Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Pike.
Hi Jordan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My photography journey started at just ten years old, the day I got my very first camera. It wasn’t fancy, but to me, it was everything. I would spend hours around our barn and throughout the house, setting up little photoshoots with my horses, pets, and even random objects that caught my eye. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those early days—crouching in the dirt to get the perfect angle or using barn light to make something look magical—were the foundation of something much bigger.
In high school, I took photography classes and found myself even more in love with the art. I started doing casual shoots for friends here and there—senior portraits, photos with their horses, small things that made me feel like maybe this could be more than a hobby. But after graduating, I wasn’t exactly sure what my path would be. I just knew one thing: I loved horses.
That led me to Michigan State University, where I earned an associate degree in Horse Management. I still wasn’t certain about the future, but I knew I was heading in the right direction. From there, I transferred to Colorado State University and completed my bachelor’s degree in Equine Science. I had this vision of running a horse show business, working with horses full-time, and building a career around the equestrian world. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but my path was starting to veer in a slightly different direction—one that still honored my love for horses, but in a much more creative way.
While living in Colorado, the cost of living was high, and I needed a way to support myself. That’s when photography came back into my life in a bigger way. I started taking photos for fellow college students—graduation sessions, portraits with their horses, and more. Slowly but surely, word spread. My calendar filled up, and I began to realize that this could be more than just a side gig.
Then came the spark that changed everything: Colorful Horses.
I had an idea to combine my love of photography and creativity with the beauty of horses. I styled vibrant, whimsical horse shoots and posted them on social media. The response was overwhelming—it blew up. Suddenly, people from all over were reaching out. That was the moment I truly knew: this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
From there, my business took off. I began traveling across the United States, photographing not just horses, but people, weddings, and branding projects. I said “yes” to every opportunity I could, capturing stories wherever I went. Weddings, in particular, became a highlight of my work. There’s something incredibly special about being trusted to document someone’s biggest day—full of raw emotion, beauty, and joy.
After graduating from CSU, I moved back to Michigan to be closer to family and decided to put roots down and grow my business here. It’s been the best decision. My work has expanded into weddings, branding, and content creation, and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities—like photographing at the National Finals Rodeo, the US Arabian Nationals, and other prestigious horse shows.
What started as a childhood curiosity with a little camera turned into a full-blown career built on passion, creativity, and love—for photography, for horses, and for telling people’s stories in the most beautiful way possible. And the best part? I feel like I’m just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth road. Far from it, actually. There have been seasons where money was tight, when the dream felt distant, and life got heavy. I’ve had to work other jobs—sometimes juggling multiple at once—just to make ends meet. During those times, photography had to take a backseat, no matter how much I loved it. It was frustrating, discouraging, and sometimes it felt like I was moving backwards.
Even now, it’s not always easy. Running your own business means riding the highs and lows—financially, emotionally, and creatively. But through it all, I’ve stayed committed. I’ve learned to keep showing up, to stay positive, and to keep pushing even when things feel uncertain. Because deep down, I know this is what I’m meant to do. Every challenge, every step back, has only made me more determined to make this dream a reality.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets me apart from others is the way I blend my lifelong passion for horses with a deep creative vision. I didn’t just pick up a camera—I grew up with it, capturing everything from barn life to styled shoots I’d dream up as a kid. My background in equine science gives me a unique understanding of horses and the people who love them, which allows me to capture authentic, emotional moments that others might miss.
But beyond the technical skills, I think what really sets me apart is how I approach storytelling. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day, a rider with their heart horse, or a business owner chasing their dream—I take the time to understand their story and bring it to life through vibrant, intentional images. I’m not just here to take pretty photos—I’m here to create a lasting experience that feels personal, meaningful, and full of life.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important quality that’s contributed to my success is perseverance. This journey hasn’t always been easy—there have been times when I had to put photography on hold to pay bills, work other jobs, and face the uncertainty that comes with running a creative business. But I’ve never let go of the vision. I’ve stayed committed, even when it meant starting over or pushing through burnout. That resilience has allowed me to keep growing, evolving, and showing up for the people who trust me to capture their most meaningful moments. No matter what, I keep going—and that’s made all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jordanpikephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpikephoto/?igsh=aWprcGUwem1hbmVk&utm_source=qr#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jpikephoto
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jpikephoto
