Meet Jeff Walsh | Family Photographer

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

Hi Jeff, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve been a creative as far back as I can remember. When I was a child, and up until high school, all I would do is draw. I thought for sure that would be the path I would follow for my career. But photography had a different idea. I didn’t even own a camera until I was in my mid 20’s, and I only bought one because I thought it would be fun to document having just been married.

Once that camera was in my hands everything changed. I still love drawing but being behind that camera was something that I was unable to not do.

I have to photograph life. Being behind the camera is my happy place. From there I started photographing friends and family, and then people started asking me to photograph different life events and the next thing I knew I was in the middle of having a business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think the number one thing that sets me apart from other photographers is my ability to tell other people’s story through my work.

Photographing something like a wedding or a birthday or a special event is far more than cool photographs. It’s about giving a photo package that lets them relive that event weeks, months, and even years later.

As far as the lessons I’ve learned, I think the most important lesson is patience. Business minded people and creative people want to run to the finish-line so fast. But any pursuit that has value cannot have a quickly reached end goal.

Everything with value takes time to develop, including a business. And creative businesses are especially slow because on top of developing a business you’re also developing your creative process. So, I’ve learned that there’s no quick win. I just need to be patient and work towards building everyday.

When it comes to my brand the most important thing I want people to see is my desire to give. Family photography allows me to give people memories, and I know that’s cliché but it’s the truth. Family photography allows me to give parents amazing photos of their children as they grow up. It lets me capture a day with grandma or an afternoon celebrating a 50th anniversary. That’s my drive behind why I’ve chosen family photography. It lets me give something more than a photo, I get to give them lasting memories.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So, outside of work I am such a homebody. If I had my best friends or a group of friends come stay with me for a week we’d probably order a ton of takeout: pizza, Thai, bbq, hot wings, then pizza again. We’d most likely hangout and watch movies while playing a ton of poker together. The only trip we’d make would be to go and eat All You Can Eat Korean BBQ. Then back to the house for snacks, movies, and more poker.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife is 100% the number one supporter of my photography. She has encouraged me every step of the way. She’s been my biggest cheerleader while also pushing me to grow in my work. If it wasn’t for her support and encouragement I wouldn’t have been able to go through the struggles and efforts of pursuing a creative career.

After her, my friends have been and continue to be amazing supporters. Whenever I want to explore something new or try a new technique they are absolutely there giving up time and effort to help me get better and better.

Website: jeffwalshphotography.com

Instagram: @jeffwalshphotography

Other: @jeffwalshphotography on TikTok