Local photographer launches business

By BECKY THOMAS

Staff Reporter

One thing has always been a constant in James Thompson's life.

“I always had a camera,” he said.

After years as a self-taught photographer taking pictures of his family and friends, Thompson has begun his own photography business, JDT Photography.

Thompson, who has lived in Cheney for the past five years and has based his business here, said he decided to jump into the role of professional photographer after he was laid off from his longtime job and couldn't find satisfying work.

“I thought it was time to make this dream a reality,” he said.

Thompson said he draws on a lifetime of hobby photography experience, as well as taking senior and wedding photos for family members. He might not have formal training, but he said he would compete with other area photographers in terms of price and flexibility.

“Anything they want, I can do it,” he said, from seniors, sports, events and family portraits.

One of the cornerstones of Thompson's business philosophy is free consultations. He said meeting with clients before a photo session is essential for him to get to know them and understand what they're looking for.

“I can get a feel for who the person is and how they want to be represented,” he said.

He said some of the best photo sessions take place at a person's home, surrounded by their favorite settings

“That's where they feel the most comfortable,” he said.

Thompson said he hoped to find clients in rural communities like Davenport, Reardan and Harrington, areas that other Spokane-area photographers aren't always willing to travel to.

Thompson is still working out his website and establishing pricing and photo packages, but he said he's hoping to draw clients with a $99 senior photo package.

So far, business is steady, Thompson said, but he's hoping things will pick up as the weather warms up and the details are worked out on the business side. Overall, he's happy to be taking photographs for a living.

How does he know it's working?

“It hasn't felt like work yet,” he said.

For more information, visit http://www.jdtphotography.net.

Becky Thomas can be reached at [email protected].