We were lucky to catch up with Jen O’neal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

From a very young age, my parents recognized my creative spark and did everything they could to nurture it. Our home was filled with opportunities to explore my imagination—like the cabinet overflowing with arts and craft supplies that I would dive into daily. One of my favorite memories growing up was helping my dad document our family’s adventures. Whether it was a holiday gathering, a basketball game, or a camping trip, he was always wanting to document it for us to reminisce on later. I loved being his little helper, and that’s when I began learning the art of storytelling through photos and videos. To this day, I still have the tripod that he used to put his camcorder on to record our Christmas mornings when I was a kid!

Those early experiences sparked my love for photography, and looking back, they were the foundation of the passion I’ve turned into a career today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn a little about me and this business of mine! My name is Jen and I am based in Moscow Mills, Missouri. I’m married to Brandon, and our little family is my dream come true. We have a 3 year old daughter and an 8 month old son who both successfully keep our hands busy and our hearts full!

My journey into photography began with an engagement session for some friends, and from that moment, I fell in love with capturing life’s most meaningful moments. I started with family and engagement sessions, and slowly worked my way into photographing weddings. It’s been 9 years now of the most amazing experiences! This career has taught me so much and I will be forever grateful that God gave me this creative outlet to serve others with. Over the years, my passion for preserving authentic, heartfelt memories has only grown stronger. I believe that every photo should transport you back to the joy, love, and beauty of the moment it was taken.

At O’Neal Photo Co, my mission is simple: to create timeless, genuine images that reflect your personality and relationships. Whether it’s the laughter you share with your best friends on your wedding day or the quiet, tender moments you exchange with your soulmate, I’m here to preserve it all. I strive to make every session not only fun and relaxed but also an unforgettable experience. My approach blends creativity and professionalism, ensuring that you feel comfortable in front of the camera and confident that your memories are in good hands. Photography, to me, is more than just a profession—it’s a lifelong pursuit of art and connection. I’m constantly learning, growing, and refining my craft so I can provide clients with the highest quality imagery possible.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

For me, the best source of new clients has always been word of mouth. I truly believe that kindness and authenticity leave a lasting impression. When you make an impression, people naturally recommend you to others—it’s as simple and powerful as that.

Photography is a deeply personal and often intimate experience. I understand that not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera, which is why I focus on creating an environment where clients feel guided, supported, and completely at ease. Building this connection and trust is the cornerstone of the client experience I strive to deliver every single time.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people on a deeper level and preserve meaningful moments in a way that resonates for years to come. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about turning emotions, stories, and fleeting experiences into something tangible and timeless. Knowing that my work can evoke joy, nostalgia, or even tears of happiness for someone is the greatest reward. It’s an honor to be trusted with such significant moments in people’s lives and to contribute to their stories in a creative and lasting way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.onealphotoco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onealphotoco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onealphotoco

Image Credits

O’Neal Photo Co