Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Pierce.
Hi Jenn, 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?
When my first daughter was born I realized no matter how much I wanted to, I simply knew I wouldn’t remember every little moment. I picked up a camera and started documenting our days. The big things, the little things, and after doing that for awhile other people started asking me to document their families too. It’s been 13 years now and what started as a hobby organically grew into a full time business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Freelance work is never smooth. In the family photography business there are always ebbs and flows to the work. Summer is almost always slower for me, and earlier on in my career these slow spells gave me a panic inside that “maybe I would never get work again”, which leads to the imposter syndrome kicking in and I would start thinking “maybe I’m not actually any good at this”. It’s the natural doubts of just about any artist but it can really take a toll on you. After noticing that I went through this cycle every year I finally decided to trust the process. I now take that slower time to dive deeper into my craft, either taking a class, studying other artists, or learning a new photography related skill. The busy season of fall always comes back and now I feel refreshed and ready to take it on when it does.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In short I’m a lifestyle family photographer. I go into peoples homes in whatever time of their lives that they’d like to have documented. Whether that’s a new baby, one on the way, or just not wanting to forget what life felt like with all the kids being the ages they are. I love photographing families in their actual homes. There’s a comfort level and an ease that people have when they’re surrounded by all their favorite things. Kids love to show off their prized lovies, parents have a certain spot where the best snuggles happen, and the cats and dogs all get to join in too. Sometimes it’s chaos, but it’s a beautiful real life chaos and it’s worth having someone there to document and reflect your family’s love back to you.
As I mentioned, I’m always looking to grow and learn as an artist. I’ve been documenting my own family on film cameras for about 7 years and this past year, in addition to the digital camera I always use, I’ve also started using more and more film during client sessions, 35mm and medium format films have a softness and nostalgic feel to them that blends so well with family photography. Because a roll of film only has so many images on it, it forces me to slow down and really be present with a family. We talk, we play, and when that beautiful moment happens… click! We have the image captured and the camera comes away from my face. It’s a more personal experience. It’s laid back, it’s playful, it’s working together to make a gallery of images that feels like the truth and the best of your family.
What makes you happy?
Beautiful light! When I see light streaming in a window, or passing through trees and making everything dance, it makes my heart swell. Now, when my own kiddos humor me with letting me take their photos in that light, well you couldn’t make me any happier than that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://monkeyandsquirrel.com
- Instagram: monkeyandsquirrel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monkeyandsquirrel
