Hey, I’m Jama

A Personal Branding, Black & White Portrait, and Destination Travel Photographer in Louisville, KY, serving creative women and entrepreneurs worldwide.

I
 

In my work, you’ll see everything that has shaped me: the personal stories of my clients, my love of fashion, art, food, and the undeniable power of human connection. With a background in event planning and culinary arts, I’ve always found beauty in the details and in the way people show up as themselves.

My path into photography began in high school when I picked up a film camera and fell in love with the darkroom. I was that girl capturing backstage moments, awkward teen years, and all the small, unscripted pieces of life that felt worth remembering. In college, I studied Counseling Psychology and learned to listen deeply, to see people fully, and to understand the quiet stories beneath the surface.

A fortunate collision with an events internship redirected my path and led me into years of creative directing and planning large scale events including the Indianapolis 500, the NBA Finals, and the Final Four.

 

Later, I stepped into the pastry arts and ran my own cake studio where visual storytelling showed up again through color, texture, and intentional design. Working alongside generous photographers helped shape my eye and deepen my love for storytelling through imagery.

Visual imagery, authentic connection, and storytelling have always been the threads of my life. I’ve learned to lean on all three to connect with the people I photograph. Since 2017, I’ve worked with hundreds of creative entrepreneurs, designers, chefs, coaches, and small business owners to create modern, soulful, aligned images that reflect who they truly are.

When I’m in my Louisville studio with my Fuji GFX, my lighting tools, and a playlist humming, I feel completely inspired. As I always say, The best feeling is watching someone come alive in front of my camera. My approach blends artistic direction with intuitive flow so you feel supported, confident, and able to step into your next level with ease.

Together we’ll translate your brand’s experience into compelling visuals that invite your audience to connect and engage with you in a way that feels real. Let’s create visual storytelling that lingers.

Events & Press

Jama’s work has been featured in national magazines, fashion runways, digital publications, and brand campaigns. She has appeared as a guest on multiple creative and business podcasts.

Her clients include business coaches, CEOs, chefs, fashion designers, performers, influencers, authors, TEDx speakers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs, all people who trust her to create compelling, high-quality visual stories that elevate their presence and define their brand.

Recognizable partnerships, repeat collaborations, and a portfolio grounded in expressive storytelling continue to shape her reputation as a go-to photographer for modern brands and creative leaders.

For business inquiries, please fill out the form HERE and Jama will be in touch. You can also email her directly at jama@jamafinney.com.

Fabletics logo with a stylized feather icon on a black background
Logo with a green circle containing a fork and knife, with the text 'CHEF WES' below.
Text graphic with the words "Lock and Key Home" in script font, with the word "and" in smaller size in the center.

featured in & trusted by:

Text that reads 'so good designs' in black font on a white background.
Bold black text reading 'Into the Wild' on a white background.
A cartoon drawing of a smiling woman with short, spiky gray hair inside a martini glass, with the words "Mocktail Mom" in purple text beside her.
Valeris logo with blue star-like symbol to the left of the company name.
Text image with the title 'In the Curious Kitchen' and the subtitle 'Small Bites, Big Flavor, Big Ideas'.
  • “Jama! You have the natural ability to bring self-love out in others. Thank you for helping me find my fierce!

    Nicole Britton, Voice Over Actor

  • “Jama is truly a magician behind the camera. Not only does she produce amazing images, but she also makes it so much fun! I was so nervous. Jama coached me through the nerves and gave me all the tools to prepare. She had to coach me through the entire process, I was a true novice. By the third photoshoot, I can't get enough!”

    - Kim Jones, Lock & Key Home Organization

  • “Jama is such a ray of sunshine! I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside her. She just gets your vision & makes it her own. Shooting with her was so easy going & a blast. She makes you feel like a million bucks. I can’t wait to start planning my next shoot with Jama! “

    Katelin Mulloy, Blog and Pinterest Expert

  • "I am ONE SATISFIED CLIENT, ya’ll!  The entire process, from planning to execution, was efficient, relaxed and FUN! If you want to snag images of your authentic self in your natural environment, book a discovery call with her TODAY! SHE. IS. FABULOUS!!!

    Kristie C.

  • "In today’s world I find it more important than ever to have a rockstar brand. You must stand out and set yourself apart. I was ready to take the Chef Wes brand to the next level. My experience with Jama from start to finish was nothing short of being awesome. She has a way of making you feel relaxed and in good hands which is soo important! You only get one first impression and I have been so grateful to have worked with Jama. Her photos have helped me land gigs with both local and national brands and take my website to the next level. I trust Jama with anything for the Chef Wes brand. Not to mention she’s just an amazing human!"

    Chef Wes Executive Personal Chef/ Owner

  • "Jama will hold your hand through the entire process, ease the awkwardness of an individual photo shoot, and is incredibly talented at what she does." 

    Ashley H, Graphic Designer

  • “It’s been such an eventful past few years… and you just so captured my spirit and what I’ve grown into.  I’m just so happy, thank you, thank you!!” 

    Laura, Life Coach

  • “Jama! You have the natural ability to bring self-love out in others. Thank you for helping me find my fierce! 

    Nicole, Voice Over Actress

  • "Jama made my brand shoot experience SO much fun... she made the entire day super stress-free, handling everything from hair/makeup to shot locations to props (even lending me her laptop when I forgot mine!). It's changed my business & social media to have these gorgeous brand photos... I can't recommend Jama highly enough!"

    Amber B.

  • "Jama is a magician in her craft! I have never felt comfortable getting pictures taken and she creates so much room and energy for FUN and by the end of the day you feel like you got to hang out with a life long friend, and the pictures were a bonus!" 

    Katie R.

  • "Jama is truly a magician behind the camera. Not only does she produce amazing images, but she also makes it so much fun! Jama coached me through the nerves and gave me all the tools to prepare.  By the third photoshoot, I can't get enough!"

    Kim D.

ON INSTAGRAM

@jamafinneyphoto