Community Highlights: Meet Jennave Traore of Jennave Traore Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennave Traore

Hi Jennave, 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 would say I have an underdog story. Growing up, I had a hard time fitting in and making friends but later on realized I was born to stand out. I felt overlooked but lately I have been overbooked and see my calendar filling up. I always felt different from my peers and even family. As I grew older, I learned how to adapt and connect with all people from all walks of life and ended up making a lot of connections. No longer was I the shy person in the background but learned to embrace being center stage. Today, I am still discovering who I am and who I am destined to be. I now know today certain things happened to help me have more compassion and understanding later on in life. My new found success and attention has been a complete change from the way things used to be. How I started and where I am today is like night and day. I know that people from my childhood and hometown can agree.

When I was younger I knew I was destined to be do big things and even saw myself being published and working with magazines. Despite my desires, when I first attempted selling my photography services at 19, I was not very successful. I was able to work with friends and classmates to build my portfolio, but I wasn’t able to get any real, professional bookings. At the time, I felt very discouraged and gave up on photography then to eventually pick the trade back up a couple of years later. I received my first paid shoot on my 22 birthday, a couple of days after buying my first professional camera. Things have been progressively taking off since then. April 2025 marks 4 years since I started booking professional gigs and have secured several contracts with companies. Today, I am grateful that things did not take off when I was 19 because I still had a lot to learn and I would not have been able to handle the pressures I face today.

Before my success, I was rejected by a couple of art schools like many people who later on reached success. I have been rejected and had a lot for doors shut in my face. Despite the opposition, I kept striving forward until I reached where I am at today. Even though at one point I did throw in the towel, I am glad I picked it back up again and tried a different stagey.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to success is never smooth and it definitely has not been smooth for me. A struggle that I have faced is wanting to give up when the going gets tough. Another thing would be feeling the competitiveness and envy from others in my field. I personally support other photographers because I model and hire them for services. I also believe in community over competition. Unfortunately not everyone feels this way. In business of any kind, you have to watch out for opportunist and people who only cling to you for your success and other selfish reasons. I’ve experienced betrayal in that way but it only taught me to move wiser and use more discernment in my interactions. I love to help others but at times, that is not always a good thing.

We’ve been impressed with Jennave Traore Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is photography services. I sell digital photos for models, families, businesses, and everyday people in need of headshots or just something that is Instagram worthy. I specialize in portraits but I have branched out and have done product and commercial styling. I am known for my fashion portraits but lately I have received more recognition for my family photography. What sets me a part is that I love what I do and do not niche down. I love trying different styles and am open to exploring a client’s vision. I am most proud of being featured on FOX19 1 year ago promoting my work. So far, that has been the biggest accomplishment in my career. I want readers to know my books are open! I recently moved back to my hometown, Dayton but I am open to travel.

Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to do more family and engagement sessions. I would also love to do weddings and more videography. I am planning to continue to grow and expand. I am also hoping to build more connections outside of Ohio.

Pricing:

• Portrait Session – $200 / hour ($50 deposit)
• Event Session – $400 / up to 3 hours ($50 deposit)
• Product Session – $150 / hour ($50 deposit)
• Commercial Session – $150 / hour ($50 deposit)
• Family Session – $200 / hour ($50 deposit)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennavetraorephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090861917905&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://bookings.setmore.com/scheduleappointment/45bab633-5c9f-4be8-ab83-85e6c681cecb?source=instagram&instant_experiences_enabled=true