, I upgraded cameras to a Canon Rebel XTi and went to Kenya for a month. I loved telling the story of our team, as well as the children in the village we were staying outside of.

After that trip, I started second shooting with local photographers in Nashville and Knoxville, getting any experience I could. I moved from Tennessee to Kenya for a year to do mission work in 2014. There I traveled the country capturing the stories of ministries and missionaries through photography, videography, graphic design, and web design. When I moved back to the States, I continued to shadow fellow photographers and really started to hone my craft. I was enthralled by the beautiful chaos of weddings, so I decided to put most of my effort into becoming a wedding photographer.

I shot my first solo wedding in 2016 and since then, I have had the privilege of capturing the love stories of Olympic gold medalists, K-Pop stars, nurses, farmers, businessmen and women, and many more.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a business and being your own boss is never smooth. I am a perfectionist and always find ways to improve. At the first wedding I shot solo, my camera malfunctioned. Thankfully, I had a backup. I’ve taught myself everything I know about photography through trial and error, shadowing other photographers, and being a part of photography communities online. I am always challenging myself in order to grow.

Covid-19 was hard for everyone, but I worked with my couples and we navigated it together. We would have FaceTime and Zoom meetings to go over timelines and restructure contracts. I was blessed that only one wedding had to be cancel. The others either restructured or rescheduled for available dates in the future.

I shoot equally in both Nashville and Knoxville. Both markets are saturated with photographers, so it can be a challenge to get new clients. You really have to be on top of your social media game and constantly putting out new content. That is something I do struggle with and do my best to keep up with.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I feel what sets me apart from others is my overall approach. I do my best to capture the true essence of someone. Whether that be through modeling, family portraits, senior pictures, prom, headshots, engagements, or weddings, it is my job to tell your individual story. My studio is the great outdoors. I’m not a typical photographer and am known for thinking outside the box. If there is water, we will be in it. If there is a mountain, we will climb it. Each person may start as a client, but at the end of the session, we are friends. And that is what really matters. We get to know each other. That creates comfort and ease. It is that comfort that allows your true self to shine through. And it is your true self that I desire to capture.

A few years ago, Greg (my co-worker) asked me to capture his family. I met him and his wife, Cindy, their two daughters (Ashley and Emily), and their families at a park on a beautiful Fall afternoon. We spent an hour or so getting to know each other, laughing, telling stories, and making sweet memories. All the while, I was behind my lens capturing every moment. A couple of weeks later, Cindy was told she had cancer and gained her wings on New Year’s day 2018. Those photos are the last ones of their entire family. Those photos are full of love and joy, happiness, and beauty. Since then, I have captured Emily’s wedding, as well as multiple family sessions for both Ashley and Emily. Greg is still my good friend and we see each other often.

Now that I am engaged and to be married on September 12, 2021, Greg is officiating the ceremony. Emily (a hairstylist) is doing hair for my fiance and the girls, and I got the rings from Ashley, who owns a jewelry store (Smoky Mountain Coin and Jewelry.) For me, it’s all about relationships and creating community.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
God deserves all the credit for everything I do. He gave me the talents I have and had He not blessed me this way, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My two daughters, Lizzie and Maddie, are the absolute best! They are my “models” for shoots I am wanting to advertise and the best Lil cheerleaders. Their encouragement and candor really fuel what I do. It is my desire that one day, one or both of them will take on the business for themselves.

My grandmother, Dianna, passed in December 2019. She poured so much into my creative side. She and I would attend painting classes when I was in middle and high school. She always motivated me to be creative and travel. I don’t think I would have taken the leap into photography without her encouragement.

My mom, Diane, passed in September 2006. She always told me to never give up, push the boundaries, and challenge myself to grow.

My fiance, Kaycee is my rock. She is involved in any way she can. From assisting at shoots to learning to do the second shoot, she is fully immersed in the business. I love that this is something we are able to do together!

Pricing:

• Weddings: $2,500
• Elopements: $1,000
• Engagement and Bridal Sessions: $300
• Family, Senior Portrait, Modeling Sessions: $300

Contact Info:

• Email: fykephotography@gmail.com
• Website: https://fykephotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fykephoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fykephoto
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fykephoto
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiamncJj8QEozdnp1uFrJ_A

Image Credits
Jeff Fyke/Fyke Photography