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

Jess, appreciate you joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Banana Nana doesn’t say much, but it does make you wonder, ‘What the heck is that?’ I wanted a name to be more unexpected and kinda silly so I chose Banana nana. It’s fun to say and reflects my approach to photography which is both fun and playful.

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.

With 20 years deep in the creative world, I began as a graphic designer and eventually a Creative Director working both in-house and in ad agencies. But about a decade ago, a camera found its way into my hands, and everything changed. Photography opened up a new way for me to play and imagine—half of that time experimenting with analog photography, and the other diving into digital.

In my ad agency days, I picked up digital photography to create social and brand content for clients, and I got hooked on the magic of set-building and styling. Today, I create spaces where color, fun, and a bit of weird take the spotlight—each image a little world of its own.

I help my portrait clients—especially Portland’s comedians, actors, and performers—stand out in busy scenes while letting their unique personalities shine. My signature style leans into a vintage aesthetic, with a dash of nostalgia and a hint of the unexpected. When clients come to me, they’re looking for something that feels out of the ordinary, and I love crafting worlds that feel like a different dimension they’d want to jump right into.

My approach is as much about the experience as it is about the result. I know how awkward it can feel in front of a camera, so I keep things light, listen, and create a space where clients can genuinely relax. Photography should be fun! I’m excited to help each person feel their best, and I bring that energy so they walk away not only with amazing shots but they have a good time, too.

My mission is to make photography an experience full of life, creativity, and a playful spirit that stands out.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of clients has been word of mouth. It’s crazy, with Instagram I boosted some posts where I’ve gotten a few followers and some website traction, but success has been my returning clients recommending me to others.

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

Being a creative is an absolute roller coaster. One minute, you’re riding high, super proud of what you’ve made, and the next, you’re wondering if it’s all trash (I probably tell myself my work sucks about 80% of the time). But there’s a unique “high” when you nail the shot, and I hold onto that feeling as long as I can because it fuels the drive for the next project.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.banana-nana.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bananananaphoto/