We recently connected with Jen and have shared our conversation below.

Jen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

When I started Phileo Photo Co. two years ago, I was simply a new mom with a camera and a big heart, totally unsure of where I fit in the creative world. I stumbled through learning curves, comparison traps, and moments of doubt. But as I grew, both in skill and in spirit, I began to see that this business wasn’t just about taking pretty pictures, it was about creating legacy.

Rooted in the biblical concept of phileo (brotherly love, friendship, community), my mission is to serve people with tenderness, intentionality, and unwavering support. I believe that love multiplies when it’s shared, and I want every session to feel like an extension of that truth.

Phileo Photo Co. exists to offer more than images. I want to give families, couples, and community members visual heirlooms: honest, emotion-filled memories they’ll pass down for generations. I also deeply value being part of a creative community that uplifts and supports one another. This space has given me so much, and I feel called to give back by being a kind, dependable presence to others on their journey, both behind and in front of the lens.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Jen, the heart and hands behind Phileo Photo Co., a faith-rooted photography brand built on love, legacy, and storytelling.

I’m a wife and mama before anything else, and my love for capturing connection started the way many stories do: quietly. Four years ago, I picked up a camera simply to preserve the sacred, everyday moments of my own life. What began as a personal pursuit of memory-making slowly turned into something much bigger: a calling to help others see the beauty in their stories, too.

Phileo is inspired by the Greek word for brotherly love, the kind of love that lives in community, connection, and care. My approach is deeply relational and intentional. I’m not here to just take pretty photos. I want to create imagery that feels like home. Photographs that will be passed down like heirlooms: full of laughter, warmth, soft glances, unposed magic, and the love that weaves generations together.

I specialize in lifestyle photography: families, couples, maternity, engagements, elopements, and weddings. Whether I’m documenting a newborn snuggled on mama’s chest or a couple saying “I do” beneath ancient trees, my goal is always the same: to preserve connection with depth and tenderness.

What sets Phileo apart is the heart behind it. This is not a brand built on hustle or hype, but on humility, intentionality, and a desire to serve people well. I’m proud of the trust my clients give me, and I don’t take it lightly. Being invited into people’s most important moments is the greatest honor.

If you’re looking for a photographer who will cheer you on, cry during your vows, make your toddler laugh, and hand you a gallery that feels like poetry, I’m your girl.

My prayer is that every image reminds you not only of what life looked like, but how it felt.

What is a lesson you had to unlearn and what is the backstory?

One of the hardest and most transformative lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that I had to prove myself in order to belong. Imposter syndrome is so real, especially in a creative field where it can feel like everyone else has it all figured out. For a long time, I believed that my vision had to be validated by others before it was “good enough.” I questioned my worth in this space, even when my heart was fully in it.

Another hard lesson? You can’t control the actions of others, whether they be mentors, friends, or even trusted peers. What you can control is how you show up. I’ve learned that love given is never wasted, even when it isn’t returned in the way you hoped.

In the last few years, I’ve experienced incredible growth, but also setbacks, disappointment, and the loss of friendships. Still, I wouldn’t trade those experiences. They’ve shaped me. I’ve found my footing and my creative style not in perfection, but in the failures that pushed me to reflect, refine, and root deeper into my why.

Phileo Photo Co. is built on core values: faith, love, intentionality, and honesty. I’ve realized that as long as I stay anchored in those, I can’t be shaken. Being true to who I am and serving my clients with genuine care will always mean more than numbers, trends, or likes.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly? Staying true to who I am.

In a world that moves fast and favors trends, I’ve found the most meaningful growth happens when I lead with love, consistency, and respect, not comparison or competition. I don’t feed into drama or try to mimic what others are doing. I just keep showing up with a heart full of intention, ready to serve people well.

My clients aren’t just hiring me for photos, they’re inviting me into sacred moments of their lives. I never take that lightly. I want them to know I see their stories, their love, and their legacy. That the images we create together will one day be shared over dinner tables and passed down through generations. I can picture it: a grandparent pointing to an image and saying, “This was your dad when he was your age.” That vision grounds everything I do.

I believe when you focus on connection, not just content , when you treat people like friends and not transactions, the growth takes care of itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://phileophotoco.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: @phileophotoco
• Facebook: Phileo Photo Co

Image Credits

Jen’s Bio Photo by: Meg Wright, Portraiture by Meg,
Jen’s Bio Photo Edits by: Jen Mcdonald, Phileo Photo Co
Additional Photos: Jen Mcdonald, Phileo Photo Co