About Jennifer

My Approach

I am passionate about documenting life. I have always been intrigued by the human mind and soul and our innate needs for meaning, connection, and love. My favorite subjects in school were the ones that dealt more with the psychology of people and how we connect, so I suppose it is not a surprise to me that photography took such a hold on me so many years ago.

I strive to capture the truth of the moment as it happens, in an intimate and moving way. I find real moments beautiful, whether those moments are made up of genuine laughter, emotional tears, introspection, nervousness, or a connective bond that you can actually see with your own eyes, such as the bond between a parent and child or the love and excitement shared between two people on their wedding day.

It is because of this that I love to document weddings and children. I find so much beauty in the many unspoken moments that happen each day. I guess you could say I shoot from my heart and the way I see the world, through eyes that search for, and see, the beauty in fleeting moments.

When I photograph your children, I am interested in capturing them as they are really are. And I want to capture the way you feel about them. As a parent, I know how you feel about them and I strive to shoot you in the way that I would want to be photographed: intimately, beautifully, emotionally. Ultimately, I want to give you artistic images that you will keep in frames for years to come becauseit captured the essence of your children — the core of which does not change with each new growth spurt.

Weddings move me deeply because they make up one of the most important days of our life. There are so many layered emotions, unique family relationships, beauty, details, laughter, tears and fleeting moments. Every wedding and every couple has a unique essence and I strive to capture that. You’ll find that I am very non-obtrusive and blend into the background as much as possible. Most of my couples comment after they are amazed by the moments caught as they were not even aware I captured it. I am professional and calm with my clients and their wedding guests; I will not distract from your day and aim to be a welcome presence that takes note of you and your needs above all.

How I Got Started

I got into photography about 10 years ago when my friend’s sister handed me her good camera and asked me to take pictures ofher son’s birthday party. The bug bit me (I absolutely loved capturing all these little toddler’s personalities) and I knew in that moment that is what I was meant to do. Photography literally found me. I built my skills — and eventually my business — slowly over the years; learning, practicing, evolving and freelancing until I knew I was ready to launch and actually run a full-fledged business. I officially formed my business in 2004 by freelancing and within 1 year I started picking up steam through referrals and word of mouth. Shortly thereafter, I was able turn my passion into a full-time profession because I had completely replaced my income from my previous career in marketing and fundraising. Since that time it’s been an amazing trajectory of growth even surpassing my expectations.

About Me Personally

I live in Scottsdale with my husband, our two children, and our two dogs. It’s a busy house full of love. I moved to Arizona 19 years ago to attend college at ASU (which definitely dates me!)and I never left. I still love it here. Well, except for August, when I’m officially tired of the heat. During our hot summers, you might find me in California where I usually plan some beach photography sessions when I can enjoy the beautiful weather and work away from home. I try to take a little time off each winter and summer as well to travel or spend time with my family.

What’s In My Bag?

• Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 5D Mark II (plus backups of Canon 5D and older Canon film camera)
• Canon 50mm f/1.2L‚ Canon 24mm f/1.4L, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L‚ Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L and a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro
• 2 Canon 580 EX II external flashes‚ 2 PocketWizards, Cheetah light stands, lots of extra batteries and CF cards
• Jill E Camera bag, Shootsac, Tamarac rolling case for all the gear
• My iPhone, keys and some chapstick

Associations & Groups

I’m a member of:

• PPA, Professional Photographers of America
• WPPI, Wedding & Portrait Photographers International
• Junebug Weddings – Worlds Best Photographers
• Modern Photographers

Awards & Accolades

• Winner of “Best Photographer 2010″ by Arizona Bride Magazine
• Top 3 Finalist for “Best Photographer 2009″ by Arizona Bride Magazine
• Winner of 2011, 2010 and 2009 “Brides Choice Awards” by Wedding Wire (all 5-star votes by past clients)
• Recipient of 2010 “The Knot Best of Weddings” (For high votes from The Knot readers and past clients)
• Junebug Weddings – Worlds Best Photographers
• 16 Place for WPJA Quarterly Contest

Press

Jennifer’s work has been featured in Destination I Do Magazine, Arizona Bride Magazine, Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine, Ceremony Magazine San Deigo, in Grace Ormond’s Resource Guide, in 944 Magazine, Arizona Bride Resource Guide, on The Brides Cafe Blog, Junebug Weddings Blog, Preston Bailey Blog, and on several other blogs.