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Jamie Justus Out
@jamieout
Landscape photographer based in Canada
Introducing Jamie Out
Jamie Out won our weekly contest in week 6 of 2019. Back then he told us that he got into photography when he lived in China for work and besides his teaching, had enough time to travel with his wife. He has been working hard on his photography career and we are happy to interview him now, after a successful year of growth, travels and shootings for bigger brands. Out of all the projects he has completed, his favorite ones are those accompanied by his wife and son – a challenge to organize, but so valuable.
For Jamie, nature is a fundamental part of his spiritual being: “When you really take time to appreciate what you’re witnessing, it’s easy to understand how nature is a place to heal, to commune, and to learn.” Nature calms his soul and he would love for others to experience and see that too – that’s one his main objectives with his photography. Nevertheless, the result is by no means the only thing that counts for him. The editing process is as inspiring, and he shared with us a before and after, explaining how he approached it.
Enjoying this editing process without working towards a specific result is important to find your own perspective and style, according to Jamie, which will automatically lead to brands wanting to work with you. It’s like in life; when you are completely yourself, you will attract the people that belong to your side. Building relationships in business is as important as in your personal life. Jamie, still having a teacher’s soul, recently launched a business and editing masterclass.
In this new interview we learn why it is important to sometimes favor long-term satisfaction over that quick gig and why behavior and attitude are as important as skills when doing business. Also, that whatever you do there’s a desire within that is fulfilled by the action. We may define something as ‘work’ or ‘stressful’, but in the end we do it because of something deeper inside, something we were apparently longing for, such as expressing yourself creatively. We should remind ourselves of that, just as Jamie reminds himself how lucky he is to find the rugged coastlines of the West Coast or the immense Rocky Mountains almost in his backyard.
Interview
Hi Jamie!
Time for an update! Last year you won our best of the week contest. Week 6, to be precise, and we shared a short story about you. Back then you said “I just made the transition into photography and I am trying to make it work. But most importantly, I want to be able to provide opportunities not only for myself but also for my family.” How has this been going for you? How have you been able to grow and achieve that much within one year while balancing and including family life?
Last year was a highlight year in my photography. I was able to work with some bigger brands and travel to some incredible destinations, many of which were with my family. I am always grateful to think of the opportunities that photography has allowed and I hope to continue building my brand going forward.
In the short story you also mentioned: “I think getting into nature is important to recharge and experience the beauty that God created.” How does being outdoors contribute to your mental wellbeing? And more widely speaking, what do you think is the connection between humanity and the natural world and the importance attributed to it (that many people might not even have gotten to experience or realize yet)?
I think fundamentally we are spiritual beings and there is a deeper connection when we spend time outdoors. It’s easy to be outside, but I think more and more difficult to really unplug from everything going on and truly take in the beauty that surrounds us. From the simplest little bug on a leaf to the epic mountain top view, when you really take time to appreciate what you’re witnessing, it’s easy to understand how nature is a place to heal, to commune, and to learn.
Related to that, how do you think that doing landscape photography has helped you to find this connection? What has changed for you since you have become fully aware of the beauty that was created?
Landscape photography has been an outlet to share the beauty that surrounds me. I’m blessed to live in such an incredible part of the world and my hope is to encourage others to see the same places, or to feel like they have been there themselves. Even if I wasn’t taking photos, I would still be exploring these remote and often untouched wilderness areas.
Looking at steps you’ve taken to boost your photography career, you recently launched a business and editing masterclass. Why did you decide to take this up? Also, what do you find the most beautiful in sharing your knowledge and helping other photographers to grow?
Well I am a teacher by trade. Before photography I taught full time and still have a passion for sharing my knowledge and expertise with others. I may not have it all figured out, but I know there are people that will benefit from what I can share and I hope that it inspires them to pursue their own passions and explore their creative potential.
When it comes to your own editing style, what do you go after, what is important for you in your editing bearing in mind colors, definition, mood, emotion, etc?
My editing is always evolving and changing. I like to push myself to learn new techniques and improve my knowledge of the software I’m using. This last year I was really interested in learning compositing, so I experimented on a few different photos.
Here is one example of a before and after. For this photo, I captured the mountain that was behind me and arranged it behind the cabin. I fixed up the canoe and added a reflection in the lake next to the canoe. For me this was just as much about the process as the finished product. I love the mystical and invented landscapes of Lord of the Rings and being able to create something in that realm was an inspiring process. I always struggled with photoshop because it seemed so overwhelming. I’m nowhere near a pro, but love that I can bring a vision to life and have fun experimenting with new techniques.
When starting your photography business, creating a strong brand is important. Especially nowadays when people can ‘become’ a photographer more easily due to the technology and information available and easily accessible. What would you say is your unique selling point? How have you built your branding around your skills and the image you want to share?
I think it’s great that more people are getting into photography. There are so many different genres and unique perspectives to share. We all have our own voice and creative approach which at the end of the day is what separates us all. I live and breathe the outdoors. That separates me because not everyone is willing to go that extra mile to get the shot. I’ve also worked to create an editing look and style that is unique to me and that’s something that takes time and practice. At the end of the day, I take photos because it helps fill that need to be creative. Others may fill that with singing, dancing, drawing, or playing an instrument, for me it’s capturing the beauty in landscapes.
You have been working with different brands and on a variety of projects. What has been your favorite shooting so far and what is the reason you enjoyed this project so much?
Any project that involves my family is great. I recently shot a video for Volkswagen and got to shoot it with my wife and son. It may be a bit more of a challenge to organize around snacks, naps, and playtime, but I wouldn’t change that because I get to spend time with the people I care most about and it often allows us to travel to places and see things we may not get to typically.
On your website is written: “Often found exploring the rugged coastlines of the West Coast or the immense Rocky Mountains of Canada…” What attracts you to these places? And what are your other favorite photography spots in Canada?
It’s hard not to be attracted to these regions. People fly from all over the world to visit and I’m lucky enough to have them in my backyard. It’s funny, when you grow up somewhere it’s easy to take things for granted. Travelling around with people that are seeing these places for the first time is refreshing and inspiring because it reminds you of just how incredible this part of Canada is. A few of my favorite places in Canada to shoot are in Kootney National Park, along the parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper and around Vancouver Island.
As a photographer, I am sure that you feel attached to all your photos. All your pictures represent unique moments of your life. However, among your works, what is your favorite photo? What makes this your favorite one?
It’s really difficult to pick just one. It’s almost like asking, “out of all of your children, which is your favorite and why?” I honestly don’t have a favorite. Each photo represents a different time in my life, and often includes people who are important to me. They all have memories attached to them and looking at them helps me to relive a small piece of that moment.
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Nowadays we see so many young talented artists pursuing a career as a full time travel/landscape photographer. What four pieces of advice would you give them?
1) It’s great to see so many people working towards such a fun and rewarding career. I always advise artists to work on their art first and foremost. As you find your own perspective and style, you’ll automatically have brands wanting to work with you.
2) When you do work with clients, do your best to satisfy their requirements, but don’t sell your own talents and vision short.
3) Always work to build the relationship with your clients and try to think long term rather than just as a one off job.
4) If you work hard, are easy to get along with and over deliver, you’ll have a client that wants to call you back for their next campaign.
We are sure that the COVID-19 has influenced your plans and projects. What future projects have you planned or do you have in mind that you still want to realize?
There are a lot of places I still would like to visit and see, but I’m in no rush as we wait for things to normalize around the world. For now, I am happy to explore areas in my own country and see what kind of opportunities come about in this next season. I hope people are listening to the advice of healthcare professionals so that we can get back to doing what we love sooner.
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