Daily Inspiration: Meet Jamie Robarge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Robarge.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started photographing for clients in 2014 before receiving my BFA in Fine Art Photography from The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2015. I’ve studied, lived, and photographed people in several major US cities. Each place makes unique connections and memories. After college, I worked in retail management for five years. I ran a multi-million dollar store with over 60 employees.

The experience allowed me to learn outstanding customer service through determining needs while simultaneously using strong communication skills to better problem solve. With mentorship and real-life experiences assisting advertising photographers, I learned the value of collaboration and the importance of having a clear vision and making a solid team to make it a reality.

In 2019, I became a mother, and after a ten-month maternity leave, my job position was eliminated. I was given a choice to relocate outside of Milwaukee or to stay in Milwaukee and take a 50% salary decrease. On December 10th, 2019, with .44 cents to my name, I quit my management job to pursue Jamie Robarge Photography LLC. I have been a proud, full-time freelance photographer and single mama ever since.
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My two favorite things are hanging with my cool kid and photographing new ​and familiar faces. When I am not doing those things, you can catch me doing yoga, building legos, keeping up with my intense skincare routine (hehe), and drinking way too many iced coffees.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a single mother and a full-time entrepreneur, finances have been challenging. So many times, I had little to no money, and bills were quickly approaching. I did everything I could to stay afloat. I took out loans, found grants, borrowed from friends and family, and regularly over-drafted my account to make payment deadlines and pay contractors. While doing this, I also worked towards breaking into the Luxury Photography market. I knew my quality of work met luxury pricing.

Still, I had to work through many money blocks and educate myself on my margins, profit, loss, and other new business necessities that often made my head spin. The road is not smooth, but the payoff is priceless. To be able to spend my day how I want and to be able to adapt my career around my son’s life is priceless.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own Jamie Robarge Photography LLC, a full-service photography studio in Milwaukee, WI. I primarily work with small businesses and entrepreneurs. A longtime mission of mine has been to add more diversity and inclusion into the advertising and beauty industries, especially in Milwaukee.

I work with my clients from start to finish. Every Session starts with a discovery call. This allows me the opportunity to hear more about my client and what their individual photography needs are. It’s my job to listen and offer suggestions; I want to make this process as easy as possible for them. After their session is booked, I visit my clients in their homes. This allows me to get to know them and concept plan our shoot.

All of our sessions come with the option to purchase wall art. All wall art comes with professional installation and a lifetime warranty. During the consult, we measure and take photographs of any walls the client would like to put wall art on. On your shoot day, it’s time to feel like a rockstar. Full-service hair and makeup are provided within the studio and tailored to your beauty preferences. We offer male and non-binary grooming as well.

Jamie Robarge Photography is changing the narrative for portrait photographers. Your life is one significant work of art; we want to help you cherish it daily. Our sessions are experiences. You’re in the driver’s seat; I’ve got the map; let’s go.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
In every bad situation, I’ve been in, I have come out better than before. My business was three months old when COVID hit us, and never once did I sit too long with the thought that this could ruin my business. I wouldn’t let it. Social media kept me in touch with existing clients and allowed me to network digitally with new clients.

I started photographing people outside their homes for free. This fun series later turned into a personal documentary project titled “6 Ft.” I photographed over 250 people in southeastern Wisconsin in March 2020-June 2020. Everything was from surprise drive-up birthday parties to proposals from 6 ft away. I met many new people this way, people I would never have met otherwise.

Some of those people are great friends to me now. COVID showed me the power of community within a business. Without the support I received from others in 2020, I don’t know where my business or family would be today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jamierobarge.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jamierobargephotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamierobargephotography