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

Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I’ve always loved art – painting, drawing, you name it – and have dabbled in photography for as long as I can remember. My actual degree is in marketing with a minor in design. I worked in the corporate world for a while but decided to stay home when I had my first child. This is when my love for photography truly came to life! Everything about my new son fascinated me and I wanted to capture every single second. Eventually my friends would ask if I could photograph their children as well. One thing led to another and suddenly a business was born!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I get the greatest joy out of making people feel beautiful. We’re all so uniquely made but everyone is absolutely stunning in their own way. I love to work with clients to determine their passions and dreams and create work for them that truly captures every facet of who they are. I want their portraits to be so much more than just a snapshot. I want them to have works of art that they treasure for a lifetime.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I started my business in Little Rock, Arkansas and was established there for ten years. We thought we’d stay there forever but God had other plans! In 2019 we moved to Dallas. It’s awesome here but starting over is hard – especially for a small business owner. And ESPECIALLY six months before Covid.

While we were quarantined I started thinking of ways to help. I’d heard briefly about the Front Porch Project – Documenting families on their front porches during this super strange time. For weeks I went around and around taking pictures for families… FOR A CATCH. They had to donate $35 to their favorite charity. The community we had just moved to turned out to be absolutely amazing. We ended up raising almost $3,000 for various charities. We were able to come together when circumstances really said we shouldn’t.

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

I never meant to start a business! I was just enjoying documenting my son (and later, sons). It was kind of crazy how it happened. Friends started asking me to photograph their kids and then their friends started asking me. After a while I had to hire a babysitter so I could get it all done. That’s when I decided to try charging for pictures. I never in a million years thought anyone would pay me! I started very much as a hobbyist… then had a side-hustle… and now it’s a full time job. I still can’t believe I get to do what I do!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JenniferMcHamPhotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennifermchamphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennifermchamphotography

Image Credits
Jennifer McHam Photography