Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Kerfeld.
Hi Jenn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey in photography right after High School. Attended Ridgewater College in Willmar MN and graduated with a degree in Photography. I moved around a bit until I found my way back to my original area in Central MN. I purchased Meyers Photography Studio in 2007, with my cousin. I have always been a visual person. I love to see colors, patterns and textures. I remember what people look like or what they were wearing more than remembering other charcteristics about them.
In 2020 I changed the business model to boutique which means, we do fine artwork instead of selling digital copies to our customers. We focus on everything from custom framing to canvas and fine art albums for our clients.
In 2021 I changed the name of the business to my own and we are now Jenn Kerfeld Photography.
I have 2 gals that help me run the show. Dayna is the main office assistant, graphic designer, photographer and overall studio manager. Ethnee works remotely, keeping our social media accounts up to date.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always struggles in a business. For me, there has been change. From taking a studio that was once owned by someone else and turning it into your own is a struggle all in its own category. Getting people to know, like and trust you. Changing the way things were done for 15+ years, changing products, changing the name, all of those were hurdles we overcame. There are always things that change in the photography world, especially the digital aspect. Everyone and anyone has the ability to take a nice photograph now. Cell phones take great photos, so what makes us special? I feel like every company, every business sees their own kind of struggle, but without those struggles. We would not be where we are today. We are in a community that we love to support and a community that supports us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We specialize in custom artwork. It is one of my most favorite parts of the job. We get to help people decorate their walls, with artwork. But, not just any artwork, their artwork, their family, their memories. It is by far the most rewarding thing that I have done within my career. I used to sell digital copies, like many photographers still do. But what was missing for me was the part of the job where I got to see my customers’ reaction to what I created. I never knew what they loved, what they printed and what they shared with everyone. I started to feel empty, like I hadn’t created anything at all.
There is something about a portrait, that when it gets printed and displayed, how that can make a person feel. Kids can see themselves on their bedroom walls and feel confident, feel loved, feel worthy. They can remember in that moment how much fun they had or something someone said to them that sparks a memory. A memory that can make you laugh or cry… to be part of that, is the most amazing gift a photographer can give.
That is why I love to create.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson that I have come to realize in business is that… It isn’t about me. It’s about what I can do to help someone else. How I can work with my colleagues, my community and make it better than yesterday. Being a business in a small town isn’t about my business and only my business. It’s about working together, to support one another, when we can all do that, everyone wins!
The most important lesson I’ve learned in photography is to back-up files and have a really great relationship with your computer guy. Ha-ha!
Contact Info:
- Email: jenn@jennkerfeldphotography.com
- Website: jennkerfeldphotography.com
- Instagram: @jennkphoto | @jennkseniors
- Facebook: facebook.com/jennkerfeldphotography
Image Credits
Jenn Kerfeld Photography
