Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Todd.
Hi Jennifer, 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.
I discovered my photography passion as a child. I always had a camera in my hand and loved taking photos. When I turned 17 my mom saw a mall studio was hiring (in NJ) so I applied and got the part-time photographer job. By the age of 19, I was the store manager of a studio that was ranked in the top 10 of the company out of 400 stores.
I quickly became an area trainer (in FL) and was then promoted to District Manager in GA by 26 years old. I was with that company for 18 years (until the mall photography business died). I then started a new job as a Network Manager for a wedding photography business and oversaw 5 states. I learned a lot from the wedding pros on outdoor photography, the best equipment to use, the best lenses, proper lighting, and more.
When that company closed, I was recruited to be the District Manager for a Newborn Hospital Photography company and oversaw the photography contracts out of 25 hospitals where we photographed over 100-150 babies a day. Covid hit in 2020 and that put an immediate stop on us going room to room to service new moms. I had been doing my own photography business on the side for about 9 years so when I was laid off, I invested my time into marketing, redoing my website, investing in more photography backdrops, equipment, props, and more.
I originally thought it would just be part-time until the job market opened back up but I got so busy, I had no time to do anything but focus on my business. I then opened my own studio in 2021 and the rest is history. Covid was a blessing in disguise for me as it pushed me to do something that I would not have had the guts to do had I not been laid off.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have been managing other businesses for over 20 years so it was natural for me to start my own business as I knew the skills it took to run a successful business. The only struggle is doing it all yourself. In the past, I had managers and employees to delegate tasks to but being your own boss, you wear many hats. You are your accountant, bookkeeper, customer service rep, designer, prop researcher/purchaser, website tech, social media marketer, photographer, editor, email inquiry responder, and much much more.
A year ago, I finally hired an editor to help with the workload so I was not having to work sun up to sun down 7 days a week. The biggest struggle is learning to shut work off and taking the time to be with your family. Your mind is always thinking of business ideas 24/7, business tasks you need to complete, cell phone ringing, emails coming in all hours of the day, and more. Learning to have a work/life balance when you own your own business is the biggest struggle I face.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jenni Nikki Photography LLC?
I am a photographer/business owner based out of Woodstock, GA. I offer studio sessions, outdoor sessions, and in-home sessions. I mostly specialize in Baby’s 1st year (Maternity, Newborn, Milestone, and 1st Birthday Portraits) but also photograph updated family portraits and Senior Graduation portraits seasonally plus the occasional business headshots.
What sets me apart is that I have invested over 100k in what I offer at my studio. Not only do I carry high-end props, backdrops, and a lifestyle setting but I offer a HUGE client closet for Mom/Maternity clients plus kids (girls up to teen and boys up to size 6). Customers love that when they come to me, they don’t have to plan every detail out as I handle stylizing the session for the family and offer everything needed for Newborn and Birthday sessions. I also work closely with a local makeup/hair artist so Mom can come as she is and get pampered before her session.
I have over 25 years of experience working with kids of all ages so I know how to make them relaxed and work through the meltdowns to capture memorable portraits that will be cherished for years to come. I also offer professional high-quality products for your home like heirloom albums, canvases, framed prints, and much more so that your photos do not stay digital but you can enjoy the beauty of them displayed around your home.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
We did not take many vacations as a family- only driving to NJ to see family every summer as we lived in FL. But one year for Christmas, our gift was going to the mountains. We never had snow in FL so we loved being around tons of snow, having fires, and staying in a real mountain log cabin.
We went ice skating and skiing for the first time and had a blast being together as a family for a week since my Dad was a workaholic (owning his own mechanic business) and did not have tons of time to do family vacations (outside of NJ family visits).
Pricing:
- Maternity Sessions starting at $899
- Newborn Sessions starting at $899
- Family Sessions starting at $750
- Birthday and Senior sessions starting at $675
- Seasonal Mini Sessions starting at $299
Contact Info:
- Website: Jnphotography.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenninikkiphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniNikkiPhotography
