After 20 years in Miami, photographer Jaime Seymour-Newton resolved it was time to marry together her passions for photography, animals, and the mountains of North Carolina. She discussed the idea with her husband Rupert and made her case for a move to the mountains. “I said to my husband, ‘Let’s have an adventure.’” He agreed and together they embarked on an adventure that eventually brought Jaime Seymour-Newton Photography to Flat Rock.

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Jaime has been a professional photographer for over 20 years and through the years has developed a style that allows her to capture the emotional connections between her clients or, as is frequently the case, between her clients and their pets.

She specializes in black and white photography and, as her website states, she believes that when you photograph in black and white, you photograph the soul. “When I look at a black and white image, I notice more of the emotion from the person. I love color too, but I prefer black and white because I feel it really focuses you more on the feelings captured in the photograph.”

Jaime’s studio offers acrylic wall art, fine art matted prints, and digital downloads and she specializes in pet, children, and family portraits. Her studio is located adjacent to Flat Rock Post Office – in the space formerly occupied by Firefly Craft Gallery – and features state-of-the-art equipment, the latest in photography technology, and a woman whose passion for her craft is demonstrated with every portrait in her portfolio.

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Jaime and her family were introduced to Henderson County when her three children spent summers at Camp Blue Star off Crab Creek Road. Not only did the children love the camp experience – so did Jaime. She served as the camp’s photographer and eventually developed a course in photography offered to the campers. Now that her children are grown and off to college, she still assists Blue Star with its website and marketing.

As much as she loved being in North Carolina for the summer, she hated leaving when camp sessions ended. “When we would leave, I'd feel empty. I loved the small-town feel.” Her eyes sparkle as she talks about the place that has now become her new home. “Everything about this area just fills my soul.”

The Seymour-Newton’s officially moved to Hendersonville in July 2022 and are continuing to explore the area and connect with the wider community. They also managed to survive their first mountain winter after 20 years in the tropical climate of Miami. “The winter was a little cold,” Jaimie admits. But then adds brightly, “But every day I'm so grateful. I see new buds coming up and spring is coming. I’m super excited to be here.”

Although she lives in Hendersonville, Jaime is very pleased that she was able to locate her studio in Flat Rock. She is particularly grateful for the warm welcome she’s received. “There's something about Flat Rock’s small-town feel. When we go to the Flat Rock Cinema or the bakery, the people are so warm and wonderful here. I feel so lucky to be here.”

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Jaime grew up on Long Island in New York and in college she studied communications and journalism. A position with Carnival Cruise Lines took her to Miami and it was there that she got her start in photography. Her children were playing youth soccer and she offered to do player photographs as a fundraiser to create scholarships for families that couldn’t afford the league fees. The league said “yes” and Jaime the professional photographer has never looked back.

Jaime acknowledges that the craft of photography can be very technical, but she works just as hard on the communication and emotion that lead to great images. Many of Jaime’s initial clients in North Carolina have shown up with their pets - often older dogs. “I'm passionate about creating beautiful memories for people. A lot of people have never had a portrait with their pet.”

Jaime has three rescued dogs at home and is already volunteering with local animal support agencies including Asheville Humane and Blue Ridge Humane Society in Henderson County. She appreciates that area residents really treasure their pets and that there are so many dog-friendly activities in the area.

Ultimately, Jaime’s love of animals gives her a special empathy and connection with her four-legged subjects. “It's an emotional thing. They feel me and I feel them.” She adds, “I worked in rescue for many years and I saw some really horrible things. Animals need us to support them. They don't have a voice. We are their voice.”

Frequently, Jaime is asked to photograph older pets that are seriously ill and in the last stages of life. Her eyes glisten as she admits that such sessions can be emotionally challenging. “It’s hard – but also always really special to share those moments with my clients and create something memorable.”

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Jaime’s location in Flat Rock is her first studio front and the space has a clean and serene feel to help her clients relax. Her work is done by appointment and most sessions are done on Saturdays or Sundays when people and their pets are less constrained by busy schedules and able to relax.

Eventually, Jaime would like to offer photography classes at her studio. “I love helping people with their photography. I would like to put something together for a weeknight now that I have the studio space.”

A few minutes spent with Jaime quickly reveals her deeply-held passion for two things – photography and animals. “I really work on making the whole experience from my heart and my soul. I spend time speaking to my clients beforehand, so I know exactly what moves them and what their relationships are about. I'm grateful that they give me the opportunity to capture that bond.”

Jaime Seymour-Newton Photography is located at 2689D Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC 28731, adjacent to the Flat Rock Post Office and across from the Village of Flat Rock Town Hall.

Jaime photographs most sessions on weekends or by appointment and she can be reached at 786-457-4359, jaime@jaimesnphotography.com, 0r by visiting her website at https://www.jaimesnphotography.com/

Jaime Seymour-Newton Photo Gallery