Today we’d like to introduce you to Janessa Christensen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My photography interest began at a pretty young age around 4-5. I loved using my mom’s Polaroid cameras and using disposable cameras once I got older. I purchased my first professional camera in 2014 and began taking photos of a lot of landscapes and nature while traveling. I started to grow an interest in taking photos of my friends and once my work started getting out there and shared I decided to start following my dream into the photography business. I now specialize in elopements/weddings and I really enjoy doing anything non traditional and creative styled shoots.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would definitely be lying if I said it has been all smooth sailing since I started. I remember back in 2017 I completely stopped. I had a huge issue with imposter syndrome, comparing myself to other photographers and not even ones in my area but ones across the country. I had this dream board in my head of what I wanted my style to be when it came to editing and what kind of clients I wanted to attract and it felt utterly impossible to get to. I fell into a slump and stopped for a good year or so and my husband was the one that really pushed me to get back into it. I then grabbed my camera the next day, did some model calls and reinvented myself into the photographer I’ve always wanted to be, which was 100% my authentic self.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would say I’m known for my editing style. That’s the biggest thing when it comes to me asking my clients why they decided to choose me is that they love the vintage film vibe I put into my images and that’s typically the #1 answer along with, “you just seem to be really chill and fun” which is 100% true. I don’t want your session to be uptight and uncomfortable because I would definitely not want to be in that position either. I’m super into posing my clients as well but I always keep the prompts exciting and unique. I would say in regards to what I’m most proud of is just being that photographer/business owner that people want to be friends with. I’ve literally gained so many friends that just started out as clients but I truly get to know them each and every one of them when they do a shoot with me and I love that!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Very shy. To say the least, I really was too myself with people other than my close friends and family. I kept to myself for the most part but I always wanted to be included so it was pretty complicated. I was super interested in traveling a lot as well and going to new places so family vacations were always really important to me and we’re always the highlight of my year. I now travel a lot more with my job and it’s been such a dream to me.
Contact Info:
- Email: janessamariephotos@gmail.com
- Website: www.janessamariephotography.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/janessamariephotos
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/JanessaMariePhotography
