Today we’d like to introduce you to Jami Feldman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My passion for photography started at age 11 in a black and white darkroom class. That passion inevitably evolved into underwater photography after I got scuba certified in 2008 and became obsessed with being underwater. I was diving as much as I could and NEVER without a camera. Then one day I jokingly commented on a dive meetup with friends, “The underwater paparazzi will be there!!”. I paused for a few seconds.. and then proceeded to look up and register everything with that name. I knew that’s how I wanted to start sharing my adventures underwater. Since then, its evolved from a just an online dive log. I started selling my work, traveling more and even got into underwater portraits. I found I loved researching the subjects I photographed and enjoyed creating an inspirational and educational space on social media. And still, of course, sharing the amazing places I’ve been from the beautiful cold waters of California and all over the world. I’m now a Divemaster and I can teach basic underwater photography as a specialty certification for divers.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely not an easy road, but a fun one! Underwater photography is very different from traditional photography. It can be a huge learning curve and take patience and a lot of practice. Ive spent tons of time reading books, blogs, following forums and websites to try and learn as much as I can. And then of course, diving as much as possible to put techniques into practice. It can be very frustrating to not get an imaged exposed or lit the way you see it composed in your head. And sometimes it’s just luck to come across that animal behavior you’ve been dying to see that creates a stunning image. I went through struggles (and still do) of what else can I do to make an impact with my underwater images and I feel like I’m in a constant brainstorm. But at the end of the day, I really love just being underwater with my camera and I’m grateful to be able to do that as much as I do.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Underwater Paparazzi was created because it was a way to share this incredible world that only a fraction of the population gets to see. I have a passion for our oceans and try to promote education and inspiration with visual stories. I create and sell wall art from my images, as well as do specialized underwater photoshoots for maternity, engagement, mess the dress and commercial purposes.
I’m mostly known for underwater metal wall prints. Metal is just so vibrant with the colors underwater. I occasionally do art shows, in fact, I’m in talks for a new one that may start in mid August and will last for a month. I will be releasing those details in the next few weeks on my website!
I’m proud of a giving back project I’ve done the past five years. I produce a calendar of my images where part of the profits are donated to an ocean organization that has inspired me.
What were you like growing up?
I was a shy kid. I liked to hide behind the camera (and still do!) and take in my surroundings. I always liked to play with my mom’s 35mm film camera which is why she probably put me into that black and white darkroom class when I was 11. Little did she know that she was creating a monster! My interests revolved around photography and I loved to be out taking photos. I was involved with yearbook from 7th grade through my senior year in high school and was known for always having a camera on me, even way back then.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.UnderwaterPaparazzi.com
- Phone: 858-353-5473
- Email: hi@underwaterpaparazzi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underwaterpaparazzi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwpaparazzi/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwpaparazzi
Image Credit:
Photo of me was taken by Beth Driscoll
All other photos taken by Jami Feldman
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