Today we’d like to introduce you to Jama Pantel.
Hi Jama, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always say my photography journey started long before I owned a business. It began in a small Texas town, armed with a film camera and a curiosity about the world around me. I’ve been studying photography for over 30 years now, but professionally, it all came together about 12 years ago when I decided to stop playing it safe and finally turn my passion into a business.
But let me back up a bit.
My path hasn’t exactly been straight. I put myself through college, experienced homelessness, and worked in politics, an industry where I constantly had to prove my worth and was often judged more for how I looked than what I brought to the table. It was there I realized the power of image and presence. That experience lit a fire in me to help other women show up confidently and be seen for who they truly are.
I started my portrait photography business with a mission to make people, especially women, feel empowered and beautiful in front of the camera. Over time, that mission grew. I leaned into education, started creating digital resources, launched a podcast, and began helping other entrepreneurs and personal brands show up confidently in their own story whether on camera, online, and in life. And, I am excited to share that a new app will be launching soon as well.
Now I split my time between photographing high school seniors, business professionals, and influencers, and mentoring women who are ready to stop hiding and start standing out. Whether it’s through an image, a class, or a real conversation, I want people to see the whole picture of who they are, and be proud of it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not even close. The road’s been anything but smooth, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Resilience builds confidence.
There were times in college when I didn’t know where I was going to sleep, let alone how I’d afford tuition. I worked multiple jobs and still showed up with a camera in hand, determined to make something of myself. Later, when I entered politics, I faced an entirely different kind of challenge, being constantly underestimated, judged by my appearance, and navigating spaces that weren’t built for women like me to lead. That lit a fire in me to start showing up intentionally and help others do the same.
When I finally started my photography business, I thought the hard part was over, however entrepreneurship has its own way of testing you. From balancing client work with marketing and burnout, to pausing everything when my parents were diagnosed with cancer (and dealing with the stress that led to shingles for me), I’ve had to learn how to keep going even when life feels like it’s falling apart.
And then there was the pivot. After years behind the camera, I felt called to teach. That transition wasn’t easy either and imposter syndrome crept in big time. Who was I to teach others how to show up confidently when I’d spent so long hiding my own face?
But the truth is, those hard seasons shaped everything I do now. They taught me to trust myself, to speak up, and to create work that actually matters. My mission has always been clear: to help women feel seen, strong, and proud of the story they’re telling, because I’ve lived the other side of that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the core of what I do, I’m a portrait photographer, but it goes way beyond taking a pretty picture. I specialize in high school senior portraits, business headshots, and personal branding photography, and I’m known for two things: making people feel completely at ease in front of the camera, and delivering images that make them say, “Wow… that’s me?”
Flattering posing and great lighting are my secret sauce. I’ve spent decades studying how to bring out people’s best angles and natural expressions. But the real magic? That comes from creating a laid-back, encouraging environment where people feel seen—not judged. Whether I’m photographing a high school senior about to take on the world or a CEO who hates being in front of the camera, my goal is the same: to show them their own power.
In the last few years, I’ve expanded beyond photography to help others build confidence on camera and elevate their visibility. I’ve created educational resources, launched a podcast, working on a new app, and now mentor women, especially those in male-dominated industries, who are ready to stop hiding and start showing up with purpose.
What I’m most proud of? The transformation I get to witness in the people I work with. It’s not just about the photos. It’s about how they stand a little taller, speak a little louder, and finally start seeing themselves the way others do.
What sets me apart isn’t just my experience behind the lens. It’s that I’ve been the person who didn’t want to be in front of it. I know what it’s like to question your worth or feel like you don’t belong. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping people step into the spotlight. Because I know the power that comes from finally owning your story.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Oh gosh YES! So many things, however, I’ll start with this: stop waiting to feel ready. You don’t need a perfect plan, fancy equipment, or a hundred followers to start. You just need to begin. Most people don’t fail because they’re not talented enough, they fail because they hesitate too long trying to get it “just right.” You just have to start messy and learn as you go. Fail forward they say, and I’m a HUGE believer in that. Perfect doesn’t exist.
When I was starting out, I spent way too much time second-guessing myself. I wish I had trusted my gut more, asked for help sooner, and let go of the idea that everything had to look polished from the start. Growth is messy. Confidence is built while you’re doing the thing, not before.
Also, and I can’t stress this enough, find your people. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, and not everyone will understand your vision. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when you’re figuring it out. And don’t be afraid to outgrow what no longer fits, including friends, clients, or even parts of your business.
Lastly, your story matters. You don’t have to fit into a box or sound like everyone else to be successful. In fact, the more you lean into who you really are, the stronger your brand will be. Show up as yourself, flaws, quirks, and all. That’s what builds trust, connection, and lasting impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamapantel.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamapantel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamaPantel
- Other: Podcast: https://www.jamapantel.com/living-the-whole-picture/
