Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Swanson.
Hi Jenna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hey everyone, thanks for being here! I’m Jenna, a lifestyle photographer capturing candid & nostalgic imagery in southeastern Minnesota! I’m also a Mom of 3, ages 15, 4, and 2. They keep my world spinning and keep me busy. I thrive in chaos and wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being in nature, reading, exploring new places, celebrating holiday’s with my family, and making memories! When my oldest was around 2 years old, I bought my first DSLR cameras so I could take more “professional” looking photos of him. I think when you have children it just makes you realize just how fleeting each moment truly is, and to have these photographs and memories to look back on is so extremely important to me. That’s why I’m so passionate about what I do, and I’m so thankful people choose me to capture their stories and their future memories.
I began my photography business in 2021. I have been interested in photography for as long as I can remember. I used to do it as more of a hobby. I would occasionally book shoots for close family and friends. However, I decided that I would open it up as a business and if people like my work, they could book me, and I just kind of wanted to see where it went. I didn’t have really big expectations. I just kind of went with the flow of things. I’ve now been operating almost for full two years as a part-time photographer, and it’s been so exciting! Between word of mouth, and social media, I’ve been lucky enough to stay very busy! I’m so appreciative of all the kind words from my clients, friends, and family, as I wouldn’t be where I am without them!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. I believe any small business has its share of obstacles to overcome and is constantly learning and growing! I work a full-time job 8-4 Monday-Friday aside from doing photography. I’ve had to learn to juggle work, my photography business, my family life, and everything in between. It’s not always easy. I wear all the hats in my business, customer service, accountant, photographer, editor, IT department, etc. Since establishing my business, I’ve learned creating boundaries for myself and sticking with them is SO important!!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a lifestyle photographer capturing candid & nostalgic imagery for those who value connection, inclusivity, and integrity. I specialize in capturing families, seniors, couples, and weddings. My shooting style is very laid-back. I give light direction and prompts to allow my clients to be authentically them so I can help tell their story. I’d describe my editing style as rich and warm, with a hint of mood.
I love capturing in-the-moment photos that reflect my clients at that particular time in their life. I love getting to know my clients ahead of their sessions, helping style and curate their session, and ending it with delivering a gallery that feels truly authentic to them. I approach each session uniquely, because every family, couple, senior, and wedding is and should be unique! I hope I make lifelong connections with my clients who turn friends, and watch them grow through each season of their life.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think being risky is important! If you don’t take risks, you might stand in your own way of growth. I think I’m a risk taker to a certain extent. I’m also very nervous about things, so sometimes I think about things to much, when sometimes I should just make a jump instead of overthinking it. I’ve taken risks by investing into behind the scenes things in my business that might not seem like a big deal, but it was stuff I personally wanted to get done to establish myself from the very beginning. Website and branding, photography retreats, equipment, and most recently, signing a lease on a studio space. Opening my studio space has been one of the risker things I’ve done. It’s a gamble if I will book enough sessions, and I have to learn new ways of shooting in a new environment and lighting situation, invest into making the space my own, etc. I hope I come out on top, but you never know. It’s a risk I was willing to take to hopefully help serve my clients in ways that I haven’t been able to before! If I didn’t take the risk, I’d be sitting here wondering, what if I had a studio space? Now I won’t have to wonder, and I’ll figure it out and see if it was the right move or not in a year or so down the line, learn from it, and continue on however it works out in the end! So, I say, take the big risk you’re thinking about, and if it doesn’t work out, at least you can say you tried!
Pricing:
- Families Investment begins at $375.00
- Senior Investment begins at $375.00
- Couples/Engagements Investment begins at $375.00
- Wedding Investment beings at $3,200.00
Contact Info:
- Website: jennaswansonphotography.com
- Instagram: @jennaswansonphotography
- Facebook: @jennaswansonphotography
Image Credits
Jenna Swanson Photography
