We were lucky to catch up with Jodie Schrier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jodie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have done since I began my own photography business was to photograph teens who were “adopted” by a local non-proft organization. This organization helps provide necessary care to homeless teens who are graduating from high school. Some of the students lived in their cars or in tents but they made a promise to themselves to get an education, a job, and strive to change the narrative of their young lives. The organization provided clothes, any and all funds required for them to participate in school activities or clubs, tutors as well as much needed emotional support.

The CEO of the non-profit reached out to me to ask if I would be willing to take their Senior Portraits; as none of them had ever had photos taken and certainly did not have the funds to schedule a Senior Portrait. Cap and Gown were provided to them and I was able to capture each one. It was TRULY a privilege!

These teens have been dealt a hard hand in life, so to celebrate them and all they have accomplished with little to no resources or support, was the most meaningful photo project

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?

I started my own photography business with a small Canon camera and very little knowledge of photography, much less editing! But I had always had a passion for it and was the family member who walked around with a camera all the time!

It was at the height of the pandemic when so much news coverage centered around people who were forced to isolate. Hope was lost, joy was at an all-time low and human connection had all but ceased. It was at this time that I had been toying with the idea of starting a photography business and then one day the “dots were connected”. To this day I know that God planted a “mission” in my heart; and that was to find these individuals, help them to realize their worth and value and then capture that (as well as their stories) thru the lens of a camera.

This foundation is, in my opinion what sets me apart from other photographers. Sure, I always enjoy clients that consist of families, children, dancers, Graduates, engaged couples……but when Im looking into the face of someone who has lived through extreme situations…..THATS a photograph that goes beyond wall art. It has a way of lingering somehow, in a subtle yet profound way.

Without a doubt, this part of my photography business is what Im most proud of and where my heart strings get tugged the most. The conversations that unfold after one of these photoshoots; and certainly with the homeless students, just changes my perspective in ways that a standard photoshoot cannot.

Not surprisingly, it is this experience that continually helps develop me as a photographer. The expected growth of skills, equipment knowledge, ideal locations, lighting is crucial and can be learned over time. But making an authentic connection with the person on the other side of my lens?……that can’t be taught. And even though its something that has always come natural to me and I find inspirational, it wasn’t until my photography opened up opportunities to capture the HEART of someone’s story that I began to grow on a different level.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me happens to be from another aspect of my life! Outside of photography, I have been a choreographer for more than 40+ years. I work with all ages and have the pleasure of finding talent from many genres. This puts me directly in front of……you guessed it, PEOPLE! Im often asked to photograph shows that I choreograph, so that opens many doors for me organically!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have seen how beautiful images reignite the passion in people. Many times they’ve forgotten the person they used to be due to life challenges. But a custom, personalized portrait session brings something back to life in them. I take a genuine interest in their stories, their hobbies, their experiences. Its immediately evident in their voice when they see someone truly takes an interest in them….and, added bonus, captures their beauty in images! So my mission has always been to do just that. If I could do this free of charge all the time, I would. Its a gift that I deeply love to share and will do so as often as my budget allows.

Contact Info:

• Website: Https://jodielanephotography.com
• Instagram: @JodieLanePhotography
• Facebook: @JodieLanePhotography

Image Credits

Photo Credit: Jodie Lane Photography