Meet Jacob Graham

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Jacob Graham again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Jacob, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
Thank you so much for having me back! My name is Jacob Graham, but most people just call me Jake. I’m a photographer based in Southern California, running Jacob Graham Photography, where I specialize in capturing meaningful stories through portraits, weddings, and family sessions. Over the past year, my work has taken me on some exciting journeys—from intimate maternity sessions on the beaches of Hawaii to photographing landscapes and cityscapes throughout France, Belgium, and Italy.

What sets my work apart is my passion for blending storytelling with stunning locations. Whether I’m shooting a couple’s engagement in Joshua Tree or capturing the quiet beauty of a historic European city, I aim to create images that evoke real emotion and a sense of place. I want clients to look at their photos and feel transported back to that exact moment.

This year has been a turning point as I’ve grown my focus on destination and travel sessions. I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients in some incredible places, including maternity sessions in Oahu’s Golden Light, a wedding at Mammoth Mountain, and documenting iconic landscapes across Europe. These experiences continue to inspire my work and shape my storytelling approach.

Looking back, one of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been the relationships I’ve built along the way. Seeing families grow over the years, helping couples celebrate their milestones, and capturing the natural beauty of the world—it’s all been part of the adventure, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes me!

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
A lot has changed since our last conversation, and I couldn’t be more excited about where things are headed. Over the past few years, I’ve focused on expanding into destination and travel sessions, allowing me to merge two things I’m passionate about—photography and exploring new places. This shift has brought new energy and inspiration to my work, and it’s been incredible to see how much these experiences have shaped my storytelling approach.

Some of the most memorable highlights from this past year include an intimate elopement in the coastal town of Cambria, maternity sessions on the beaches of Hawaii, an engagement shoot in the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree, and a wedding at Mammoth Mountain. I’ve also had the opportunity to photograph landscapes and cityscapes throughout France, Belgium, and Italy, with one of the most memorable stops being Cinque Terre. The villages, perched dramatically on the cliffs above the Ligurian Sea, made for some of my favorite images to date. Whether it was photographing the colorful houses of Vernazza or capturing quiet moments along the rugged coastline, Cinque Terre inspired me to infuse my client sessions with a sense of place and adventure.

I also launched Caught Roaming, a passion project where I share the travel side of my photography. It’s been a creative outlet to document the landscapes and stories I encounter along the way, and it’s helped me connect with others who are equally inspired by travel and adventure.

Looking ahead, I’m most excited about continuing to grow my destination photography work. I’ve been building connections with couples and families who are planning elopements, destination weddings, and special sessions in meaningful locations, and it’s been amazing to see how those moments take on new depth when set against such beautiful backdrops.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing travel, family life, and running a business is always a work in progress, but I’ve found that staying connected to my “why”—telling meaningful stories—keeps me motivated and grounded.

As I move forward, I’m focused on creating unforgettable experiences for my clients and continuing to capture stories in places that inspire awe and wonder. This journey is always evolving, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next!

We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.

Favorite Movie: Forest Gump

Favorite Book: The Four Agreements

Favorite TV Show: The Office

Sweet or Savory: Savory

Mountains or Beach: Beach

Favorite Sport (to watch): Football (Green Bay Packers)

Favorite Sport (to play): Long Distance Running

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Baseball

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Fighter Pilot

French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby Axelrod

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Looney Toons

Favorite Childhood movie: Goonies

Favorite Breakfast Food: Biscuits and Gravy

Life is often about tough choices – can you talk to us about your thought process, strategy or philosophy when it comes to making difficult choices or tradeoffs.
Life is full of difficult choices, especially when you’re balancing a creative business, a love for travel, and family life. One of the biggest decisions I’ve had to make was leaning into destination photography and embracing the unknowns that come with it. It wasn’t an easy choice. There’s comfort in staying close to home, in sticking with what’s familiar, but I’ve learned that growth happens when you step outside that comfort zone.

When I made the decision to focus on travel and destination sessions, I knew it would mean sacrifices—being away from home more often, balancing client schedules across different time zones, and sometimes turning down local work to pursue a bigger vision. But my thought process has always been simple: chase what brings you joy and fulfillment, even if it feels risky. For me, that’s telling stories in places that inspire awe—whether it’s a couple eloping along the California coast, a maternity session on a beach in Hawaii, or capturing the magic of places like Cinque Terre or the Belgian countryside.

That said, family is at the center of everything I do. My wife and I are raising 5-year-old twin boys, and balancing life as a stay-at-home dad while running a photography business has been one of the biggest challenges—and blessings—of my life. There are days when I’m editing photos on the patio while the boys play in their sandbox, planning travel sessions while simultaneously making art projects, or getting snacks ready while preparing for an overseas shoot.

But the thing I’ve realized is that my family fuels my work. My boys remind me to look at the world with wonder and curiosity, to embrace every adventure with open arms. It’s their sense of awe that I try to bring into every session I shoot, whether we’re standing on the cliffs of the California coast or wandering through a medieval village in Italy.

And that’s what makes the tough choices worth it. Every leap I’ve taken—every time I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone—has led to more meaningful stories and connections, both in my work and at home. My philosophy has become: if you’re chasing something that lights you up, you’ll find a way to make it work. It’s not always easy, and there are definitely trade-offs, but I’ve learned that the hard choices often lead to the best stories. And isn’t that what photography—and life—is really all about?

Website: https://www.jacobgrahamphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobgrahamphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobgrahamphotography

Image Credits
Jacob Graham Photography