Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Barker.
Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love for photography began over 35 years ago in a middle school class where I learned to shoot in manual mode and develop film in the darkroom. I was fascinated by how small adjustments could completely transform an image. I fell in love with capturing the every day moments, the “Gifts of Life” if you will. The phrase “a photograph is worth a thousand words” really hits home for me. I used to love fawning over my grandmother’s photo albums as she was a talented photographer herself and one of her 4H winning pictures stands out to me. It was a simple image of my grandfather asleep in a chair after a hard day working the farm. The soft amber glow of a nearby lamp washing over him as he rested. It was’t fancy and maybe not even technically correct, but it told a story of love, family, and home—all in one frame. It’s these connections to our past and loved ones that I cherish the most. Watching my other grandmother suffer from Alzheimers really cemented this for me as I saw firsthand how she struggled to recall those closest to her.
I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up (even now, I wonder sometimes). After school, I landed a great job and climbed the corporate ladder at a Fortune 500 company while leaning on photography as my creative outlet and side passion. When I had children of my own, that passion only grew stronger. I photographed my kids’ milestones, friends’ weddings, and family gatherings—anything that told a story worth remembering. Seeing how people lit up when they viewed their images and the joy it brought them became my fuel. I quickly became known for always having my camera. After more than two decades, a company restructure gave me the push I needed to turn my passion into a full-time career—a true blessing in disguise. That shift allowed me to get more involved in my community, especially at my kids’ high school.
Today, I specialize in creating tangible memories (beautiful artwork and prints) through photographing high school seniors and weddings, two of life’s most exciting chapters. I love being part of a senior’s journey as they close one chapter and begin to blaze their own trail, and it’s an added joy when I later reconnect with them as they start new adventures in love and marriage. Every session, whether it’s a senior portrait or a wedding day, is about celebrating who they are in that moment and preserving those memories for years to come. I am so lucky to be a part of making those memories everlasting.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every bump has taught me something valuable. I started my business slowly and cautiously, learning as I went and making adjustments along the way. There are so many talented photographers out there and early on, I followed the popular “shoot and share” approach—take the photos, send the gallery, and move on to the next project. But something was missing. I was craving something more and my clients were overwhelmed with having to navigate the next steps (picking favorites and printing) on their own. I wanted to give people more than just a file that was likely to get lost in the digital realm.
Over time, I realized that what I truly loved was creating a connection with people—the planning, the storytelling, the way people light up when they see their memories come to life in printed artwork. There’s something so special about walking into a client’s home and seeing their walls filled with images of the people they love most. That truly feeds my soul. I’ve shared laughter and tears with many of my clients and that is what makes this all worthwhile.
I believe in lifelong learning and continuing to reflect and refine things. I’ve invested time and money in classes/workshops, mentors, specialized organizations and equipment, but most importantly, I really listen to my clients to find ways to keep improving. My biggest challenge right now is embracing social media. It’s a beast of its own! While I have been lucky to grow mostly through word-of-mouth referrals, connecting with new people online is a whole different skill set. I’m still figuring it out, one post at a time and with older teens around, I get plenty of feedback on what not to do again.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Giftbox Creations Photography LLC?
I’m a portrait and wedding photographer based in the northwest suburb of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, helping high school seniors and couples capture milestone moments as they begin new chapters in life. My sessions are known for being fun, creative, and personalized—filled with laughter, terrible dad jokes, and great playlists. My style reflects timeless, true-to-life images that highlights each person’s unique personality, steering clear of trendy filters so their photos remain classic and look just as beautiful years from now.
What truly sets my work apart is the creativity and connection I build with my clients. I take time to truly get to know them and design plans to customize their portraits specifically for them. Whether it’s setting up a fake crime scene in Minneapolis, creating a composite magazine cover or driving to Duluth, I love to take things a step further than most and I love to stay in touch long after the session is complete. Living and working in the same community means I often get to see them grow—from high school seniors to engaged couples and eventually having babies. There’s something incredibly special about watching their stories come full circle—seeing where life leads them and preserving those moments through my lens.
I recently launched my first Creator Team, giving high school seniors the chance to experience multiple sessions, form friendships, and have fun celebrating their final year. This has helped me stretch my creative thoughts and build some material for social media posts. My hope is to keep the excitement and momentum flowing throughout the year.
Something to know about working with me is that it is an investment – not just financially, but in time and care. I believe in doing things all-in, not quickly. From planning to the final artwork, we spend time together creating something meaningful and lasting. I love helping families fill their homes with images that make them smile every single day. My goal is for every client to walk away not just with beautiful images, but with a fun experience they’ll never forget.
What are your plans for the future?
People often ask me if I am worried about AI (artificial intelligence) taking over the work of photographers. Right now, my answer is no. While the advancement is incredible, I can appreciate the value that automation and tools bring to the photography workflow. But what AI can’t replace is me and the relationships I build with people before they sit in front of my camera. I think that this is a key component to making people feel comfortable so that their true smile and personality shines through.
Looking ahead, my goal is to build upon my foundations so that I can serve more clients year over year, expanding beyond the northwest suburbs while keeping that personal touch I’m known for. I already travel throughout the Twin Cities and occasionally out of state, and I love how new locations and experiences keep my creativity fresh and inspired.
I am going to continue to network with people in the community and work on my social media presence, but I don’t think I will be doing any trending dances any time soon! One of my biggest dreams is to open my own studio—a space large enough to create dramatic indoor Sportraits (sports-themed portraits), host personal image reveal sessions, and even celebrate small community gatherings. I want it to be more than just a studio; I envision it as a welcoming, creative space where clients feel celebrated and connected.
Pricing:
- Portrait sessions are priced to include a session retainer + products/images ordered. Most Clients spend about $1,400
- Weddings are priced as packages starting at $3,125 with varying levels of coverage and products/images included.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.giftboxcreations.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbcmemories/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBCMemories
- Other: https://share.google/2IE6Pk81ZomXPo1Ey
