Jamie Valenta
“Equinox to Solstice”
“As a lifelong Whatcom County resident, I was raised on a dairy farm and spent much of my time outdoors. My favorite childhood memories are of family road trips, riding my banana-seat Huffy bike, and playing in our tree house in the woods. Indoors, I read book after book and covered my bedroom walls with magazine-page collages.
I moved to Bellingham in 1997 and have made it my forever home. After every adventure, I’m always happy to return. The loss of my Dad underscored for me the importance of capturing the people and places you love now – the photographs and memories are what remain to remind us how we felt. It is my daily intention to be grateful for every moment and follow the things that bring me joy and curiosity in this beautiful life. My journey of over twelve years photographing professionally began with the drive to capture the images and essence of people, experiences, and landscapes. Besides documenting my travels, I also photograph weddings, elopements, and families. For this display, I selected locations that are a “stone’s throw” away from our beautiful Bellingham – although I included a few favorites that are a bit of a farther throw! These are all images that make me happy and I would like on my own walls at home (and some of them are).”