Finding my way to photography
Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved taking pictures, mostly because of my Dad. I’m a Nikon brand loyalist because of him, too. In the past two years, I’ve found that my volunteer work could help bolster this hobby, so I invested in the right equipment, bugged the right people with questions, and decided to branch out to offer my photo services to more people. I’m inspired most by local Pittsburgh photographers I’ve met during my time working security at Spirit in Lawrenceville and through my time working as a volunteer with Riverfront Theater Company.
Since I still consider myself an amateur, I rarely charge for any work I’m asked to do. Every dollar I earn from photography goes back into it- everything from equipment to the monthly fees for editing software and domain name hosting.
I don’t expect to see monetary profit from my services for a while, but I really do feel that someone who’s happy with the pictures I take is profit enough. That being said, photography equipment is very expensive, but I find the best art is made under limitations.
I use Nikon Mirrorless cameras exclusively, and work through Adobe Lightroom/ Photoshop for editing.
Jamie McDonald, professional amateur
I’ve been in Pittsburgh all my life. I grew up in the South Hills, and have worked all over downtown Pittsburgh since graduating from Point Park’s Conservatory of Performing Arts in 2011 (BA, Theater Arts).
On my days off from my work as an analyst for Highmark, I work as a professional actor and have appeared in many dozens of regional and national commercials (TV/Streaming) with clients like Dick’s Sporting Goods, PB Blaster, Dollar Bank, Gillece, UPMC, La Terra Fina, Shults Auto Dealers, Wayfair, Armstrong Cable and the PA Lottery (yes, with Gus the Groundhog himself). I’ve also appeared in countless training videos for companies like Sherwin Williams, BP, and Mitsubishi. Throughout my entire career as an actor I’ve been represented by The Talent Group.
I’m an active volunteer and enjoy working with my community. I perform yearly readings of Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Christmas Carol at the libraries around Fox Chapel, and I’ve been on the Board of Directors for Riverfront Theater Company since 2016.
On my nights off, I moonlight as a security guard for Spirit, a multi-level music venue/ nightclub/ bar/ pizzeria, in Lawrenceville.
I have three cats, enjoy working outside, spending time with my family, listening to audiobooks, and if there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I love people.
…..and movies.
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