Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Shreve.
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?
I have always been interested in Photography even as a young child and teenager. My aunt gave me my first 35mm film camera and I became immediately intrigued by the ability to freeze time. I took pictures for high school yearbook, on family vacations or when I wanted to try to learn a new aspect of photography. Fast forward to adulthood, when my brother and his wife were expecting their first child. After a very hard and emotional road to parenthood they wanted to capture and remember every moment, so I began documenting their journey of becoming a family. When my sister in law asked me to photograph the births of my niece and nephew and all their milestones this reignited the passion of capturing moments and freezing time and memories. I began to document milestones for friends and relatives and it just grew from there. I used Youtube tutorials and some on online courses to learn and gain confidence. Before I knew it I was photographing my first wedding, then my second and then building a website and it just kept growing from there. Now, what I once called a side hustle has turned into an incredible opportunity I get to create lasting memories for families and friends, I get to make that process fun and entertaining and I meet some amazing people and get paid to do it. It’s kind of a dream come true.
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?
It’s not always easy, there is definitely a learning curve with anything like this. Some of it was just learning my creative eye, what I am good at, what I enjoy and how to market those things. Even though I enjoy it so much it can still be difficult, long days shooting, long nights editing and learning to have a good work-life balance. Software and equipment is constantly being updated and improving. Learning how to manage social media, build a website, update firmware, protect and clean equipment along with continuing to be creative and learn new tools and tricks can be challenging, but I believe continual learning is super beneficial to our minds and souls.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Lifestyle Photographer and I specialize in Family, Newborn, Wedding and Senior Photography. I used to be so afraid of weddings but have grown to very much enjoy them. I have been blessed with some of the nicest and coolest clients ever!! I’d have to say my favorite session type is newborn, I shoot a mixture of family newborn and stand alone newborn. These sessions are generally pretty peaceful and calm. I enjoy watching families grow and how they embrace and enjoy the newest member of their family. I think what sets me apart from others is that one of my biggest goals in a session is not just to capture and provide wonderful images for the family but to make them feel at ease, comfortable and actually enjoy their session. I want people to look forward to family photos, I think we have all suffered through the stress of getting ready and to a location on time with everyone happy and ready. Its a honor to be invited into someone’s life for even a brief moment to help show them how beautiful their lives and families are.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I usually work best with a podcast (Joe Rogan, Mike Rowe or Theo Von) in my ear or an audiobook. I am a person who enjoys learning about new things and can enjoy learning form many different avenues like Youtube, or Spotify.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.jennshrevephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennshrevephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennshrevephotography
