Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberlee Jensen.
Kimberlee, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been interested in photography since high school. I took photo classes as my electives and got more into it when my nieces were born. Once I went off to college, I went in a different direction and focused on my passion for the fashion industry, majoring in Fashion Merchandising. I still liked to mess around with my camera and take photos for fun and family, but nothing serious. When it came time for me to graduate, I had a great nannying position and was questioning where I wanted to go career-wise, so I continued to nanny while I was figuring it out.
When I met the man, who is now my husband, he had two kids of his own, and photographing them reminded me how much I loved photography and I decided I wanted to pursue a career as a photographer. I thought I would start with kids and families and see where the journey led me! I have been so lucky along the way to have fellow photographers mentor me and help me grow in my craft. I now photograph weddings, engagements, families, newborns and milestone sessions, portraits and lifestyle photography and I couldn’t be happier! I have found a career that doesn’t feel like work and that is all I could ask for!
Has it been a smooth road?
I have learned a lot along the way and there have definitely been bumps in the road. Every job that you don’t get or client who decides to go with another photographer is definitely an opportunity for you. You can either take that and get discouraged and start questioning yourself and what you’re doing wrong, or you can take it as a learning moment. In this industry, there is a TON of competition and I have learned that it’s ok to not book every single job.
Sometimes your style isn’t exactly what they are wanting, or your price is too high or too low, or your packages don’t include what the client thinks they should, or you just don’t click with them and that’s OKAY! This is something it took me a while to learn and be ok with, but I think it’s a big part of finding success and happiness within this industry. I’m a big believer in having friends within the industry and building each other up and helping each other grow, we all have different styles and ways that we do our job and that’s part of what’s so cool about photography!
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
So I specialize in weddings/engagements, family, newborn/milestones, lifestyle and portraits. As a company, I am most proud of the growth I’ve seen each year. I think it’s fun to look back at where I started and how I improve and grow each year. I’m not where I want to be, but I’m proud of the growth I have had over the last few years.
I am a mama of three kids and I think that being a mom has really helped my photography, especially when it comes to patience and shoots involving kids. Let’s look at newborn sessions for instance… these sessions can take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on the temperament of the baby and as the photographer you have to be patient to make sure the shoot is successful and that mom and baby are 100% comfortable. I think this is one of the biggest things that sets me apart.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Over the next 5-10 years, I think the biggest changes in our industry will be stylistically. Right now, a lot of people are searching for that moody editing style and I think that as the years go on, this will become less desired and people will want something different. As a photographer, your editing style is constantly evolving as you grow and figure out what you like. I have changed mine so much since I first started and am finally honing in on where I want it to be. But it’s definitely interesting to look back and see where it started.
Pricing:
- Wedding packages start at $1,800
- In-studio newborn session $375
- Lifestyle newborn session $300
- Family session (up to 5 people) $250
- Extended family session (5+ people) $250 + $25/per additional person
- Milestone session ( 3 month, 6 month, sitting session, cake smash, etc.) $175
- Maternity sessions starting at $175
- Senior session $175
- Headshots start at $125
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loveleeportraits.wixsite.com/photo
- Phone: 8586030829
- Email: loveleeportraits@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveleeportraits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveleeportraits/?ref=bookmarks
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
