Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Perez.
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Jen Nicole Photography
Instagram @Jen.nicole.photography
A photographer who lost her day job, and found her dream job.
JENNIFER Perez of Jen Nicole Photography has a story of breakthrough after a very tough season where she went from doubt to working it out!
For many, the idea of embarking on a creative career later in life might seem like a distant dream or a leap too scary to take. For me, and possibly many others, the year 2020 turned life upside down and after 15 years in the travel industry, I was left trying to find a new career path when most companies were shutting down and letting people go. If you’ve experienced the “ job hunt” during unemployment you’d believe I’d never felt so frustrated and defeated in my life!
Inspired by Cathy Heller’s podcast “ Don’t keep your day job” I finally surrendered the whole thing to God and said “ While I wait for a J-O-B, I will just do what I LOVE, and I will do what I CAN right now, and I will HIRE MYSELF! I declared I would be a “ photographer”, and if I say I’m a “ photographer, then I AM.
Then, out of the blue, a friend called me and offered me a discounted DSLR Canon camera to enjoy while I was looking for a “real job”. My intention was to “ learn” for a year, and then jump into charging for sessions. But GOD had better plans! Within the first week I received a call from another friend asking me to photograph a family reunion. I told her I would spend that week learning my camera on Youtube, and then I would do her session for free ; She demanded to pay me for my time and talent. Soon, clients came to me effortlessly, tipping me generously, as if to affirm that I was on the right path.
Before that I spent 15 years entrenched in the world of office work—paperwork, deadlines, Excel spreadsheets , and my soul struggled with feeling out of place, and left me unfulfilled. Photography is ALOT of hard work and late nights, especially working around other jobs and family and kids too. Its a hard thats well worth it to me!
The business has shifted lately, from family photography into business branding and marketing. I absolutely love helping business owners update the images on their websites and social media pages, solidifying their brand and telling their story. This is how they connect with others who are then attracted to what they have to offer.
It’s not just the art of photography and editing that excites me, its the connection to humanity. 3 major highlights of my photography journey: 1) photographing a funeral because I never thought I could be paid to be a fly on the wall, feel a part of a family that wasn’t even mine, gift someone those memories, and learn about the meaning of life all in one photo gig. 2) Workation trips where business owners and entrepreneurs have a multi day conference and learn how to bring their business, and coming away with powerful branding images to take them to a level where they’re thriving, attracting clients they want ! 3) One woman said ” You dont even know how youve changed my life by giving me confidence again, this is my brand new set of teeth after nearly dying from a drug addiction.
As Cathy Heller says, you are a masterpiece because you are a piece of the master. Dreams were placed in your heart by a God who created you to share your gifts with others. Don’t do others a disservice by keeping that all to yourself. The creative life you’ve been waiting for could be just a declaration away!
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?
First, I had to be in a place where I was going toward something good, not running from something bad.. Thats the difference in attitude that helps you tune in to what is already there waiting for you.
My first tough struggle was receiving negativity from my family because they said ” How do you think you can be a good photographer if you arent one to begin with ?” They didnt want to see me waste my time and fail. It was also a struggle to schedule sunset sessions around family dinners. I had to become very clear with the schedule and be mindful of my family’s time as well. I started taking my kids with me and they would play in the fields during my sessions.
The next struggle was learning how to combine technology with posing with lighting with personalities and timing, its ALOT to think about all at once. It takes years to develop those skills well. But I wanted it so bad I would spend hours watching youtube videos, calling photographer friends asking questions, and taking online courses.
Another challenge is that ol imposter syndrome, comparing myself to other photographers. As the years have passed, Ive been able to cheer them all on, and know that we are all different and there is nothing to be afraid of or compete with . A candle loses nothing by lighting another one!
Its challenging to lose sleep in the Fall when family sessions are at their peak and Id stay up all night editing so I wouldnt have to miss out on time with my family ! Ive learned to go to bed earlier, and edit in the morning while Im fresh and awake and more productive!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love giving people confidence ! I use questionnaires and pre planning meetings to guide my clients through the process of discovering what they’re sharing with the world and how they can get ready to receive those new customers that want what they offer. I am their biggest fan!
I have over 64 FIVE STAR google reviews that say :” they love that they feel comfortable, have fun, the session is Tailored precisely to their needs, I have a Client-Centric Approach: highly attuned to the specific needs and visions of each client. Whether it’s a branding session or a headshot, I prioritize understanding the client’s goals, ensuring every shot aligns with their brand identity and purpose., I have a Fun Yet Professional Atmosphere: striking a perfect balance between making the session enjoyable and maintaining a high level of professionalism. This combo helps clients feel confident, which shines through in the final images., Comprehensive Service: I offer more than just photography—This includes offering social media content, video work for reels, referrals to videographers for events, and canvas prints too. I have a willingness to go the extra mile.
How do you define success?
Success for me is a calendar full of things Im excited about that fill me up, not burn me out. It is seeing my family everyday, it is having peace that I know Im using my gifts to serve others so feedback is really meaningful to me. Success is a balanced life of work and play. To me, financial success is making over 100K a year and Ive still never done that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/jennifersheart
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.nicole.photography/
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