We were lucky to catch up with Jolene Sage recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jolene, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.
Before I was behind the camera, I was in front of it. When I first moved to Chicago, I picked up modeling for extra cash. It was a fun side hustle, and I knew I wasn’t going to make a huge future out of it so I stayed independent (no agency representation). One of the biggest things I noticed about what made a photo turn out looking good or not was my comfort level. I worked with photographers of all different skill levels, and it was shocking how many of them were using top of the line gear but somehow managing to get terrible photos of me. I knew that it wasn’t just me, other photographers were taking absolutely gorgeous photos that were the whole reason why I had a modeling career in the first place. After enough photoshoots, I realized so much of it came down to my comfort level with the photographer. It wasn’t how familiar with them I was, it wasn’t how “good” of a photographer they were, it all had to do with how respectful they were and how they approached me as a subject in front of them. There’s a certain social skillfulness that photographers need to have, having a lens pointed at you is stressful and being put at ease by the person wielding the camera is essential. No matter what gear I’m using, I’ve always focused on client comfort as a key aspect of what makes a good photo. It’s a main topic in my blog post about how to prepare for a headshot session, it’s also my most popular post. “Beauty is pain” is an old adage that I have always found distasteful. Beauty is found when we are comfortable- with ourselves, with our surroundings, with our authenticity. I encourage my clients to dress in outfits that are true to themselves, I ensure that our activities for the day are accessible for everyone involved, and I always focus on uplifting them and encouraging them to feel like a star exactly how they are. I don’t pose based on trying to achieve a stereotypical look, I pose to create comfortable posture, creative shapes, and to ensure the best lighting.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My path to photography was not a predictable one. Of course there’s the usual “we had a camera in the family/I used a camera growing up”, but beyond that, it wasn’t until I had picked up modeling that I developed a true interest in photography as an art form. When I first moved to Chicago, I was barely twenty and fully alone with no family to speak of. Supporting myself as a barista and artist was difficult, I was always looking for new side hustles that I could grow. Modeling was one that stuck, it was fun while also earning some decent money. After so many photoshoots and experiences with photographers of all skill levels, I saw a pattern in my photos: if I wasn’t comfortable with the photographer, it showed. Quite visibly.
The more modeling I did, the more creative photoshoot ideas I had. Too many ideas in my head, and not enough time with the photographers I loved to really execute everything I had envisioned, so self-portraiture became an easy hybrid path for my art. I bought a refurbished Canon Rebel t6 for a good price, and subsequently spent hours upon hours in my kitchen-turned-photography studio learning how to utilize my camera in every way possible. Experimenting with different reflective materials for light bouncing, creating backdrops from all kinds of random pieces of fabric around the house, it was purely for me and not to impress anyone else and that gave me so much freedom. Once I reached a point of boredom with using just myself as the subject, I reached out to models and offered free photoshoots so I could get practice with giving direction. Photoshoots were a blast, my natural friendliness kicked in immediately and I realized how prepared I was for this role. Especially since I’d been the nervous one in front of the lens for so many years already. Over time, my mindset about client comfort became an artistic philosophy that has been foundational to my business and what it delivers. I’m not just taking beautiful photos, I’m delivering an experience that puts you at ease and leaves you in awe at how good you can look.
As a result of my ability to roll with all kinds of people and make new friends easily, I’ve found myself in many interesting photographer positions, getting to photograph things that the rest of the world normally doesn’t get to see. Cell Block is one of my favorites, getting to be the only person in the entire back end of the club who’s allowed to use a camera is powerful. They don’t ever allow cell phone photos, and I’m trusted to have discretion and to be able to work with folks who don’t want to be photographed. I love bringing my film camera with to underground raves and secret punk shows, it’s fun getting hired to document my friends bands playing at places like Sleeping Village too. Green room photos are always great, it’s like a secret window into the world of being a rock star. Whether I’m running around backstage with a bunch of gogo dancers or grindcore musicians, or taking formal wedding portraits at Milton Lee Olive Park, I’m meeting my client where they’re at and uplifting them for photos that show authentic joy.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I used to hate how I looked on camera, I spent my teen years convinced that I was too heavy to be photographed and despised the few photos people took of me. I lost a good chunk of my youth to anorexia, and healing from it has made me incredibly passionate about helping others see their innate and unique beauty. Modeling helped me heal my relationship with my body further, seeing it in a new and amazing light with every fun photoshoot that I got to do. After being a fine arts artist my whole life, it was a fascinating new experience to actually have my body be The Art. I love giving that experience to others, especially people who may not otherwise ever feel that special in front of a camera lens ever again. It’s rare that people treat themselves to photos “just because”, but time is always passing and there is never going to be another moment like the present – photos preserve those moments, its the closest thing we have to time travel. No matter where we are on the journey that is life, I believe we should be photographing each other and ourselves, preserving these beautiful memories at all stages.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Delivering photos that a client truly loves is the absolute best part of photography. Of course, I get immense satisfaction out of getting great shots, especially anything that can’t be repeated and was perfectly timed. But the most rewarding part of this line of work is seeing someone’s face light up when they realize just how good they can look on camera. Most people think they’re not photogenic, they think that they’re awkward on camera and can’t be made to look good. It’s so common to hear, especially from wedding couples already dealing with the high energy of such an important day. Being able to provide them with gorgeous photos that they adore and cherish is one of the best gifts I can give the world as an artist.
As a queer/nonbinary person, I also recognize how LGBTQ+ people have been shut out of media for a long time, and how typical beauty standards are so often not aligned with queerness. It is a huge honor to be able to document events like queer weddings, to highlight queer artists and models and fashion, and to create new beauty that is unlike anything else in the world. Bringing together LGBTQ+ artists is something I am passionate about, which led to founding Queer Photo Club over a year ago. It’s another avenue for me to bring my skills to people who don’t see themselves represented in art and media, and it’s immensely satisfying to be able to foster artistic community. Every meet-up brings more familiarity, there are so many repeat attendees and it’s amazing seeing how everyone’s art has grown over the past year together. I am incredibly grateful to have so many talented and kind people in attendance, it’s a joy to host and it’s become a huge highlight of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jolenesagephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolene__x4
Image Credits
Jolene Sage Photography