We were lucky to catch up with Jordan Hereth recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission as a photographer is to preserve the moments of love, connection, and authenticity that mean the most to people. My photography is driven by the belief that every person and relationship has a story worth telling, and it’s my goal to capture that story in a way that feels genuine timeless!

Growing up, my family cherished photo albums. Each image holding memories of milestones, forgotten moments, and everyday joys. Those photos become a part of our legacy, connecting us to the past, and sharing stories with future generations to see. A visual legacy is what I want to create for my clients!

More than just taking photos, I want to help people see the beauty in their own story! Whether it’s a wedding, a maternity shoot, or a simple family session, I approach each experience with the same level of care and intention. In a world where social media often makes us feel like we need to compare ourselves to others, I want my clients to know that we are all unique and beautiful in our own way! Being able to provide something so personal, something that evokes emotion and becomes a treasured keepsake, is why this mission is so meaningful to me.

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?

Hello there! I’m Jordan Sylvia, a wedding, couples, and maternity portrait photographer based in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, near Shelton, Washington. Surrounded by the stunning Olympic Mountains and Peninsula, I draw inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds me every day. Originally from Woodland, California, my journey has taken me from my hometown to this beautiful corner of the world, where I now pursue my passion for capturing life’s most precious moments!

My love for photography began in childhood, watching my grandfather capture the beauty of nature through his lens. I also grew up spending countless hours looking through the photo albums my mom lovingly created, which preserved our family’s memories and stories. Inspired by my grandfather’s artistry and keen eye, I bought my first camera, a Canon T1 Rebel, as a teenager and began taking portraits as a hobby. Over time, that hobby evolved into a fulfilling career. Today, I am a proud Nikon user, working with my Z8 and D850 paired with Sigma Art lenses to ensure that every image I capture is vibrant, timeless, and true to life.

Beyond photography, I have a deep love for nature, the outdoors, cooking, gardening, and working on house projects with my husband, Shane. I take on the role of a dedicated housewife, supporting his dreams as he supports mine! His unwavering encouragement, along with the love and generosity of my family, laid the foundation for my business! In fact, much of my startup equipment was gifted to me by my loved ones, who believed in my potential and future success. Their support helped turn something I loved into a thriving career. Truly thankful for my family!

My journey into the wedding industry came in an unexpected way. In 2017, a family member had promised to photograph my wedding, and we planned our budget around not needing a professional photographer. One month before the wedding, they canceled, leaving me scrambling to find a last-minute replacement. Although I was grateful that the day was documented, the photos didn’t reflect what I had envisioned. Fast forward to the summer of 2020 when the pandemic caused my best friend’s wedding photographer to cancel. I volunteered to help, armed with only basic photography knowledge and countless hours of studying wedding photography on YouTube. Capturing their wedding day filled me with joy, and that moment marked the start of my business and journey into wedding photography! From that day forward, I have been committed to ensuring my clients never experience what I went through.

I specialize in candid portraits for weddings, engagements, couples, maternity, and family sessions. Every session is personalized to reflect my clients’ unique personalities and stories. My editing style enhances natural beauty while preserving the essence of the moment, ensuring the final images feel timeless and true to life colors with a dash of warmth. I strive to create images that reflect the genuine emotions and stories of the people I work with. What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring to every session. I’m deeply invested in getting to know my clients and creating a comfortable, relaxed environment that allows their true selves to shine through!

My goal isn’t just to take beautiful photos but to create an experience that leaves my clients feeling confident, comfortable, and authentically themselves! With social media often creating pressure to compare ourselves to others, I want my clients to know they are unique, beautiful, and worthy of being celebrated just as they are!

I’m most proud of the lasting relationships I’ve formed with my clients. Many of them return for future sessions, and it’s incredibly rewarding to document different chapters of their lives! Whether it’s capturing a couple’s wedding day or a family’s cherished milestones, being entrusted with those memories is an honor I deeply appreciate. To my clients who may be reading this, thank you! Your trust and support mean the world to me.

Above all, I want people to know that I genuinely care about the memories I’m helping them create. Photography isn’t just about delivering beautiful images. It’s about preserving meaningful moments that will be cherished for a lifetime! My work is rooted in a love for storytelling, a passion for human connection, and a desire to give my clients something truly lasting.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My husband and my family were the initial investors in starting my business! I feel beyond blessed and grateful for everyone who supported my dream and helped turn something I loved into a career. Not only did they believe in my potential and future success, but they also went above and beyond by gifting me my very first set of equipment to get my business off the ground. That thoughtful gesture planted the seed for everything my business has grown into today!

Now, when clients invest in their photos and my business, I make it a priority to reinvest in better equipment, stay up to date with the latest tools, and continuously work on improving my skills to give them the best experience possible. The foundation of my journey started with generosity, and I carry that spirit with me every day in my work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a photographer is seeing my clients’ reactions to their photos! Knowing that they cherish those moments enough to print and hang them on their walls is an incredible feeling. Hearing their gratitude and seeing them refer me to their friends and family fills me with my heart with joy!

I also find so much joy in building a community with fellow photographers who share the same passion! My poor husband’s ears are burning! Always listening to everything and anything about photography. Every photographer brings a unique perspective to their work, offering a different way of seeing the world. There are so many talented individuals specializing in various niches, each creating something uniquely beautiful!

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Jordan Sylvia Photography