Photographer Jamie Orndorff

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Tampa, United States? :)

—If I'm being honest? Hehe...I love the work my husband and I do. We have shot weddings for about three years now so we've had time to refine our style and learn from other amazing photographers...making us the best us we could be!!

—Are you photogenic?

—My husband says yes. I say meh.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I've always found people to be the most interesting subjects. Seeing different expressions and emotions on one's face. When I started photographing people- I realized I loved capturing those expressions. Then I started photographing couples and realized I love capturing LOVE. It's beautiful and real and raw.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—As an adventurous person- I love a beautiful landscape. Mountains, beaches, cliffs...anything in nature makes a beautiful photo for me.

—Do you love traveling?

—Traveling is basically our life. We've shot in Iceland, Mexico, California, Arizona, Tennessee, and many other incredible places. We love it more than we love tacos.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—My favorite thing is meeting new people and seeing new places. We have met so many awesome people during our time as photographers and that is an amazing bonus to this job!

—What do you like least about your profession?

—...the way my back hurts after shooting a 9 hour wedding day.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Hopefully more creative and unique photographers and less typical poses and fake smiles.

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—Weddings are truly a beautiful and special thing in themselves. Being one of the most important days in one's life, there are always many different emotions throughout the day. The wedding photographer has the privilege of getting to capture all of them. It's amazing. A lot of times, it makes US cry!

—How do you handle criticism?

—I always want to be a better photographer, person, wife, etc. Criticism is something difficult to take when given, but keeps me up at night. I definitely think it's needed in order to improve.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Absolutely. Everyone is always trying to find their own style and niche and a lot of times copy others style of work. I say it's best to forget the trends and find your own lane.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—Trust and taste are two huge factors. Every person needs to trust their photographer, meaning they need to build a sort of rapport. They should prove that they are able to capture and understand what is important to you. And of course taste- choose a photographer who's work you love! :-)

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Over posing. Fake smiles. Messy backgrounds.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—People don't always notice the best light, whereas photographers are chasers of beautiful light. Also little things- such as leading lines and unique spots that may look ordinary to the common eye...but look like a fairytale in a photograph.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—The memories that come with the photo, what it can mean to a client. That is everything. Genuine laughs and happy tears captured in a photograph can be so valuable to someone.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—A symbol is different to everyone, we all have different inspirations. For me, I am inspired by Don and Helen, amazing and creative wedding photographers who thrive on the unconventional.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—People that are ridiculously, ridiculously, ridiculously in love. ;-)

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Drinking on the job. Oh well...

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Don and Helen. Chris Burkard. There are some talented people out there.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I usually worry about everything when I'm on a plane. Nothing a little wine can't fix. Other than that, I don't worry too much. What's the point?

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—I will never forget standing under the northern lights in Iceland. Honestly, creation is the most outstanding thing in the world. I was breathless and speechless.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—I think I would be Jess from New Girl. We have the same taste in style and are quirky by nature. Also I totally copied her bangs.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My husband definitely inspires me. He is so creative and down to earth and smart and kind. If everyone were like him, the earth would ROCK.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—True success, I believe, is measured by happiness. If you are happy, you are successful. Simple as that!

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Can't I have both? Haha...I guess I would say respected. Because people that like you may not like you the next day. If you're respected once, likely you'll be respected a long time.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—I used to work for a makeup company, and one time I messed up at inventory. All the numbers were wrong and we had to do it again...6 hours of work.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—Obviously, I always take my camera gear. Ha ha.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—Nothing that I can think of...

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—The best way to do this is to always be taking pictures. Whether it's with my professional gear or my iphone, I am always taking pictures and learning about light and composition

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Like I mentioned before, Don and Helen have influenced me the most. I love how they just don't fit in with any cliches. They see things the rest of the world is blind to. It's a beautiful thing.

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—I wish I knew to take photos in RAW format...not jpeg. Hahaha...

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I want them to show genuine emotions and love. Everything must be real.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—One of my favorite things to do is meet with other photographers and find out why they started photography, what keeps them going, what their favorite aspects are about it, etc. We did that recently with some amazing people and it really inspired us and motivated us to push ourselves harder to really give our best.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Hmm... I'd say less. Hehe. But I never got in too much trouble so I guess that's a good thing, right?

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—I would not have cut my bangs myself. Not good.

—What about life on other planets?

—We'll have to go explore and find out won't we???

—Who are your heroes?

—My husband.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—I have no respect for selfish and proud people. We all live on the same beautiful earth and we should be giving and display humility in all we do.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Apparently I complete long interviews about my life, as I'm doing right now. But also, I mostly take photos and cuddle with my dog. Seriously, my dog is sooooo cute.

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—Woah...perhaps the sheer amount of ice cream that I consume. I will forever love Ben and Jerry's.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I make my clients happy cry. That is my biggest satisfaction, because I have done my job correctly.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—I believe everyone has their own mind, their own conscience, and can do whatever they want to do.

—Do you make friends easily?

—I am an INFJ. I am introspective, and very observant. When people realize that I'm not bored and am actually just observing them and getting to know them, then we can develop a close bond.

—Where would you like to live?

—Without hesitation I can say one day I would love to live in Iceland! We have been twice and we are so in love. It is beautiful and cold and everything I would ever want!

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—I would have to say...draw tattoos on myself from head to toe with a permanent marker. Yes, you can shake your head...it was very, very stupid.

—Is there life after marriage?

—YES! I am married and my life is great. Traveling wedding photographers. What could be better?

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—"Why did the cow cross the road?"
"To get to the utter side."
I LOVE COW JOKES!

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—DOGS. I love cats too. But I am literally obsessed with dogs.

—Who or what do you hate?

—I hate violence, rude people and meat. Yes, I'm a vegetarian.

—The best thing in life is:

—Dogs. Ice cream. Duh.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—The alarm going off before 8am.

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—If I could change other people's attitudes to make everyone friendly, I would probably change that. But from where I stand, no changes needed.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Hmm...I would like to have more patience. I'm just not a patient person but I think it's a great quality to have.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—I would like there to be no more animal shelters. All animals have a home and happiness, that is ideal.

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—Yes! Be a part of the community and get creative with your work. Don't try to just copy others and become popular. When you find your own style, stick with it and people will see that it's original.

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Can I take your picture?

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—Psychological thriller, for sure. I love that freaky stuff.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Swimming with whale sharks! I CAN'T WAIT! This will be my second time and it's incredible!