Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Jordan
Hi Whitney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From a young age, I’ve always had a love for photography. As a kid, I was rarely seen without a camera in hand, capturing moments and dreaming of making a career in the creative industry. In high school, I was lucky to get a taste of Photoshop, which only deepened my passion for bringing ideas to life through photos.
When I became a mom, my passion took on a whole new meaning. My first son was my muse, inspiring me to document every precious milestone. By the time my second son was born, I had gained more knowledge of photo editing and loved creating playful, artistic images of my kids. These moments solidified my dream of combining my creative skills with a business, much like my father, who successfully ran his own financial services company.
I initially attempted to start a photography business after my second son, but the timing just wasn’t right. Life took its twists and turns, and by 2019, I found myself still striving to make my photography business a reality. To gain more experience, I joined a local photo editing company and felt I’d finally found my niche. Then COVID-19 turned the world upside down, and the company shut down, leaving me at a crossroads.
Instead of giving up, I took a leap of faith. I invested everything I had into equipment and education, and that’s when JayNicole Photography was officially born. It’s been a journey of growth and discovery, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to do what I love. My focus as a portrait photographer is on families, high-school seniors and pets, and what drives me most is showing people their beauty and authenticity through my lens. There’s nothing like the moment a parent sees their child’s personality perfectly captured in a photo or the joy a family feels looking at cherished images years down the line.
I’ve also found a way to tie my other passion—helping animals—into my work. Volunteering as a pet photographer at Gateway Pet Guardians has been incredibly fulfilling. Knowing my photos can play a part in helping pets find their forever homes gives my work even more purpose.
My journey hasn’t been straightforward, but every challenge has shaped me into the photographer and person I am today. I’m proud to share stories, create memories, and give back to my community through my work, and I wouldn’t trade this path for anything.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to building my photography business hasn’t been smooth sailing. Finances have been one of the most significant challenges. Photography is an expensive industry to break into, with costs for advertising, websites, post-production software, and equipment adding up quickly. It’s especially difficult when you have a family and can’t always invest as much as you’d like to into your business.
Finding clients has also been tough. The field is crowded with so many talented photographers, as well as others just starting out, making it hard to stand out. Social media is a great tool for reaching people, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Algorithms often work against smaller creators, and platforms push you to spend money to gain visibility. As someone who’s naturally introverted, networking has been another obstacle. Putting yourself out there and making connections isn’t always easy, but it’s a crucial part of growing any business.
Despite these struggles, I’ve learned to navigate these challenges step by step. Each one has taught me resilience and fueled my determination to keep going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a portrait photographer specializing in capturing families, high school seniors, and pets. One of the things I’m most proud of is the work I do to give back to my community. I volunteer as a pet photographer at Gateway Pet Guardians, a local animal shelter. It’s incredibly rewarding to use my skills to help animals find their forever homes, all through the power of a photo.
What sets me apart is that I offer more than just a photoshoot—I create an experience. My sessions are fun and relaxed, designed to make people feel comfortable and enjoy the moment. When you look back at your photos, you’re not just seeing beautiful images—you’re remembering a meaningful, enjoyable experience as well.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I look forward to growing my clientele and exploring new, creative approaches to my photography. One of my biggest goals is to own my own studio someday. I’d love to invest in a space where I can offer more than just outdoor sessions and provide clients with even more options and opportunities for their photoshoots.
Pricing:
- Opening Act | 30 minute session – $225
- Center Stage | 1 hour session – $325
- Headliner | 2 hour session – $450
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaynicolephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaynicolephotos1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaynicolephotos1/
