Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Parks.
Jordan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I always had an interest in the arts. My Dad is an architect, and I remember looking through all his art books as a kid. I was always the girl with the camera in high school and took photography classes in college. It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my second child that I decided to start my own photography business. I learned on film, so I had to teach myself Photoshop and Lightroom. I met a great group of photographers on Flickr and we worked on group projects and challenges together. I started out like a lot of other photographers do…taking clients on the cheap while I tried to perfect my craft. My style has gone through a lot of changes since 2010, but I feel confident in my craft and feel like this is absolutely the best job in the world.
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?
I think when I started my business, the biggest obstacle was getting my name and work “out there.” The market is saturated with photographers, and I was constantly comparing my work to others. As my business grew, I became more comfortable in my artistic style and workflow. Over the years, my business became more established with the use of both social media and word of mouth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in modern portraits and lifestyle photography for newborns, children, families and high school seniors. My favorite thing about being a photographer is giving clients images they didn’t know they needed. I always start the session with posed images, but as we get a bit more comfortable, I like to capture my clients playing, cuddling, laughing and giving me their best “serious face.” I do gently prompt my clients to help them relax, and I find that the images where they are not standing still looking at the camera smiling are the ones they love the most. I pride myself on being the entertainer at the session and really enjoy the human connection. There’s nothing better than photographing a Mom snuggling up with her baby as if they were alone, a brother and sister running through a field laughing or hyping up nervous high school senior and having her be over the moon with the way she looks.
I think something that sets me apart from others in the industry is that I don’t want my images to be a reflection of me per se but of the family unit. I won’t tell you to wear a long, flowy dress and a big hat or to dress your kids like something out of a J Crew ad if that’s not something you would ever wear. I want clients to wear something that’s comfortable and reflects their style, not mine. I hope that when a potential client views my work, they can envision themselves in front of my lens.
My sessions are FUN. I yell I make loud noises, I tell jokes, I really do anything I can to make my families feel relaxed so I can capture them without a deer in the headlights look on their face! I adore my repeat clients, many of whom have been with me since I opened up shop in 2010.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
The greatest thing about my childhood was growing up in the city… riding bikes around the neighborhood, popping over unannounced to a friend’s house, grabbing some change and heading to the convenience store for a peach Vess and a Hostess apple pie. Oh, and swimming in our big aluminum pool in the backyard!
Pricing:
- Packages start at $300
Contact Info:
- Email: jordanparksphotography@gmail.com
- Website: www.jordanparksphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jordanparksphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jordan.parks.photography
Image Credits
© Jordan Parks Photography
