We recently had the chance to connect with Jay Grammond and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Jay, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I know that it is important to have a “morning routine.” My current routine involves: turning on some uplifting music; feeding and watering our three cats; make coffee for my wife, when she hasn’t already set the timer; make myself some breakfast. Then I go out and take care of our chickens. Once that is done, I load my daughter’s Tenor Saxophone into the car and drive her into school. Once I get back home, I dig in to my business work. I have intentions to add some other things like doing some sort of meditation, drinking water, maybe some reading; and some exercise. I need to add those kinds of things to a morning routine. I believe that a focused and purposeful routine can really be a positive start for the rest of the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Jay Grammond. I am a Full Time Photographer and Creative; and sole proprietor of J Grammond Photography. Some of the things I do include public speaking (51 presentations in 2025); organize and lead photography workshops in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming; sell fine art prints to hospitals, clinics, and facilities of all kinds. In addition to these primary things, I have a podcast called, “The Creative’s Moment”; I lead occasional photo walks; and have a blog called, Adventures In Photography With Jay Grammond.
I am a published author. My first book is called, “Fading Ads Of The Twin Cities” it is all about Ghost Signs, the old painted ads on brick buildings in Minneapolis and St. Paul. I am currently working on a second book which be called, “Detour Minnesota” which is due to be published in late 2026. This book will be all about historical places and things; Americana, and roadside curiosities to visit around the state of Minnesota.
I went Full Time with photography in January, 2020. Previous to that, I worked in the Lifelong Learning industry for 19 years. I approach my work with enthusiasm and creativity and am willing to visit with you about artwork for your place of work or home; presentations for your associations, clubs, and your audiences. I would love to talk to you about participating in one of my Adventure Workshops, or the Black Hills Photo Shootout.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I would say that my family relationships most shaped how I see myself. I was really fortunate to grow up in a loving family (parents that stayed married and in Love to this day; and five siblings), in a small town where people watched out for each other. Family gatherings with relatives were an important part of growing up. I also was fortunate to have some great friends since childhood who are still a part of my “inner circle.” I married my bride 32 years ago; and she was raised in a loving family, the “baby” of the family, with several older brothers. We instilled the value of family and true lasting friendships in our children. Everything I do is is first for my family, and for the people I serve through the things I do. I see my “superpower” as being Kindness, and I try to spread joy whenever I can, and I do my work, or rather, my avocation with enthusiasm.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
You know, when you are going at business as a sole proprietor; there are many times that you might want to give up because it is hard! When I made a leap of faith six years ago, I decided that I was “all In” and I have hung on to that. My personal mantra is, “Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Yourself. Life Is Happening Right Now.” I adopted that quote from a friend, and world-class photographer, Tim Wallace. So giving up is not an option, and being all-in actually keeps me from having those thoughts and striving to build and reach goals.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I would say that my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is kindness; supporting and lifting others up; and improving the quality of life for others.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I always try to do my best, and to be constantly improving. I learned about this idea of improvement from something I read by Tony Robbins: Continuous And Never-ending Improvement. I do my best in all things, and am always learning and trying to improve what I do – and what I offer.
A strong piece of advice that I got from my parents was to “keep your chin up.” They encouraged me to try things, like baseball when I was young. I didn’t want to even play baseball, but I’m glad for the encouragement because I loved it and played all the way through childhood and high school. Being a sole proprietor can be a lonely business sometimes; and there isn’t always a lot of praise for the work you do especially the behind the scenes stuff to make things work that often go un-noticed. But, it is important to keep going and to give it your best all the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jgrammondphotography.net
- Instagram: jgrammondphotography. detourminnesota. theblckhillsphotoshootout.
- Linkedin: Jay Grammond
- Twitter: @JGrammondPhoto
- Facebook: J Grammond Photography
- Youtube: J Grammond Photography
- Other: tiktok: @j.grammond.photog
Blog: Adventures In Photography with Jay Grammond
Podcast: The Creatives Moment
Image Credits
© Jay Grammond
