Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Yeakle
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Jesse Yeakle (Yae-kuhl), born in Marion, VA, moved to Duluth, MN at a young age and grew up surround by the north woods and the northern landscape of the state of Minnesota.
My love for photography started when I was serving in the military. I was traveling all over the world experiencing new places and new people almost constantly. It came to my attention that documenting these places, people, and experiences was important to me, so I went ahead and purchased a small beginner-type camera with one lens and took pictures as a hobby. I took pictures of my friends, landscapes, cityscapes, fun experiences, and just about anything that caught my eye.
Eventually someone offered to pay me to take pictures for them. This not only blew my mind, because at the time I thought, “I am not a professional, why do you want to hire me?, I am just this normal guy, WHAT?!” I was totally filled with self doubt 100%, or had “imposter syndrome”, which I feel now is normal, but it also opened my eyes to the idea that maybe I could pursue this hobby, and make it into something bigger.
One job led to the next, and soon I was making decent money just taking pictures which is INSANE!
I then started to go all-in with learning and practicing photography. Different genres of photography like fashion and studio work, to product photography, to commercial and marketing work, to my passion now, which are these environmental portraits and prints.
I even took a picture of a rock that made it into the New York Times!
January 17th, 2025 was my last day at my 9-5 job, and now I am a full time photographer and business owner, and that’s pretty crazy, and something I never knew was possible.
I have over doubled my income, given myself more time to spend with my friends and family, and I get to do what I love and adore, which is using my camera to make pictures. I have learned that anyone can take a picture, but not everyone can make a picture, craft the light, choose the framing, direct the subject, and so many other variables. The value of photography fills so many needs in our daily life that we don’t even realize. From cook books, to instruction manuals, to commercial billboards, to social media platforms, to fine art prints hanging in a studio or exhibit, to outer space, photography is everywhere.
I have been a photographer for 7 years now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to becoming a full time artist and business owner has not been a smooth road. I think the biggest struggle I have faced while pursing an artistic and creative role in this world has been self-doubt. Money has been tight sure, like I’ve had to sell equipment to pay rent, eat ramen for a month or two at a time, but I think the hardest thing to overcome is self-doubt. Believing you’re not good enough, and constantly comparing your work to the work of already established and successful artists is not good for the soul. Once I took the time to address myself and look myself in the eyes and say, “you’re good enough, you’re a photographer.” or something like that, then I was able to see past the negative self-talk and look towards all the joy photography gave me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I use cameras, lights, and locations to take pictures that tell stories. I specialize in marketing, commercial work, and portraits, and that is what I am known for, but I am honestly trying to pivot more of my time into creating art with my camera equipment to make photographs that you might hang on a wall.
I am most proud of being me. Being able to make pictures is great, and I am proud of my success in this field of work so far. What I am more proud about is that I love my family and friends, and I am proud to be a son and brother.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If someone is interested in working with me, collaborating with me, or supporting me they can follow me on Instagram @JesseYeakle, visit my website jesseyeakle.com , and/or send me an email or text! I love meeting creative people and working together to make something great, and I am open to chat always!
Pricing:
- $1000+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jesseyeakle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesseyeakle/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-yeakle-516535185/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseYeakle
