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Business as Usual: Jim Paussa Photography

Staff report
A family portrait shot by Jim Paussa of Snowmass.
Jim Paussa |

Editor’s note: Business as Usual is a series highlighting businesses in Snowmass Village. It is published weekly in the Snowmass Sun. If you’d like your business featured here, email lauren@aspen times.com.

Snowmass Sun: How did your business start?

Jim Paussa: I had been a serious amateur photographer since learning darkroom skills in high school. Over 20 years ago, I learned lighting and began my portrait career. I lived in Basalt almost 20 years; then my wife and I moved to Snowmass Village in May. I’ve had many Snowmass Village clients over the years, but I’m excited to be where I can run into them more often.



Snowmass Sun: What services or goods do you sell or provide?

Jim Paussa: I primarily do portrait, engagement and wedding photography. I also sell fine-art prints and even do some real estate photography. I do custom color and black-and-white printing and provide leather albums. I concentrate on very high-end, quality work but realize there are clients that need fast-turnaround work, as well.




Snowmass Sun: What makes your business unique?

Jim Paussa: After all these years, I’ve honed my skills with lighting techniques that really make it possible to capture a beautiful Colorado look. I know how to make people look good.

Often people tell me how much they hate getting their picture taken. My main problem is people have had their picture taken by others that aren’t portrait specialists. I totally understand, and once they see the results, they’re repeat clients. I don’t shoot tons of images and hope. I simply get in, get out and get the shots.

It’s very rewarding to make a timeless photograph. I have images of people as infants and later as 20-year-olds. I know how much people will love those images that you can’t go back and repeat.

Snowmass Sun: Who’s your primary clientele?

Jim Paussa: The typical phone call I get is from someone before a special vacation in Snowmass/Aspen. The entire family, usually at least three generations, are converging from all over the country. They cherish their time here and want to take advantage of the entire family being in one ZIP code. Sometimes it’s a birthday. Other times it may be a gift for the grandparents, etc.

Another emerging market is branding photography. Entrepreneurs need great photography. Nothing ruins a website like poor imagery.

Snowmass Sun: What is the best thing about running a business in Snowmass?

Jim Paussa: Is it just me, or does everyone in Snowmass Village feel special? We can jump over to Aspen for the many great events and tons of dining. But I think people enjoy coming back to less hubbub. (That’s a technical term.) I’ve known many people here over the years, but it’s different living and working here. People have really welcomed us to the community. We enjoy running into friends here at the post office, a Thursday night concert or on a hike. We all know Snowmass is great in the winter, but there are also more and more fun summer things to do each year.

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