Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Dymond
Hi Jesse, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Southern Shots Photography started from a passion for capturing real, meaningful moments. What began as a simple interest in photography quickly grew into a full-fledged business as I found myself drawn to the art of storytelling through imagery. Over the years, I honed my skills, investing in professional equipment, refining my editing process, and continuously learning to ensure I provide clients with high-quality, timeless images.
At first, I primarily worked with budget-conscious clients, capturing everything from family portraits to events. As my experience grew, I began expanding into weddings, engagements, and more while staying true to my roots and continuing to offer family portraits and event services. Now, Southern Shots Photography is not just about capturing images—it’s about crafting experiences that preserve life’s biggest moments with authenticity and artistry.
Through dedication, word-of-mouth referrals, and an ever-growing portfolio, I’ve been able to build a brand that focuses on professionalism, storytelling, and delivering an exceptional client experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Southern Shots Photography has faced its fair share of challenges. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every obstacle has been a learning experience that’s helped shape both my skills and my approach to running a business.
One of the biggest challenges in the beginning was building a consistent client base. Photography is a competitive field, and standing out—especially in a smaller, rural area—meant putting in extra effort to market my work, develop my style, and gain the trust of potential clients. There were times when bookings were slow, and it took patience and persistence to push through.
Another struggle has been transitioning from budget-friendly sessions to higher-end wedding, engagement, event and commercial photography. There’s a lot of pressure in capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments, and moving into that space required confidence, experience, and refining my workflow to ensure a seamless experience for clients.
Balancing the creative and business sides of photography has also been a challenge. While I love the artistic aspect, things like pricing, contracts, marketing, and handling inquiries take just as much attention. Learning how to streamline these processes while maintaining quality has been key to keeping Southern Shots Photography moving forward.
Despite the challenges, every struggle has led to growth. Through word-of-mouth, continued learning, and refining my brand, I’ve been able to create a business I’m proud of—and one that continues to evolve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Southern Shots Photography, we specialize in capturing authentic, storytelling-driven images that preserve life’s most meaningful moments. While we offer a variety of services, our primary focus has evolved into wedding photography, commercial work, and restaurant photography. Each session is approached with an emphasis on professionalism, detail, and delivering a final product that feels both timeless and personal.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust our clients place in us. Whether it’s a couple’s wedding day, a business looking to showcase its brand, or a family capturing a special milestone, we take great care in making sure each client receives not only high-quality imagery but also a seamless and enjoyable experience.
What sets Southern Shots Photography apart is a combination of precision, storytelling, and a client-first approach. We don’t just capture images—we focus on creating images that hold real emotion, capture important details, and feel true to the people and moments in them. I also work very closely with clients myself to ensure their unique vision comes to life, offering guidance while allowing their personalities to shine through in the final product.
At the end of the day, photography isn’t just about the images—it’s about preserving memories in a way that feels genuine. That’s the heart of Southern Shots Photography, and that’s what keeps me passionate about this work every single day.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The Covid-19 crisis was a turning point for many businesses, and Southern Shots Photography was no exception. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of adaptability. With weddings postponed, events canceled, and uncertainty everywhere, I had to rethink how to keep my business moving forward. This led me to explore new ways to serve clients, such as focusing on commercial photography for businesses that needed updated branding content which opened the door for us to begin offering restaurant photography services as well.
Another key takeaway was the value of strong client relationships. Clear communication, flexibility, and understanding became more important than ever. Clients appreciated transparency and reassurance, whether it was rescheduling a session or finding creative solutions to capture their moments safely.
The crisis also reinforced the importance of having multiple revenue streams. Relying solely on one type of photography can be risky, so I’ve since worked to diversify my services, ensuring that my business can remain steady even in unpredictable times.
Most importantly, I gained a deeper appreciation for the power of photography. The pandemic reminded me—and so many others—how precious memories truly are. People wanted to hold onto moments more than ever, and being able to provide them with lasting images during such an uncertain time was incredibly meaningful.
Pricing:
- Engagement Photography: $300 per hour
- Family Photography: $100 per hour
- Event Photography: $300 per hour
- Wedding Photography: Rates Vary
- Restaurant/Commercial Photography: $100 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernshotsphotographytn.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/southernshotsphotography1
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/southernshotsphotography1
