Exploring Life & Business with Jaime Russell of Anthem Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Russell. 

Hi Jaime, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love for photography began in high school with a darkroom film development class. I enjoyed the challenge of merging art and science to create still-life prints. While studying to become an English teacher at MU, I shifted my hobby toward portraiture and began photographing friends and family. That hobby grew into a small business after I graduated. I continued my business on nights and weekends while working a corporate nine-to-five that I wasn’t especially happy with. I started shooting weddings and noticed my business continues to grow through personal referrals. In 2010, I took a leap of faith and decided to pursue my business full-time. There have been growing pains, obstacles, and many lessons along the way, but it is one of the best decisions I have made for myself. In the past several years, I have built a strong client base for business headshots, high school seniors, and studio portraiture, which are my favorite sessions to shoot. I also love volunteering with nonprofit organizations to showcase the incredible ways that they enrich and enhance this community that I love. 

In 2020, I took another leap of faith (thanks to the love and support of my husband and family) to purchase and remodel a building in downtown Blue Springs. Anthem Studios is my dream space! I love being able to create in that space and see what others create and do there as well. I rent my studio to other photographers and videographers and have also seen the space used for small events ranging from baby showers to birthday parties, team building workshops to touring band performances. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am now has not always been smooth. I struggled for a couple of years while trying to take on whatever jobs I could find instead of specializing in what I prefer to shoot. I think that trying to do it all was a big mistake, and it didn’t allow me to stand out from the overcrowded portrait photography industry. I was on the verge of giving up my dream several years ago, but instead decided to give it one last effort – I joined the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce and became much more active in my community. I chose to focus more on headshots and studio work that I could complete throughout the workweek, giving myself more time to be with my family on nights and weekends. While the pandemic (which hit two weeks after I finished my studio remodel) has thrown many additional challenges my way, I am hopeful that there are incredible things in store for the future of my business and my studio. I love where these leaps of faith have taken me, and I am excited to see what’s next. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in portrait work – primarily business headshots, high school seniors, and families. I offer sessions outdoors, in my studio in downtown Blue Springs, and on-location throughout the Kansas City metro. I also love shooting live concerts and musician promo photos whenever I have the chance. 

One of the projects I’m most fond of is a community portrait project I began in 2017 called Local Focus. 

www.anthem-photo.com/local-focus 

Local Focus is portrait collection showcasing the incredible individuals, organizations, and services that help Blue Springs function and thrive. The goal of this project is to further strengthen our community by telling the stories of the great people who are dedicated to positivity, progress, and making our city a wonderful place to live, grow, and connect with one another. 

In 2020, this project led to a collaboration with the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Blue Springs to highlight businesses adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic – a similar project called Blue Springs Strong. I photographed several businesses and city organizations to show how businesses have adapted practices to stay open and keep everyone as safe as possible. 

www.bluespringschamber.com/bluespringsstrong 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck in the traditional sense. I realize that my many privileges have been wildly helpful throughout my life and in the creation and growth of my business. Beyond that, I believe that a drive to create, a passion to connect with others, the support of my loved ones and community, and the decisions to take on risks for growth are the forces that have helped my business the most. 

Contact Info:

• Email: jaime@anthem-photo.com
• Website: www.anthem-photo.com
• Instagram: anthem_photography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/anthemphotokc