Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Szypkowski.
Hi Jen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative. From doodling or coloring as a kid, to always being the one with the disposable camera in middle school. I took ALL the art classes in high school — drawing, painting, ceramics. (Surprisingly, the only art class I didn’t take was photography!) After I had my first son I bought my first DSLR camera. Several of my friends were all having kiddos at that time so I started off mainly photographing maternity, newborns, kids & families. I slowly worked my way into weddings and I feel like once I dove in around 2017 it just took off from there! It’s crazy to look back at where I started to where I am now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I feel like with anything there is always going to be struggles. For the most part it’s been more of a learning curve rather than a bumpy road. I think change is always something that creatives need to be aware of and open to and boy have there been changes since I started! From editing styles and logo changes to keeping up with social media, adjusting contracts, and just how I handle all the responsibilities has changed so much over the years! Seeing the photography community grow has been amazing also. It’s much more ‘community over competition’ and it’s great to have each other to bounce ideas or questions off of or to have a group that helps out when we need an associate or second shooter.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Minnesota-based Wedding & Lifestyle photographer but I LOVE getting the opportunity to travel and I’m always down for an out of state (or country) wedding! I’d say it’s equal parts wedding and family photography that I’m “known” for. I have so many clients that come back to me year after year and I’m so honored to be able to capture their families as they grow. I think my own personal growth over the last few years is what I am most proud of. I’ve pushed myself more and have gotten “out of my comfort zone,” and it’s been the best thing ever! Being a mom to two boys can set me apart from others. I understand that your kiddos probably aren’t cooperating, so I fully go with their vibe and let them ‘run the show’ a little bit. I can connect with other mamas and reassure them when their kiddos are all over the place. I’ve had several clients reach out to me after their sessions that are amazed that I even got a shot of everyone looking at the camera at the same time, let alone one where everyone is smiling!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I would say the biggest thing is to practice consistently, learn your camera inside and out, and understand the fundamentals of light and composition. No matter what type of photography you specialize in, knowing your equipment and how to use it in different lighting situations is key — especially if you’re wanting to photograph weddings. Once you are comfortable with that you can narrow down your editing style. It’s fun to play around with different presets and really find your own editing style! I wish I would have been able to either second shoot along side other photographers or attend styled shoots, especially when I first started out. I feel like I just kind of ‘threw myself’ into weddings and I wish I would have had the opportunity to learn how a wedding day unfolds to get a little more experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dernordenphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dernorden/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dernordenphotography
