BRANDING FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER | Jenn Elisabeth Photography
Photographing the Photographer: Jenn Elisabeth
After attending Imaging USA, a conference for professional photographers (PPA), I walked away inspired in ways I didn’t expect. One of the most meaningful connections I made was with Jenn Elisabeth, a photographer whose studio is based in Stafford, Virginia. From the moment I met her, I knew I had to photograph her.
As photographers, we are constantly behind the camera. Too often, we don’t give ourselves the opportunity to step in front of it. But we need headshots and branding just as much as the next solopreneur—if not more. We are the face of our businesses, and yet we’re usually the last ones to update our own images.
Jenn and her husband are both military veterans, something she proudly shares. I imagine she was fierce in the Army — but what I experienced was a kind, gentle soul. She was soaking in every bit of information at the conference, clearly intent on bringing it back to Virginia to serve her clients even better. I also suspect that getting a well-deserved break from her adorable family so she could have a clear, uninterrupted thought may have been part of the plan too.
I first noticed Jenn as the quiet woman sitting behind me in our initial class. When I saw her again that afternoon, I was surprised—and grateful. While the class itself focused primarily on lighting, I walked away having learned something much deeper. I learned a lot about myself. I realized I knew far more about photography and my craft than I had been giving myself credit for. More importantly, I learned how to really see people.
Imaging USA reminded me why community matters. I made connections with people who have since assisted me in my own business, and I committed to something I had been putting off for far too long: personal projects that are just for me. Photographing Jenn became my very first one.
Headshots and branding photography can be fun—but they’re even more fun when there’s nothing at stake. No pressure. No expectations. Just creativity. Rearranging furniture in the lobby of The Gaylord Opryland Hotel turned into a bit of an adventure, and Jenn was more than willing to go along for the ride.
When I returned home to Atlanta and began going through the images, I caught small glimmers of who Jenn really was. I took a deep dive into her website — www.jennelisabethphotography.com — and realized how much we have in common. We’re both moms of four children: two boys and two girls. And judging by the fat lip on her youngest, I’d bet he keeps her on her toes just as much as did mine.
Jenn curates beautiful photographs with dramatic lighting and expressive subjects. Her work shows real connection, thoughtful composition, and an artist who truly sees the people she photographs. It meant a lot to me to photograph her in a style that felt warm and inviting—just like her own work.
I’m incredibly grateful our paths crossed. If you’re a client looking for an exceptional photographer in the Stafford, Virginia area, I can’t recommend Jenn enough. Give her a call—you will not be disappointed.
