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

Sue, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for the values of honoring nature and our Eastern European heritage.

As children, my sister and I, would play in the woods, make floral crowns, hike, and forage berries. We learned to enjoy the little things and moments in life.

These earlier experiences carry through into my adulthood. If you ask anyone I know, they would say “Sue loves to garden and is very creative.” This also carries into my photography by using florals, and natural landscapes as a backdrop. I also try to find a similar aesthetic while shooting in an urban landscape. For studio portraits, I pay attention to the smallest of details and have created custom props for my sessions from angel wings to floating floral mobiles to flower walls that are 4×8 wide.

Part of my culture is to treat you as though you are family and taking photos of someone is capturing a moment in their lives that is an honor and a privilege.

Sue, 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?

Back in 1998 my son was due for his angel baby portraits and after reviewing some of what my sister had received from her photographer, I felt I could do better.

I bought a basic camera, some feathers, and pillow stuffing from Michael’s. The pictures turned out so beautiful and after getting tons of compliments, this inspired me to be able to provide that same beauty for others. You could say this was the spark that started my photography journey. Referrals started to come in and this business naturally evolved.

I am most proud of my ability to create timeless experiences for people that transcend a traditional photo shoot. I bring a human connection to the session and help people tap into their inner beauty and strength. I like to think that from personal to business, I am the only photographer you will ever need.

From engagement through business branding to babies/families, high school seniors, and pets, I have extensive experience with all of these areas.

I am a Metro Detroit photographer that has Hawaii on the brain. Everything about the tropical aesthetic of Hawaii makes me feel so at home. I’ve been able to capture landscapes that seem dreamlike. Kai Photography came to me while sitting on a beach in Maui. I was inspired by the sea and came to find out the name is Kai.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Almost 6 years ago, into my photography journey, my mother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

I juggled working full-time, being one of her primary caregivers for 4 years, and maintaining my business.

One struggle was committing to a session and then also to my mother. One morning before an afternoon session, my mom slipped and fell off the couch. My dad and I couldn’t lift her, so I had to get my husband to come and help. I then rushed off to my session as if nothing happened and then ran home and cried.

I kept going as I couldn’t fail my clients, didn’t want to give up on myself and abandon my dream. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is an understatement. I am living proof of that.

We all face challenges and the biggest takeaway is that you can’t lose yourself in the process or that diagnosis or problem will win.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My hospitality makes people feel truly taken care of.

From small touches like bottled water for your pups during a summer session to coffee and drinks at my house during your studio session.

Growing up I was an extremely shy girl. I failed to see my own beauty and was so critical of myself. I was very insecure. This shyness has taught me how to connect with people who are not comfortable in front of the camera as I was the same way. I bring this empathy into my sessions to create a sense of ease and comfort.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaiphotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaiphotos_suejergens/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaiPhotographybySueJergens