We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Arden Trehy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica Arden below.
Jessica Arden , appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I feel like I am a bit of a different breed. I’ve known that I would be a photographer since my darkroom days. I fell in love with the whole process, and it became a part of who I was and who I am today. I didn’t know what kind of photographer I would be, just that I was going to be one. I started photography in the 7th grade at the Arts Magnet school I attended.
It’s also worth mentioning that I come from a family that values the arts. My father is a theater professor, actor, playwright, and musician, and my mother was a dancer turned fitness instructor. So, the idea of working as a creative was no stranger to me.
Once I smelled the pungent scent of the fixer and watched my images appear under the red light, I was hooked for life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Jessica Arden, but my friends call me Jessi. I am a boudoir photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Although I always knew I wanted to be a photographer, my journey to becoming a boudoir photographer has been long and winding. I studied photography extensively, from middle school through earning a Bachelor of Science in photography. Upon graduation, I wasn’t sure how I would work as a photographer. I spent years working in portrait studios for other photographers before starting my own business. Over time, I transitioned from being a family portrait photographer to a wedding photographer, a newborn photographer, and everything in between.
In 2018, while I was pregnant, I did a boudoir promotion and had a blast photographing women and showing them how beautiful they are. After my daughter was born, I quickly realized that working every weekend photographing weddings wasn’t sustainable. Boudoir photography was calling my name, and it just feels right. This is where I am supposed to be—helping people feel good in their skin, celebrating themselves now, and not waiting for later.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of what I do is changing the way people view themselves. If I can help someone look at photos of themselves and love the person they see—a strong, beautiful human being—that’s everything. My goal is to gift that feeling to as many women as possible. That is the most rewarding part of being a boudoir photographer.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
A rising tide lifts all boats. I believe that creating a community of artists who support each other is a powerful way to model the behavior we want to see in the world. If there is an artist or creative you love, have worked with, or would recommend, even if they might be considered your competition, don’t approach it with a scarcity mindset. Shout their name from the rooftops, mention their names in rooms they aren’t in, and gather together to meet, connect, and help the creative ecosystem thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessica-arden.com
- Instagram: @jessicaardenphoto
- Facebook: na
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-arden-blakely-trehy-16820936
- Twitter: na
- Yelp: Jessica Arden Photography
Image Credits
My profile photo is taken by Kayla Houser Photography
The rest are all me:) Jessica Arden Photography