As a Houston wedding photographer, I celebrate Pride Month alongside my clients. Pride Month is a special time when the world comes together to recognize the LGBTQ+ community and to honor those who fought for (and still are fighting for) equality. At Jamie Hardin Photography, true allyship extends beyond the month of June. I am support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community every single day of the year.
Capturing Diversity: The Essence of My Photography
In my work as a Houston LGBTQ wedding photographer and College Station wedding photographer, I highlight the beauty of diversity. Every portrait, candid shot, and event is a testament to the uniqueness of each individual and the importance of representation. Photography has the power to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding. Therefore, I use my lens to create a more inclusive world.
Pride Month: A Time for Celebration and Reflection
Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the progress that’s been made in the world, but it’s also a time to reflect on the challenges that remain. Through my photography, I document the vibrant celebrations, the heartfelt stories, and the ongoing struggles within the LGBTQ+ community. Accordingly, my images serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the community, inspiring others to join in the fight for equality.
Allyship in Action: Year-Round Support
Being an ally means more than waving a rainbow flag in June. It also means standing up against discrimination, educating oneself and others, and actively supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations throughout the year. Here are some ways I practice allyship in my everyday life and work:
- Listening and Learning: I make it a point to listen to LGBTQ+ voices and educate myself about current issues affecting the community. Thus, I am striving to understand how I can be a better ally and advocate.
- Inclusive Business Practices: I ensure that every aspect of my business is inclusive and welcoming to everyone. I strive to create a safe and affirming environment for all clients. Therefore, my contracts, intake forms, questionnaires, etc have inclusive language and I will never assume your pronouns or relationship dynamics.
- Supporting LGBTQ+ Causes: I regularly donate to and volunteer with organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. By contributing my time and resources, I am helping to make a tangible difference.
- Using My Platform: As a Houston wedding photographer, I have a platform that reaches many people. Hence, I use this to share stories, raise awareness, and promote acceptance and equality.
- Challenging Discrimination: Whether it’s in my personal life or professional settings, I am actively challenge homophobic, transphobic, and discriminatory behavior. Silence is complicity, for that reason, I choose to speak out.
- Raising Children who are Open Minded and Accepting: My husband and I are doing our part to create a world in which everyone can be themselves. Both my son and my daughter are being brought up to embrace who they are and to love others for who they are. We raise our children to understand that love is beautiful and comes in many forms. They are free to be whomever they may be and love whomever they want. It is important for me to create a future where no one experiences discrimination.
The Power of Representation
Representation matters. By showcasing LGBTQ+ individuals and stories in my work, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and validation. Seeing oneself reflected in the world can be incredibly empowering. Therefore, I always ensure that my portfolio is as diverse and inclusive as my clientele.
A Year-Round Celebration
While Pride Month is a time of joy and celebration, my commitment to the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t end on June 30th. Every day of the year, I stand as an ally, using my skills and platform to support, uplift, and celebrate my couples. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be themselves 365 days a year.
So, here’s to Pride Month—and to a lifetime of allyship and advocacy.
If you’re looking for a Houston LGBTQ wedding photographer or a College Station LGBTQ weddings specialist who is dedicated to inclusivity and representation, I would be honored to be a part of your day. Let’s create beautiful memories together.
With love and solidarity,
Jamie
Meet Jamie
Hey! It’s Jamie and what you see, is what you get!
I’m a marathon running, tattoo laden, indie music loving, historic home renovating, dog lover who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I am a Houston and College Station wedding photographer living in a 110 year old farmhouse in the small town of Snook, TX.
You might be wondering, “what makes her the best choice for my wedding?”
WELL! 14 years of wedding experience means that I’m not only a wedding expert, but I’m also a pro at keeping you on schedule, like wrangling a big family as if they were my own. I make sure my clients actually enjoy their wedding day.
Genuine smiles and laughter are what I strive for.
It’s my goal to capture real, un-posed moments that reflect your wedding in a way that only I can. I want you to see things in your wedding album that you didn’t even realize were happening behind the scenes.
If you’re also the kind of person that loves jumping into adventurous feet first, let’s run this trail together! You can inquire here!
