Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Parisi.
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?
Like many photographers, from a young age I always loved taking pictures. In 2017, I purchased my first professional camera with the intention of taking better quality photos while traveling. One of my best friends was pregnant and to practice, I asked if I could take maternity photos for her and her husband. We quickly realized, I had a bit of an eye for it and also really enjoyed the whole process. I have my BA in Accounting from Hofstra University, so I really only ever saw myself in that kind of role. Being able to get creative with photography and make a business out of it hadn’t really crossed my mind until that point. I slowly built clients by word of mouth and some light advertising. Over time, I’ve upgraded my equipment, fine tuned my editing and style, and figured out my ideal type of client photography. I’m really proud to say that I currently have a booked calendar for most of the year and enjoy every bit of my “job”. I get to meet and create with really wonderful people and call it work. I photograph them through really pivotal and important moments in their lives and they trust me to do it. And I still lean on my Accounting background to help me through the business side of my creative profession. It’s been a great journey so far and I’m extremely grateful for all of it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think with anyone who is in their own business, there are bumps in the road from time to time. I would say mine were more self induced, wondering if this was the best decision for me career wise. Questioning my ability and knowledge in the topic of photography. I’m all self taught, so there is a level of fear that comes with just trusting yourself. But over time, I’ve gained confidence through my consistent work and now trust that I am right where I am supposed to be in my career. I have the positive testimony of hundreds of clients who love the photos I’ve taken for them as well, which doesn’t hurt!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in session photography. I book family, maternity, couples and newborn, as well as proposal. On occasion, I will offer smaller wedding or event coverage. I would consider my style of photography to be true to everyday color, lifestyle and portrait. I am most proud of my client retention. I love working with a couple and watching as they grow to have children and mark all of those life events with a photography session. It is truly a joy to be a part of their lives and journeys. I approach my sessions with an organized but laid back feel. I will capture those needed portraits and guided prompts but also allow my clients to live in their moment and just see what unfolds. I work with a lot of young kids and I find that I can always get the best-even when mom and dad feel it didn’t go that well. I’m a mom now too, so as much as I am running a business, I understand how special these photos with mom and dad are and how to capture what will mean the most years from now.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Taking photos that will be special to my clients for years to come. There is a saying like “see what someone photographs the most and you will see what they are most afraid of losing.” I think we are always growing in love and in life and parenthood. Things move so quickly, especially when our kids are young. To freeze that for a moment is really what helps us recall those feelings and remember what our life was like at that time. My goal is to have my clients look back at their photos and feel like they can remember how it felt during that time of their life. Even if it was hectic chasing little ones on the beach. It is fleeting and worth not just remembering, but reliving through a photograph years from now. Family is number one to me and so I understand this all on a personal level.
Pricing:
- Petite Session $300
- Deluxe Session $450
- Extended Session $600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenniferparisiphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferparisiphoto`
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferparisiphoto/
