Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Torvinen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

The best way to learn is being thrown in right? That’s exactly how I learned wedding photography. I took an intro to photography class in college and a little while down the road I became an intern for my professor. I started as a third photographer/assistant at her weddings and from that first wedding I’ve gained the knowledge and skills I have today for wedding photography. It has been almost 6 years since I started my journey into wedding photography. My first wedding is one I’ll never forget because I had no idea how a wedding even worked… yet I was there to take pictures of it. I laugh looking back because I was so timid and lacked all the wedding knowledge. And by lacking wedding knowledge, as an example, I mean I didn’t even know that a bride has two rings, an engagement ring and a wedding band. It was that bad, but we all start somewhere right? As far as speeding up my learning process, I’d say I did it quite right. I was thrown in and each new wedding brought new couples, new challenges, and more that all eventually led to where I am today. Considering the timeframe, I think I learned quite fast and the best thing is there’s always more to learn with photography as trends change and new ideas come into my field.

Obviously actual photography knowledge is essential, such as using a camera and it’s settings correctly, but skills I’ve grown in, that are also essential in my field, are communication and even confidence, if that’s a skill. Communication is key. Being there for clients, helping them with all their questions and concerns. Taking ideas and things I’ve seen at other weddings to give them ideas etc. It’s all part of it and all part of my goal to help people have the best wedding day possible. I’m no longer shy or timid when I’m shooting. I’ve grown so much in that skill that I can walk in with confidence and that alone is a huge essential skill in the photography world. Light changes a lot on a wedding day and experience is what grows you in that area to be able to take all the turns and changes that a wedding day might take and face them head on to provide beautiful photos for your clients.

It is so fun to look back and see how far I’ve grown as a person, because of this job, but also just in my actual pictures. I’m thankful to be doing what I love and it’s taken time to learn all of this but I love that there’s always more to learn. I just have to remember to not compare myself to others. Imposter syndrome is probably the biggest obstacle I face, and I’m sure many other photographers face it as well. In our social media age, it is so difficult to not see someone else’s work and think we need to be more like them or wish we took pictures like that. Comparison is a theif but it’s good to step back and remember that there’s always more to learn.

Jessica, 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?

My name is Jessica Torvinen and I’m a wedding and portrait photographer in Davison Michigan. I like to say I’m an introvert with an extroverts job. Daily I am more to myself, but on a wedding day you’d never guess I’m intorverted. I change a lot when I’m behind my camera and it’s because it’s my passion and where I feel most confident.

I photograph life’s moments and the people that helped make those moments. Moments such as weddings, engagements, senior graduation, and more. My style is bright, colorful and edited in a way that won’t age with trends. I’m an extremely detailed person and care about all the intricate details that go into whicever moment I’m capturing with you. One of my top priorities is communication and keeping up with you with your planning process for whichever session we’ll be capturing together.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Photographs are memories in physical form and there are times where photographs are all we have left of loved ones in our lives. This might sound a little grim, but I love that I can help document people and joyous times so that they can be remembered for the long haul.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth, hands down. I don’t like to live my life on social media and the task of trying to bring in new clients by making reels and posting a ton on social media just drains me. My goal is to create an experience for clients so that they tell others and this has generated quite a bit of business for me and I’m so incredibly thankful to all my past clients for recommending me.

Contact Info:

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