We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jenna Swanson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jenna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Ever since I was young, I’ve always been very passionate about creating and being artistic. In school, I was happiest when I was painting, drawing, or sculpting in art class, or reading and writing in a language arts class. I was in choir, and and learned to play viola in orchestra. I loved all things arts and music. I knew that right out of high school I wanted to pursue something that gave me creative freedom. I went to school for cosmetology, and graduated. I did hair for about 6 years, and I loved it. I had to get a knee surgery, so from there I decided I would try out an office setting, and I did that for about 5 years and quickly became tired of it. I wanted to fire up my creative side again, but wasn’t sure I wanted to pursue cosmetology again. While I have always been passionate about photography, and have always documented my own life and done so for others off and on, I decided to get a new camera and start my hobby up again more seriously. I realized very quickly how much I absolutley loved the feeling photography gave me, and how the approach to capturing someone else’s memories while allowing myself to be fulfilled creatively felt like the perfect match. It quickly went from a part time, just for fun gig, to I’m pouring everything I have into this to make it my career. It’s so fun to see myself come full circle from knowing I wanted to be in a creative profession in high school, and knowing that I am doing just what I’d always hoped to do is just so rewarding.
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?
Photography has always played a large role in my life. I’ve always been obsessed with taking photos, all the way back since I was in elementary school. I have the bins of photos to prove it lol. After making a life pivot, I started photography up as a professional hobby, and that quickly turned into a full time business and passion for me. Life is a collection of moments—big and small—that weave together to tell a unique story. My passion is to preserve these moments with an artistic touch and an eye for detail. Whether it’s the joyous chaos of a wedding day, the hopeful anticipation of a senior year, the warmth of family connections, or the dynamic energy of a personal brand, I ensure each gallery helps tell your unique story with authenticity. I love photos that have a nostalgic and artistic flair to them, and I think that’s where my work really stands out. I love exploring new and different perspectives of photography, and constantly continue to learn and expand my knowledge. Inspiration for photography can come out of nowhere, and channeling that inspiration into my everyday sessions and weddings, is what I absolutley love.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Looking at creatives, I think you automatically think “wow, they have such a fun career and work life” and while that’s true, we we also are small business owners, trying to wear all the hats, and do all the things. Most of us started our creative small business because we are so passionate about what we do, but on the backside of that, we are accountants, we are our marketing department, we are learning laws and regulations, we get tired of creating even when it’s what we absolutely love to do. We have a career we absolutley love and are so thankful for, but we also have to run it, and it can be stressful. Sometimes we hit creative blocks, and it’s not something that’s easy to get out of. Just like any career, there’s pros and cons, and there will always be things that make it difficult, but we wouldn’t trade it for the world.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, it the fact that I can pour my creativity into a session and have my creativity fill someone else’s cup. Making someone feel beautiful, capturing a family in a light they don’t normally see themselves in, helping another fellow creative tell their story, it’s what makes what I do feel so special. It’s a gift to make someone else see and feel things when I deliver their gallery. Being able to witness these moments and play a role in preserving them is an incredible honor. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about creating a visual narrative that captures the essence of who people are and the connections they share. This is what fuels my passion and drives me to constantly improve my craft. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share in these intimate and joyful moments with my clients, and I strive to ensure that each session is as meaningful and memorable as the last.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jennaswansonphotography.com
- Instagram: jennaswansonphotography
- Facebook: jennaswansonphotography
Image Credits
Jenna Swanson Photography