We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Harvey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I truly loved seeing how people light up when in front a camera and thought to myself, “Wow! How amazing would it be to do something I love as a serious matter?” I love being able to capture people’s special days and moments and give them something they can look back on indefinitely. Photography was something I have always enjoyed because it allowed me to bring out my artistic side and capture people in ways they have never seen themselves before. It truly felt like something I could pursue and enjoy at the same time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Although I pursue photography, I am also a student at Cal State Long Beach working towards attaining a teaching credential. I have two other jobs during this time as well. I originally started taking photos of friends and discovered my editing type whilst enjoying the company of others. I then learned that I truly loved portrait photography and shooting people’s creative works, such as cosplay, but I do truly love shooting people in general. I have done graduation shoots, couple shoots, beach shoots, parties, etc. I love it all. It has been such an amazing journey getting to the place that I am at now today because of the support system that I have. I have friends and family that support my work and offer opportunities for me to expand. I am extremely grateful for the people I have been able to shoot and the different events I have been able to attend.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would absolutely love to show her downtown San Clemente. I would show her the different shops on Del Mar, especially the little antique shops. Of course, we would have to grab food to set up a little picnic at the beach. I, myself, am vegan so I either show friends different vegan restaurants in the area or we binge on Taco Bell!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friend Naomi Smentkowski inspired me to pursue my photography in a serious matter by giving me the opportunity to be her Princess Party Photographer. With Naomi, I have been able to shoot her different cosplays, special moments at birthday parties, capture families enjoying their time with one another, etc. Naomi has allowed me to step my foot through the door and see all that I was missing by not picking up my camera more.

Instagram: instagram.com/jax.photographs
Facebook: jackieharvey.photography

Image Credits
Photography By: Jackie Harvey

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