We recently connected with Jodie Schrier and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jodie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

In my previous job, I spent a lot of time with older adults, who were over the age of 65. I loved listening to their stories, which were really interesting and full of wisdom. However, when the pandemic hit, it isolated them and I felt really sad about that. So, I made a promise to myself that once we got through this tough time, I would try to find as many older adults as possible and offer to take their pictures and write down their stories in a book that they could treasure.

My aim was to discover what made them happy, whether it was a beloved hobby, a special recipe from their family, or a favorite place. I wanted to capture their beauty and, hopefully, reignite the spark that had been dimmed for so long. It didn’t take me long to find them, and the outcomes were even better than I had expected. They would stay after the photoshoot was over, and soon enough, they were laughing, smiling, and sharing cherished memories. In my heart, I felt like I was back where it all began, immersed in their wonderful stories. For many of them, their value and worth had been either diminished or overlooked for many years and for the first time in a long while, it was not only brought back to life but also given a rebirth.

Being a photographer is about capturing timeless moments, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and finding beauty in every person and story. It’s about reflecting on the past, savoring the present, and celebrating the unique journeys that have brought us all to where we are today.

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?

Fun | Laid-back | Energetic | Meaningful Those words describe who I am, but also what it’s like to work with me. I believe that every individual and family has a rich story to tell and should celebrate their uniqueness. I like creating an atmosphere of laughter and fun and then before my clients even know it their “photo session” turns into an “experience” and the essence of who they are is captured on film. I say it all the time, but the best part about photography is getting to meet new people, soak in their stories and documenting the connection between them.

Im a native of Louisiana but grew up in Texas. Family has always been super important to me and we are blessed to have a great deal of love and harmony among us. • I’m a follower of Jesus and believe that life is just better with Him. He’s impacted my life and allowed me to be on the front row to watch the lives of others change too. • My background is in dance and theatre, in which Im still quite involved as a choreographer, instructor and actress with local theatres. • I’ve been happily married for 41 years with two grown children (with spouses we adore!), and three grandchildren whom we spoil rotten! • I serve on the Board of Directors the Cassidy Joined For Hope Foundation.

The way I approach my photography business is by realizing what are the things people will risk their lives to save? Aside from the obvious answers of people and pets, the most coveted item to be saved are family portraits and photo albums. We look to our photographs to help us remember. These photos are the ones that will put smiles on our faces, evoke fond memories and cherished moments with those we love. My custom portrait sessions seek out the emotive faces and tender touches, the bits and pieces of things. My images are unique and beautiful, interesting and unexpected. I enjoy peering inside each moment we capture and draw from the emotions and the energy of my clients. I like to think that my work ventures beyond a two-dimensional medium. Through the lens I can see the heart of my subjects and feel the moment with them. As time moves on, it is the memories of loved ones we will cherish documenting the most. Family photos can manifest emotions that words cannot.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

Yes it does! My background is in dance and theatre in which I’ve been involved as an instructor, choreographer, public speaker, and actress. Because of this, Im in front of MANY folks of all ages on a regular basis; whether it be teaching a dance class to a room full of 15+ kiddos or choreographing a show with 35+ people in it. This income (via teaching and choreography) has been a strong supplementary income for me and Im very grateful for them both!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Pictures speak for themselves, as do video clips, Reels and “Stories” on social media. Im certainly not super tech savvy but I had built a solid following thru my choreography/shows prior to starting my photography business. When I began my photography business, I knew social media was going to be necessary in order to get my name out there. I began to observe how other photographers managed social media and used that as a template for my own business. My advice on building a social media presence would be; a) watch what others in your industry are doing; b) if possible, hire a social media expert; c) do research on your own on best practices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://JodieLanePhotography.com
• Instagram: @JodieLanePhotography
• Facebook: @JodieLanePhotography

Image Credits
Photo credits: Jodie Lane Photography (self)