BEHIND THE CAMERA
Hey friends! I’m Jami Leavitt, a Utah wedding and portrait photographer living in the sunny Saint George area. I grew up in the charming small town of Midway, Utah and attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City where I received a communication degree with an emphasis in advertising. As the art editor for my university newspaper I photographed all kinds of projects (like that one random time I was hired to shoot photos of Dr. J’s (Julius Erving) St. George house for the Salt Lake Tribune) and events during my college days and this lead me to the path I’m now on as a wedding and portrait photographer. Sounds kind of like a big leap from photojournalist to wedding photographer, but what I really learned along the way is how to see a story and capture it in the best light possible! In my 12 year career I spent some time working as a lead photographer for a high end wedding photography studio in Philadelphia where I really learned how to shoot in any condition imaginable. Pouring rain all day on a wedding? Been there! Scorching heat waves in the middle of July, I’ve done it! From dimly lit cathedral’s to outdoor venues on the river and every neat place in between, I am able to tell your story in a way that feels genuine and authentic to you.
I now own a studio in the heart of St. George called The Gardner Home Collective where I create photographs for my own clients as well as rent the studio to other local photographers, artists, and creatives. I specialize in creating custom wall art and heirloom albums because I truly believe photographs should be displayed as artwork in your home!
My photography is best described as fresh yet classic. I believe moments should occur naturally while together we document the real story unfolding in front of me.
In my day to day life I love spending time with my husband and our 4 children. We’ve lived all over the country and love the chance to travel and experience new places together. However, nothing beats eating tacos on the beach in Mexico or taking a long Sunday nap. That’s the good stuff!
Random facts
I’m addicted to fresca
It had been years since I popped open a can of Fresca, then in early 2020 (pandemic cravings you could say) I rediscovered just how addicting that citrus drink is and now I keep a healthy supply stocked in my pantry.
I have a twin brother
My Mom likes to tell the story of our birth because I came as a total surprise to my parents. Literally. No one knew I was there until I was delivered! It was the late 80’s and no ultrasound at the rural hospital where I was born. My brother is a real treasure and we couldn’t be more different but I love it that way!
I rarely wear makeup
I have super light basically non existent eyebrows so I should probably work on that. I love how I look with makeup on and will wear it on occasion, but day to day, you can find me in my favorite comfy lounge clothes sans makeup.
I drive a minivan
I swore I would never be “that Mom.”
I am definitely that mom!
FAQs
What types of photography do you shoot?
My business serves two types of clients, wedding and portrait. I offer full service wedding packages including pre-wedding sessions like engagements, bridals, and boudoir as well as a variety of options for wedding day coverage. I also photograph portrait clients, with a focus on families and maternity sessions. I don’t photograph newborn photos unless it’s a lifestyle type session. I love the babies but it’s not my focus so I typically refer those type of sessions to photographers who specialize in newborn photography exclusively.
Where are you located?
My studio is based in the center of St. George, Utah near Ancestor Square. I shoot weddings locally as well as internationally and love to travel for destination weddings. I often travel for portrait sessions as well and some of my favorite sessions are for families traveling to St. George and the nearby area for photos in the beautiful red rock canyons and desert landscape.
Do you sell digitals and albums?
I do! Every wedding package includes the digital images from your event and any other pre-wedding session included in your package. Albums and artwork are available as add-ons.
For portrait clients (families, maternity, other portrait clients) I specialize in wall art for the home. Digital packages are available as an add-on when you purchase an album or folio.
Deposit and cancellation Policy
A $1000 non-refundable retainer is required to reserve your wedding date on my calendar. A $200 non-refundable retainer is required to book your portrait session. I require a 48 hour notice for portrait sessions to reschedule.
When should I schedule my consultation?
Before your session we’ll pick a date for you to come into the studio to plan your session details. This gives us a chance to really understand the vision you have for your final images as we decide the best location, wardrobe, date and time. At your planning consultation we’ll discuss how you want your images to be displayed in and around your home whether it’s wall art or an album or a combination. The creative opportunities are endless and it’s a fun process to start with the end in mind so that on the day of your shoot you feel completely confident and prepared!
When do I book my viewing appointment?
A week after your shoot you’ll return to the studio and choose your final images.
What time of day is best to shoot?
I plan my location and home sessions in the morning near sunrise or early evening a couple hours before sunset to achieve the best lighting quality. Studio sessions can be scheduled any time of day.
How long have you been a photographer? What gear do you use?
I’ve been a wedding and portrait photographer for over 12 years! I’m a Nikon shooter and carry a variety of lenses which help me create different effects. I have multiple camera bodies on me when shooting weddings so that I’m always prepared. For a more detailed list or specific gear questions, feel free to email me! I’m always happy to help answer any questions.
How early do i need to book you for my wedding?
Photography is one of the firs things a couple chooses so as soon as you’re engaged, send me an email! My schedule fills up quickly since I only take on about 15-20 weddings a year.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Love what you see? Ready to capture amazing photos together? Let’s make it happen, send me a message and we’ll get started!