We were lucky to catch up with Jenna Ayers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jenna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think being a successful photographer is about more than just knowing how to use a camera. Of course, technical skills matter—understanding light, composition, and editing are all important—but what really makes someone stand out is the ability to see people. To notice the in-between moments, to make people feel safe and comfortable enough to be themselves in front of the lens, and to tell their story with honesty and emotion.

It also takes resilience. Photography, especially wedding photography, can be unpredictable and fast-paced. You have to be adaptable, resourceful, and willing to push through challenges while still showing up with joy and creativity.

And finally, consistency and professionalism go a long way. It’s about delivering an incredible client experience from start to finish, showing up on time, communicating clearly, and honoring your commitments. At the end of the day, people want to work with someone they trust — and that’s something you earn over time by caring deeply about both your work and the people in front of your camera.

Jenna, 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 got into photography because I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the way a single image can hold emotion, movement, and memory. What started as a creative outlet grew into a full-time business built on connection, trust, and a genuine love for people. Through Ayers Photo Co., I photograph weddings, offer hair and makeup services, and host creative sessions in my studio space.

I specialize in capturing weddings in a way that feels warm, natural, and true to the couple. I use prompts instead of stiff poses so my clients can relax and actually enjoy the moment, which leads to more authentic photos. I also work closely with each couple to make sure their experience is stress-free and seamless — whether that means helping with timelines, scouting dreamy locations, or just being a calming presence on a busy day.

What sets me apart is the energy and care I bring to every shoot. I’m organized, timely, and professional, but I’m also not afraid to take creative risks to get something truly special. I want my clients to feel seen, celebrated, and fully themselves in front of my lens.

What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built through this work. So many of my couples come back for future milestones, and that continued trust means everything. I want people to know that I don’t take this job lightly—being part of someone’s biggest moments is something I hold with a lot of gratitude.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A big pivot in my business happened when I shifted from offering a wide variety of sessions (family, grad, maternity, etc.) to focusing almost exclusively on weddings. At first, I said yes to everything because I loved photography and wanted to grow. But over time, I realized that taking on so many smaller sessions meant I was constantly away from home, often in the evenings and on short notice, which made balancing work and family really difficult.

I had to step back and ask what I wanted my days and weeks to actually look like. Weddings, while a bigger commitment on the day itself, gave me more structure and allowed me to plan my schedule around the things that matter most — like time with my husband and kids. I also realized how much more fulfilled I felt creatively when I got to be part of something as meaningful and emotional as a wedding day.

That pivot was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me more clarity in my brand, better boundaries in my schedule, and the ability to pour myself fully into the kind of work I love most: documenting real connection and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, what started as a side hustle turned into my full-time business. I first picked up photography after having my son. At the time, I was working for a corporate social media management company, and photography was just something I did on the side to stay creative and make a little extra money. I never imagined it would become anything more than that.

But then, out of nowhere, the entire company was laid off. It was scary, but also the push I didn’t know I needed. I decided to take the leap and give photography my full focus. From there, I poured everything into learning, growing, and building something sustainable. I booked anything I could: families, grads, maternity, weddings, and slowly began to find my style and my niche.

Some key milestones were booking my first full wedding season, investing in better gear, launching my website, and eventually narrowing my focus to weddings and studio work. It’s been a journey of a lot of late nights, trial and error, and learning how to run a business while also being a mom, but I wouldn’t trade it. What started out of necessity has grown into something I’m deeply proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ayersphoto.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayersphotoco

Image Credits

Jenna Ayers (Ayers Photo Co.)