We recently connected with Jennise Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Jennise, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started photography when I was 18. I brought my first point and shoot my senior year of high school. When I was stationed overseas, I was the friend with the camera. We went everywhere together. I was given my second camera from a friend who father passed away and needed funds. There is nothing at all for me to speed up any process of my learning now vs then. The most essential skill is understanding how to open my creativity for projects and being able to apply them with the right people.

I had to take a break from photography for about 5 years. I was going through a rough time in my life and trying to balance being a single mother in a house hold with two children, managing my full-time career and finishing my mater’s degree program. This obstacle placed a big halt in my life, where I had to pause on what I loved to do and focus on what was more important. But the obstacle allowed me to return to my passion and become much greater as to where I left off at.

Jennise, 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 purchased my first camera at 18. I was always fascinated with photography. In fact, I took photography class in high school, but ended up leaving the class to join JROTC, where I then pursued a deeper love for photography in the Marine Corps. I developed a deeper passion and was literally the friend who always captured every moment around her. After leaving the Marine Corps, I started my educational courses at the Art Institute of Washington for 1.5 years. From Being a freelancer to owning a business in 2019, this has been the most highlighted moments in my life.

I am very proud of my growth in my creativity as an artist and also being unafraid to try a new genre of photography. But I am merely, proud of the balance I have as a Photographer and being a mother. The balance can be very hard but learning to put into to work with your clients and being a mother can easily be balanced. I truly believe that being a Mom and allowing my children to shadow me when I have sessions or see my end products brings the excitement that they have for my art.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The rewarding aspect of being an Artist for me, is seeing other’s share your work, clients post your work as their profile picture and even clients returning and being loyal to you as their personal photographer.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

If you are a parent and have a skill, allow yourself to blossom into that skill and do not allow being a parent hinder you from not enjoying what you love to do. Your children’s creativity and even word play can bring out your creativity. Bring your children to your inner thoughts, allow them to see your vision and bring out your creativity too.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.esinnej.com
• Instagram: esinnejphotography
• Facebook: esinnejphotography

Image Credits
(Sayonay Cosplay) Shihnara Dunlap Derrick Dewitt (fullghettoalchemist) Sharonda(Shay)(modelisshay) Champagne (infinityisangel) James (mootyvision))