Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Activities
Affiliations
Timeline
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Jaime Leigh Sonnier

Houston,TX

Summary

Highly motivated visual content creator, consultant, and instructor with a proven track record in developing engaging content and teaching others to do the same. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively. Excels at managing multiple projects simultaneously while consistently delivering successful outcomes.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner and Photographer

Casa de Camera
01.2000 - Current


  • Produced visually stunning still images and cinematography for a wide range of industries including fashion, film, digital fabrics, abstract art, journalism, documentary, food, real estate, portraits, weddings and non-profit sectors
  • Executed marketing initiatives to maximize client brand exposure and drive revenue growth.
  • Taught photographic and marketing skills to a variety of businesses and individuals
  • Oversaw the financial, employee, client and product aspects of the business.
  • Developed and maintained client partnerships, generating repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.

Photography Instructor

Houston Center for Photography
01.2008 - 12.2022
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive instruction for a variety of photography courses including Beginning Photography, Composition, Portraiture, Making a Mark (Texas Children's), Summer Camps, and Advanced Documentary Classes.
  • Moved curriculum to an online and interactive format, attracting students globally.

Photography Instructor and Service Director

Episcopal High School
01.2011 - 01.2018
  • Instructed students in a diverse range of photography subjects such as Photo Class Levels 1 to 3, Digital Photography, Photojournalism, Advanced Portfolio, and Media Studies
  • Mentored and guided over 200 award-winning students in various competitions such as ATPI, VASE, Culture Shapers, and Scholastic Competitions
  • Produced three exhibits annually showcasing student work
  • Led the implementation of a student-led Photojournalism initiative resulting in improved overall school branding
  • Created and implemented a student-led service program for the whole student population
  • Created and implemented a student-led service program for the whole student population

Artist and Consultant

CrOP Collection
01.2009 - 01.2012
  • Collaborated on the development of photographic print-designed fabric for women's fashion lines
  • Produced 2 full lines and showcased them in 4 fashion shows, utilizing a variety of 20 fabrics.
  • Created advertising campaigns for collections, coordinating photoshoots internationally and within Louisiana.
  • Created advertising campaigns for collections, coordinating photoshoots internationally and within Louisiana.

Photography Instructor

Charter and 21st Century Schools
01.2009 - 01.2011
  • Instructed courses on Beginning Digital Photography and Creative Writing, simultaneously overseeing the creation of individual blogs and online newspapers.

Business Consultant

Pictage
01.2005 - 01.2008
  • Provided comprehensive, global consulting services for more than 500 photographers, optimizing their business practices.
  • Engaged in public speaking engagements at both local and national conferences.
  • Partnered with photography businesses to enhance their marketing strategies, streamline logistics operations, and deliver effective training programs.
  • Utilized in-depth market research and competitor analysis to formulate successful business strategies.
  • Implemented custom solutions to meet unique business needs, resulting in increased client satisfaction.

Masters Thesis

Gardner-Betts Juvenile Detention
01.2004 - 01.2005
  • Instructed students in the subjects of journalism, photography, and multi-media
  • Created an exhibit showcasing students' work in collaboration with the Real Estate Council of Austin.
  • Demonstrated self-motivation and a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Photography Instructor and Lab Assistant

University of Texas
01.2003 - 01.2005
  • Guided students through classroom instruction, lab work, and darkroom sessions pertaining to Intro to Photography, Design, and CAD for Fashion Students.
  • Implemented new photography equipment and software, ensuring students remain up-to-date with technology advancements in the field.
  • Developed challenging assignments that showcased individual strengths, boosting students' confidence in their work.

Education

Master of Arts in Photojournalism -

University of Texas, Austin

Bachelor of Journalism with a concentration in Photography - Liberal Arts Honors English Program

University of Texas, Austin

Skills

  • Creative Visualization
  • Strong Writing Skills
  • Customer Relations
  • Small Business Operations
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Instruction in Photographic Arts
  • Business and Marketing Consulting
  • Content Strategy Development

Accomplishments

Jaime's work has been published in The Daily Texan, Round Rock Observer, Austin American Statesman, Houston Chronicle, The Knot Magazine, The Knot Texas, Weddings in Houston Magazine, 713 Magazine, Paper City, InStyle, and Vogue Magazines.

Jaime was a 2011 FotoFest featured artist for 'Home Spun', a body of work featuring photographic textiles and prints.

Jaime has served as a Board Member for Africa Renewal Ministries, She Has Hope and Texas Photographic Society. She is a longtime volunteer at Texas Children's Hospital and the Junior League of Houston.


Activities

  • She Has Hope Advisory Board Member
  • Texas Photographic Society Past Board Member
  • FotoFest 2012 Artist
  • NPPA Storytelling Conference Graduate 2013
  • First Presbyterian Church
  • Nehemiah Center Volunteer Board
  • National Press Photographer's Association
  • EAC Emergency Food Pantry
  • Jr. League of Houston
  • Texas Children's Doll and Blanket Program
  • American Diabetes Association Camp Rainbow Counselor
  • Main Street Ministries
  • Texas Children's Hospital First Memories Program
  • Africa Renewal Ministries Communications Coordinator and Child Sponsor
  • ATPI
  • Brittany Rescue
  • Congress for New Urbanism

Affiliations

  • NPPA, WPPI, ATPI, and PPA

Timeline

Photography Instructor and Service Director

Episcopal High School
01.2011 - 01.2018

Artist and Consultant

CrOP Collection
01.2009 - 01.2012

Photography Instructor

Charter and 21st Century Schools
01.2009 - 01.2011

Photography Instructor

Houston Center for Photography
01.2008 - 12.2022

Business Consultant

Pictage
01.2005 - 01.2008

Masters Thesis

Gardner-Betts Juvenile Detention
01.2004 - 01.2005

Photography Instructor and Lab Assistant

University of Texas
01.2003 - 01.2005

Owner and Photographer

Casa de Camera
01.2000 - Current

Master of Arts in Photojournalism -

University of Texas, Austin

Bachelor of Journalism with a concentration in Photography - Liberal Arts Honors English Program

University of Texas, Austin
Jaime Leigh Sonnier