We recently connected with Jennie Pyfferoen and have shared our conversation below.

Jennie, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I had spent 7 years building my business. I was a busy and well booked newborn and family photographer in Nashville. One day, I saw a family film by Courtney Holmes and it changed everything. I knew in that moment, I was not currently fulfilling my calling as a photographer. I was choosing trendy poses and popularity over creating raw meaningful memories.

I then took a 2 year hiatus as I let my soul shift into the work of being a filmmaker. I restarted my business around 2019 and haven’t looked back. and while it isn’t easy offering work that goes against the trendy grain, it has been incredibly fulfilling.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In 2017, I discovered family films. They are still very new even 7 years later. A family film resembles wedding videography. I spend a few hours with a family. We have discussed their favorite memories in this season and I become a fly on the wall, while they spend a few hours in their typical routine. It could be snuggles, playing hide and seek, reading a book, baking, nursing or playing a game. Whatever it is, Im there to capture it in both video and in photos. I then create a 3-5 minute cinematic film from the time I spend with the family. Many families hire me annually, the idea being that when their kids are grown, they will have these films from each year to rewatch.

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

What gives me purpose in my work is that I last saw my mother on my wedding day in 2006. I have no video from that day, or any video of her at all. I don’t have anything with the sound of her voice. I go into every film session wanting to capture that for my clients.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to show mothers and fathers that their real life is beautiful. That the days that feel mundane and routine are actually filled to the brim with deep meaningful moments that will feel more important than later. We take for granted the number of books we read, the number of times we kiss a boo boo, or hold our child’s hand. We think we need to look instagram worthy to have memories captured, but it could not be further from the truth. The life we are living – that we have built – no matter what our home looks like or how much weight we need to lose – is absolutely beautiful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jenniepyfferoen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniepyfferoen.familyfilms/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/jenniepyfferoen

Image Credits
Credit: Jennie Pyfferoen Films + Photos