We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Keck . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

The biggest challenge to profitability in my industry is the shift toward mass production over craftsmanship.

Real estate photography has become increasingly saturated with large-scale companies that prioritize volume over quality. Many of these companies hire independent contractors they’ve never met, with no guarantee of consistency or skill. The result is often generic, cookie-cutter images that may check a box, but don’t tell the story of the property.

I’ve chosen a different path. I run Photojennik as a boutique photography business, where attention to detail and storytelling remain at the heart of what I do. I take the time to understand the character of a space and create images that reflect its unique features, because I know that thoughtful, well-crafted photography doesn’t just showcase a property; it helps sell it.

This more personalized approach takes time and limits how many shoots I can take on. While I may not be churning out dozens of properties a week like the big companies, I believe the quality and care in my work ultimately build stronger client relationships and a more sustainable business.

Profitability is certainly more challenging when you choose quality over quantity, but for me, it’s the only way to stay true to my creative values and build a reputation I’m proud of.

Jennifer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jennifer Keck, founder of Photojennik Photography, a boutique real estate and commercial photography business based in southeastern Minnesota. I specialize in creating polished, story-driven images that bring homes and spaces to life. With nearly two decades behind the camera and over 4,000 properties photographed across Australia and the U.S., I’ve learned that great photography doesn’t just capture a room—it captures emotion, light, and the subtle details that make a space feel like home.

My creative roots run deep. I studied Graphic Design and Animation at Swinburne University in Melbourne and spent over a decade managing Rembrandt’s Studio at Monash University, where I worked in a high-pressure, high-standard creative environment. That experience sharpened my technical skills and taught me how to think visually, solve problems quickly, and tell stories through design.

In 2004, I launched my first photography studio in Australia. Since then, my work has spanned real estate, commercial branding, weddings, portraits, and special events—each with its own rhythm and demands. This broad experience is something I’m proud of, and I believe it truly sets me apart.

While many photographers concentrate on just one genre, I’ve learned from each discipline: the ability to read light and emotion from portraiture, the pace and storytelling of weddings, and the structure and precision required in commercial work. These overlapping skills inform every shoot I do today, especially in real estate, where I blend all those instincts to create images that are not only beautiful, but effective and engaging.

In 2017, I relocated with my husband to southeastern Minnesota. Starting over in a new country came with challenges, but it also gave me the chance to reimagine my business with a fresh perspective and a deepened commitment to quality and craft. Through Photojennik, I now focus on real estate and commercial photography, helping agents and businesses elevate their listings and brand presence through clean, curated visual storytelling.

What sets Photojennik apart is that I operate as a boutique service—not a volume-driven agency that sends out random contractors. I handle every shoot myself, ensuring a consistent standard of care, detail, and creativity. I work closely with clients to understand the story of each space, and I craft images that reflect that character rather than relying on one-size-fits-all templates. I believe that thoughtful, well-executed photography can not only transform a listing or campaign—it can build trust and create emotional connection.

In addition to my photography business, I also run VARIQUE Jewelry, a handcrafted collection inspired by vintage medallions, meaningful symbols, and semi-precious stones. Each piece is designed with intention and emotional resonance—another way I explore the art of personal storytelling.

Whether I’m behind the camera or at my jewelry bench, my aim is the same: to create something honest, intentional, and deeply connected. Because in the end, I believe the most powerful stories are the ones that reflect who we really are.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Early in my career, I leased a beautiful warehouse studio with soaring 20-foot ceilings—an inspiring space in a historic building that had once been a supermarket back in the 1940s. I focused primarily on creative portraiture and wedding photography there, and it was a dream studio for my work.

Then, in quick succession, the area was hit by a 100-year flood, and my studio flooded twice within two months. The damage was severe enough that I had to close for eight weeks while repairs and renovations were completed. It was a challenging and uncertain time—no access to my equipment, no space to work, and no clear timeline for reopening.

Rather than waiting it out passively, I took the opportunity to rethink my business model. I began concentrating on commercial and real estate photography, areas I hadn’t focused on before. Once I made that decision, I never looked back.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I took the opportunity to rethink my business model and the direction it was heading. I began focusing on how I could run a photography business without relying on leasing or maintaining a studio space. That’s when I shifted my energy into real estate and commercial photography—areas I hadn’t explored in depth before.

Initially, it was a practical decision, a way to stay afloat while my studio was being repaired. But as I immersed myself in this new direction, I quickly discovered a genuine love for architecture and interior design. I began to embrace what I was producing. Whether I’m photographing a dark, derelict house with stories etched into its walls, or a majestic million-dollar listing, my goal remains the same—to tell the story of the place through imagery.

Once I made that decision, I’ve never looked back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photojennik.com
• Instagram: photojennik_photography
• Facebook: Photojennik
• Linkedin: Jennifer Keck
• Yelp: Photojennik Photography