Today we’d like to introduce you to Jama Pantel.
Hi Jama, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in rural Texas and picked up a camera over 30 years ago. What started as curiosity turned into a career when I went to college for photography and political science and eventually built my own portrait business in Austin.
Over the last 14+ years, I’ve worked with high school (and college) seniors, professionals, and personal brands, helping them look like themselves, but on their best day. I became known for creating a laid-back experience while still delivering images that feel elevated and natural. Along the way, my work has been published in places like the New York Times, and I’ve been voted Best of Austin Portrait Photographer for several years.
But the part people don’t always see is the personal side of that journey. I’ve gone through seasons where life forced me to slow down, step away from marketing, and focus on my health and my family. I’ve also spent time in spaces like politics and brand partnerships where I was often judged more on how I looked than what I brought to the table. That experience changed me.
It pushed me to stop playing small and start helping other women do the same.
Over time, my work naturally expanded beyond photography. I started teaching what I knew about lighting, posing, and showing up on camera, but more importantly, I started helping women feel confident being seen. That’s where my books, podcast, and courses came from.
Right now, I’m in a season of evolution. I’m still a photographer, but I’m also leaning into a bigger conversation around identity, visibility, and what it looks like to show up in midlife when things shift physically, mentally, and emotionally. My current podcast, Midlife Reset with Jama Pantel, is a reflection of that. It’s honest, a little funny, and very real.
At the core of everything I do, whether it’s photography or education, it’s about helping women stop hiding and start showing up as who they really are, with confidence.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
Like a lot of women, I’ve been the one who handles everything, makes the decisions, and keeps things moving, both in life and in business. That can look strong from the outside, but it can also be exhausting.
There have been seasons where I had to step back from my business completely to focus on family and my own health. During those times, everything I had built felt like it was on pause, and starting again wasn’t easy. I’ve also experienced burnout from trying to do too much for too long without slowing down.
On top of that, working in spaces where I was often judged on appearance instead of ability took a toll. It made me question myself more than I should have, even when I knew I was fully capable.
And more recently, midlife has brought its own challenges. Changes in energy, hormones, and even how my body responds to things that used to work have forced me to adjust in ways I didn’t expect. That’s been both frustrating and eye-opening.
But I think the biggest challenge has been learning how to keep showing up without feeling like I have to do it all perfectly or all at once.
I’ve had to redefine what consistency looks like, what success looks like, and how to take care of myself while still building something meaningful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a portrait photographer based in Austin, Texas, and I specialize in high school seniors, professional headshots, and personal branding images.
At the core of my work, I help people look like themselves, but on their best day. Most of my clients come to me saying they don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera or don’t think they photograph well. That’s where I come in. I guide them through everything from what to wear to how to pose, and I pay close attention to light in a way that’s both flattering and natural.
Over the years, I’ve become known for creating a laid-back, low-pressure experience while still delivering polished, high-end images. People are often surprised by how easy and even fun the process feels.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on the photo, I focus on the person in front of the camera. I understand how much confidence plays a role in how someone shows up, and I know how to bring that out in a way that feels natural, not forced.
I’m also proud of how my work has evolved beyond just taking photos. Through my books, podcast, and courses, I’ve been able to teach what I’ve learned over the past 30 years so that others can feel confident showing up, whether they’re in front of a professional camera or just using their phone.
At the end of the day, I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. Being able to help someone see themselves differently, in a good way, is something I don’t take lightly.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think there are moments where timing and opportunity play a role, but I wouldn’t say luck has been the driving force behind my life or business.
Most of what I’ve built has come from showing up consistently, even in seasons where it felt hard or uncertain. There were times when opportunities came my way, like being published or getting connected to the right people, but I was only in a position to say yes to those things because I had already put in the work.
I’ve also had what some might call “bad luck,” like health challenges, burnout, or life circumstances that forced me to step away from my business at times. In the moment, those didn’t feel like opportunities at all. But looking back, they pushed me to grow, reassess what really mattered, and build something that feels more aligned with who I am now.
If anything, I think I’ve learned that relying on luck isn’t a strategy. I’d rather focus on doing good work, treating people well, and continuing to show up, even if it’s not perfect.
That’s what has made the biggest difference for me over time.
Pricing:
- Most clients invest between $1500 – $5000 depending on their session and final image selections
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamapantel.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamaPantel
Image Credits
Jama Pantel Photography LLC
