Daily Inspiration: Meet Jeffrey Schmid

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Schmid.

Jeffrey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sure! My story really began with a love for documenting the world around me — not just the polished, picture-perfect stuff, but the real, fleeting, human moments in between. I started out with a camera in my hand more out of curiosity than anything else. At first it was just photographing friends, road trips, and the occasional odd job, but I slowly realized that storytelling through images was something I could build a life around.

After moving to Colorado, everything clicked. The landscape, the people, the creative energy here — it pushed me to take my work seriously. I dove into weddings first, drawn to the emotion and spontaneity of the day. It’s fast-paced, meaningful work that never feels repetitive. From there, I expanded into commercial and lifestyle photography, and eventually video production and content creation.

Now I run my own photography and media business, where I work with couples, small brands, and creative teams to make things that feel honest, vibrant, and grounded. I’m still just as excited every time I get to capture something that matters to someone — that’s what keeps me in it.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road — but I think that’s part of what’s made it meaningful. When you decide to turn a passion into a career, especially in a creative field, there’s no clear map. I had to learn everything from how to market myself, to how to price my work, to how to manage the emotional rollercoaster of freelancing.

Early on, I struggled with imposter syndrome and the fear that I wasn’t “doing it right.” I compared myself to other photographers constantly. And like a lot of small business owners, I had moments of doubt — slow seasons, gear failures, last-minute cancellations, you name it. There were times I felt like giving up.

But I kept showing up. I learned to treat my work like a business, not just an art form. I invested in relationships, in systems, and in myself. Over time, I found my voice, built a client base I love, and created a life that feels aligned with what matters to me. The road wasn’t smooth, but I’m proud of how far it’s taken me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer and filmmaker based in Colorado, specializing in weddings, elopements, and small brand content. My work lives at the intersection of storytelling and honest connection — whether it’s capturing a couple on one of the most meaningful days of their lives or helping a small business bring their vision to life through visuals that feel intentional and personal.

I’m most known for creating work that feels cinematic but never staged. I blend documentary and editorial styles to tell stories with movement, emotion, and a sense of place. Whether I’m out in the mountains with a couple or filming content for a brand, I’m always chasing the in-between moments — the stuff that feels real and unforgettable.

What sets me apart is how personal this work is to me. I don’t just show up with a camera. I care about the people I’m photographing, and I want the experience to feel effortless and fun for them. I also bring a lot of energy — I’m calm when I need to be, but I’ll be the first to hype you up, make you laugh, or hand you a Cinnabon on top of a mountain (true story).

I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built and the trust people place in me to tell their stories. That never gets old.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely. I’ve always been drawn to people and resources that help reframe how we think about purpose, relationships, and growth — both in business and in life. Jay Shetty is someone I return to often. His approach to mindfulness, storytelling, and service-based leadership really resonates with me and has helped shape how I show up for my clients and in my personal life.

I’ve also read my fair share of business and self-development books — The E-Myth Revisited, Atomic Habits, and Start With Why are a few that have had a lasting impact. I’m constantly learning, whether it’s refining my systems, rethinking how I balance work and rest, or just reminding myself why I started in the first place.

Beyond that, I’ve found that staying inspired creatively often comes from unexpected places — a great podcast conversation, a long hike, or even a casual chat with a couple about their love story. The goal is to stay open and keep growing, inside and outside of the work.

Pricing:

• 10 hours of wedding coverage $5000
• Engagements $600
• Every couple is unique, so is my pricing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jeffreyscottphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyscott.photos/

Image Credits
Jeffrey Scott Photos