We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Imus recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I began my professional career with a business degree with an emphasis in marketing. It led me to a 13-year career in corporate advertising working in New York, Detroit and LA in various roles for various careers. It was fulfilling in the way that it gave me a creative outlet that I so desperately wanted.

Growing up with a father who was a photographer, it was always something that I had a love/hate relationship with. We had a darkroom in our basement in our home in Michigan. I loved spending time watching the film develop and it’s one of the few positive memories I have of my father. He was a flawed human, and photography was always inextricably linked to him in both the good and the bad.

When I had my first child, I chose the path of motherhood. Photography became something that I re-discovered; this time better than before. I started my photography studio from home when my kids were young. I was again fulfilled creatively, but with the flexibility to be a mom as well.

Fast forward to 2022: My last child started college, and my nest was empty. I was blown away at the shift that happened for me as a woman. The mental and emotional impact was something that no one warned me about. I had to decide what I wanted for my next chapter. And looking around at my empty nest, I realized that what I was left with was printed pictures. Pictures of my kids, of my dog, of our family. These printed images brought me happiness, but it also made me realize what an incredible gift it was to have them.

In early 2023, I completely revamped my photography business. I shifted my business focus to providing my clients with printed artwork. In the fall of 2023, I opened a studio in Old Town Tustin to better serve my clients.

This shift in my business was a gift to me in so many ways. Not only did it give me a purpose, but it also breathed new life into my career and my passion as a photographer and business owner.

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?

I’ve been a photographer in Orange County, CA for over 15 years. I photograph expecting mothers, newborns, childhood milestones, families and graduating seniors.

My goal as a photographer is two-fold: 1)I want to make it as easy as possible for my clients to get 2) incredible imagery and artwork of their families that they will cherish.

1) EASY = a full-service approach that includes professional hair and makeup and wardrobe and styling help to take away the stress. Ideally, it becomes a “just show up” process where families, especially moms, can relax and enjoy the process.

2) ARTWORK = my experience with the curation of gorgeous imagery and my expertise in the conceptualization and creation of printed artwork including conservation framing and heirloom albums.

I am so proud of the studio that I’ve created and how I’ve been able to serve my clients in every step of the portrait creation process.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I am a huge believer in hiring experts to teach me what I don’t yet know. Purchasing their expertise is, by far, the best way to save both time and money. What you can learn in one year on your own can instead be taught to you in 2 months. Time is money.

In the past 18 months, I have purchased numerous education programs including a photography mastermind course, a sales education platform, posing education, and most recently, an SEO coaching program. I have saved YEARS of my own time by paying these experts. And each of these coaches is helping me achieve my financial goals for my studio.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Events & Marketing. Several times a year I will hold an event that is of interest to moms in my community. These events aren’t about bookings (although I do make money on them). They are mostly meant to get name recognition for my town in the hopes of becoming top of mind to those moms in my community when they may need my services.

It’s also helpful to team up with other business serving the same market.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://jenniferimus.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/jenniferimusphotography
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/jenniferimusphotography
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/jenniferimus

Image Credits

Jennifer Imus Photography