Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Whitmore
Hi Jenna , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My start in photography began when I bought an old used camera from my Mom after she had taken a photography course at a community college. I bought it thinking I would play around with it and maybe take some artistic pictures for fun, but never as a serious hobby that I would later make a career out of. Over the years a did a few senior sessions and learned my way around a DSLR, but lost interest when my full time jobs took all of my attention. It was only when I was given an opportunity as a marketing and event coordinator for a local chamber of commerce that I rekindled my love of all things design, marketing, and art. Working around so many small business owners and watching them build their businesses was so unbelievably inspiring. The wheels in my head started turning, imagining the idea of being my own boss one day…what would I do? How would that even work? With a full time job, I started a little side hustle of graphic design and brand work, then eventually added photography into it. COVID shut our world down and suddenly I had a lot of time to dream and mold my plan of being a small business owner into a reality. People, creativity, brand identity, authenticity, connection…these are the pillars that I stood on as my goal became clear – I was going to be a Personal Brand Photographer. I joined chambers, groups, and made sure that everyone around me knew that I was building a brand and business and needed a stacked portfolio. I did jobs for free, discounted and on a crazy schedule in the beginning. Today I have an established company that is known for being a brand photography business that provides vibrant, authentic imagery for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and influencers. To say I am proud and grateful for the experience of building this from nothing is an understatement. I love what I do and who I work with.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every business has its challenges, but I feel that for the most part my road has been smooth. I owe it all to my support system and networking groups. I could have struggled so much more in the beginning, but because I had friends and clients that were ready and willing to work with me and THEN refer more people, things fell into place relatively easily. Little Black Book: Women in Business and The Cottleville Weldon Spring Chamber of Commerce are two groups that I owe so much to for support and exposure.
If I had to mention a challenge, I would have to say that niching down from ALL types of photography to just brand photography was a little tricky. There is always that instinct to take any job because you need/want the income, but you are simultaneously working SO hard to build a reputation as something else. Having to say no to jobs specifically because they just aren’t the kind of work that I want or that I feel like my skills are maximized in is hard. I like to make people happy, but as a business owner, decisions have to be made with your head AND your heart.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Personal Brand Photographer who specializes in branding for small business owners, influencers and entrepreneurs. I also work in Product Photography and Food Photography and Styling.
My work is pretty recognizable, mostly from the bright white backgrounds, crisp lines, and the type of props I like to incorporate. I have a “style” for sure.
I am really proud of the subscription packages I have created for small businesses. It took a few years to get it all figured out, but content isn’t something that stays idle. It is always changing and evolving, so the images for your brand need to evolve too. My subscription packages allow clients to purchase a bank of hours to cover 12 months of photography to accommodate marketing and content needs! Im so happy to be able to serve so many clients with these packages!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
A bigger studio for sure! A space to gather all types of creatives for any type of “art” but primarily a photography studio that creates an immersive experience for branding sessions. The ultimate space for content, creativity, community and FUN! I can definitely see myself shifting into a more educational/mentor role for emerging photographers down the road, but not yet! I love to have a camera in my hand and business is on track for exciting things in the next couple years!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jwhitmorephoto.com
- Instagram: @jwhitmore.photography.co
- Facebook: @jwhitmorephotography
- LinkedIn: @jwhitmorephotography
