Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanni Kutz.
Hi Jeanni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been a visual and creative person, so photography developed naturally for me. My passion for it deepened with motherhood. Like many new moms, I started by playing around with a point-and-shoot camera, trying to capture images of my children — some candid, some posed and styled.
After the birth of my first child, I experienced years of infertility. During that difficult time, I was fortunate enough to hire an incredible — though expensive — photographer who captured the true essence of my son. She made time stand still for me, preserving those precious toddler moments that I wasn’t sure I would have the chance to experience again. Years later, after undergoing numerous infertility treatments, my daughter was born. It was then that I began to take photography more seriously. I understood how important it was to have access to beautiful, heartfelt images, and I wanted to make that experience more accessible and affordable for other moms.
From the beginning, my photography journey has been balanced with motherhood. I started to seriously explore photography in 2010 and bought my first “professional” camera in 2012. Like many others, I quickly outgrew my initial gear and began upgrading my camera bodies and lenses. By 2015, I knew I wanted to elevate my style and serve more clients, so I shifted my focus toward education rather than equipment. I took classes, practiced consistently, and realized that photography was about more than just creating beautiful images — it was also about running a successful business.
By 2018, J. Kutz Photography began to truly reflect my artistic vision and operated with greater professionalism. After eight years of hard work, growth, and learning, I finally felt like the photographer I had always dreamed of becoming.
Pro Tip:
There is an incredible amount of high-quality, free education available within the photography community. I always encourage new photographers to spend time learning from others. There are so many talented individuals, especially online, who generously share their knowledge — and the sense of community can be truly inspiring.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to becoming the photographer I am today hasn’t necessarily been bumpy, but it has been long. I was definitely excited when I decided to pursue photography professionally. Like many new photographers, I wanted to hit the ground running — eager to start taking client photos immediately, buy all the gear, and jump right in. But the reality is, there’s so much more that goes into creating a single image than I initially realized.
I always had a vision for the type of images I wanted to create, but I didn’t know exactly how to achieve it. While having the right gear is important, creating beautiful, consistent photographs takes time, practice, and dedication. In my early years, I spent countless hours learning my camera, experimenting with different techniques, and figuring out what worked best for me. I absolutely made mistakes — but each one became a learning opportunity that helped me grow and improve.
The true work of a photographer is knowing who you are, developing your style, and consistently delivering images that reflect that vision for your clients. That kind of mastery takes time, reflection, and continual practice. Even now, although I’m far more proficient than when I first started, I still dedicate time to practicing and exploring new techniques and styles. Growth is an ongoing journey — and that’s part of what makes photography so rewarding.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I primarily work in the South Metro area of the Twin Cities. My photography style is light, airy, and joyful. I love capturing natural, carefree images with a lifestyle feel — moments that feel genuine and full of life. Some of my favorite sessions are spent with children and families. Working outdoors in natural light — even in snowy Minnesota winters — will always be my first choice. I also adore traveling and photographing clients in special, meaningful locations. My playful personality helps clients feel more relaxed in front of the camera, and I truly love making real, lasting connections with the people I photograph.
As a mom of five, my own children have grown up in front of my lens. While it’s an incredible honor to photograph special milestones like weddings, the images I am most proud of are those of my own kids. Their trust allows me to push my creativity and bring my visions to life. I love styling sessions and creating timeless images that bring me back to a specific moment in time — those are the photographs that speak most deeply to my heart.
It’s my heart that truly sets me apart from other photographers. I often joke during sessions that every few minutes you’ll hear me say, “This one’s my favorite!” — only to say it again moments later. I am genuinely thrilled to capture beautiful images for my clients. I approach each session with the same question: What would my heart want? Every detail matters — from the first time a client visits my website, to the booking process, to advice on what to wear — because all of these small touches shape how clients feel about their experience and their final gallery. I want to pour my passion and joy for photography into every client I serve.
I also believe that knowing who I am — and being honest with my clients — is part of what sets me apart. This community is filled with so many talented photographers, each with their own beautiful and unique style. While light and airy images are my absolute favorite, I understand that some clients may prefer a more saturated or moody look. I work hard to be upfront about who I am and what I offer, because I want to make sure I’m the right photographer for each client. I know my style isn’t for everyone — and that’s perfectly okay. What matters most to me is creating an experience and a gallery that feel authentic, joyful, and true.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Joy, authenticity, and consistency are the foundation of J. Kutz Photography. I believe the best images are the ones that capture real, fleeting moments — the ones that make time stand still. I live for the genuine laughter of a child, the quiet whisper of a mother, or even the cry of a newborn. These moments are full of life and emotion, and they are the ones that speak most deeply to my heart — and to my clients’ hearts as well.
Consistency is a priority in my work because I want clients to feel confident about what to expect. My goal is for clients to envision their images even before they see them and to feel proud to share their photographs with others. Throughout every session and through the delivery of each final gallery, I work to build trust by creating a joyful, genuine experience and beautiful, lasting images.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jkutzphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkutzphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/j-kutz-PHOTOGRAPHY/100066526490085/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jkutzphotography/
