Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Bainbridge.
Hi Jesse, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Photography, but went back to school after graduation and became a 4th grade teacher. I hadn’t really been involved in photography for many years, but when I decided to stop teaching and move to LA to pursue my dream of being an actor, I picked it up again. I started shooting headshots for my actor friends and slowly built up a portfolio. It started as a side hustle, but has recently started becoming a full-time endeavor. I haven’t given up on my acting dreams though.
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?
I was focused on my acting career and being available for auditions, so I never really promoted my photography work. I relied only on word of mouth to book sessions. I also didn’t have the financial flexibility to have a proper studio space, so I’d shoot many sessions outdoors in natural light or set up my backgrounds and lights in my small studio apartment. I’m sure that affected clients decision whether to book me or not, regardless of the quality of my work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I shoot mostly actor headshots and portraits, though I’ve recently have expanded to family sessions, behind the scenes on set and corporate work. I’ve been actor for almost 18 years, so I pride myself on working 1 on 1 with actors/actresses. I know exactly what they go through when trying to capture a variety of characters that would help them get noticed by casting. Plus I’ve been told I make the sessions fun and comfortable.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That I used to be a 4th grade bilingual teacher for six years before leaving to pursue an acting career. I think it helped me develop the ability to communicate and work with a variety of personalities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JesseBainbridge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JesseBainbridgePhotography
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jessebainbridge
Image Credits
All images taken by me (Jesse Bainbridge).
