When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I’ve always loved photography. I never thought I could make a career out of it until it was already happening. Now, photography is such a part of everything I do, I can’t remember when I wasn’t doing it.
When and how did you start out in photography?
I first fell in love with photography my senior year in high school. I spent every minute I could in the dark room and went through rolls and rolls of film.
How would you describe your style?
I love moody black and whites, lots of negative space and candid shots. I always tell clients that real expressions are best. Smiles are awesome if they’re real, but when I look back at pictures I have taken of my own children, I love to remember their real expressions.
What’s in your gear bag?
Nikon D700, D300s
50mm 1.4
35mm 1.4
24-70 2.8
Mamiya RZ67 Pro II and Nikon F100
Mamiya 110 mm
One lens you can’t live without?
Nikon 35 1.4
How did know when the right time to start charging was?
I made sure I was “legal”, had insurance, prepared all my legal forms/ pricing sheets and had practiced over and over and over again. I remember the first session I finally charged; I was so excited to actually make some money, but nervous to accept it at the same time.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
When I started charging, my session fees were $50.00 for an hour session and the print prices were reduced as well. Now, a family sitting fee starts at $125.00 and families can either purchase prints a la carte or the digital images.
How did you market yourself when you started out?
Word of mouth was wonderful and Facebook. I would be unknown without the pair.
We are going to play a game… name the first person that comes to mind when you think of…
Newborn photographer: Baby As Art (Carrie Sandoval and Brittany Woodall)
Wedding photographer: Fer Juaristi
Lifestyle photographer: Tara Whitney and Summer Murdock
Most inspiration person: Esther Havens
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? If self-taught, what helped you the most?
A little of both. I had a few classes in high school, but that was with film. When I started using a DSLR I practiced daily at different times of the day. One year I did a 365 project and that was a great challenge (although my children got sick of my camera). Now, if I don’t understand something, I look it up or get a book on whatever it is I am wanting to learn more about. I have piles of books that I still refer too. Photography is a lot of trial and error; take your shot, if you’re not happy adjust your settings or move your subject.
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business?
The biggest hurdle for me has been finding a balance. This year I decided to really slow down with how many sessions I take a week. My most important job is mom and wife. I don’t want to miss the important things in my children’s lives and I want to be present when I am with them.
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
Learn your camera settings and pay attention to your light. So many times I hear, “You must have a great camera!” Yes, but if I took pictures without paying attention to camera settings, composition or lighting they may not turn out so great even though my camera is nice.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
I really can’t imagine doing anything else. My camera is such a part of me.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
Don’t worry about what other people are doing, compete only with yourself. Everyone has different styles or techniques and that is what’s so great about photography. When I look through old National Geographics or even on Facebook I love seeing things for the first time, it is so inspiring. Be true to you and never stop learning!
What are your thoughts on props?
I love newborn props and could probably spend everything I make on all the new stuff that comes out. There are so many vendors that are incredibly creative! My one tip I try to always follow and remember is, don’t take a picture where someone could say, “Oh, look at that cute hat and blanket!” My goal is for my audience to see the baby first and then the cute hat.
Hello, I am Jenny from Jenny Modesitt Photography. I am a newborn and family photographer located in West Lafayette. My favorite subjects to photograph are Harry and Ashenafi, my two little boys. I shoot in both film and digital.
Find Jenny Modesitt Photography on the Web: WEBSITE | EMAIL | FACEBOOK
