Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenniffer Wilson.
Hi Jenniffer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was going to school at Trident Technical College to finish up an Associate in Arts with plans to go on to a 4-year college for a teaching degree but life happened and I’m so glad it did. I had to take some elective courses and took up photo 1 which I needed a film camera for. My stepmom lent me a Sears K20 film camera she got from one of my great aunts. Eventually, I was told I could have the camera which was awesome. Photo 1 took me through the entire process of loading the film in the camera to developing and cutting our own negatives and processing prints in the darkroom. I loved everything about it. So, when I finished my associate of arts degree, I stayed at Trident to get a certificate in photography. The teachers and classes were awesome but also challenging. We learned on film cameras, digital cameras, medium format film cameras, studio lighting, the works. I had a teacher towards the end of my time at the school that told me I should go to school for management and that I was all over the place (working several jobs, and school very busy but still got my work done) and that he hoped I’d use my photography one day. I took this as a challenge, that he did not think I was focused enough and that I did not take my photography seriously. It pushed me to pursue and start my business more seriously once I graduated the program. I did eventually finish a Bachelor’s degree in Management as well.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, I do not think that anything anyone does is always smooth. There have been challenges which is why I still work a day job if I’m honest and do photography mostly when booked and on the weekends. Charleston is beautiful and keeps winning #1 small city/travel destination. It is also one of the destination wedding capitals. While people still find me via my Facebook business page (I’m so grateful they do), there are a ton of photographers in and around the area. It can sometimes feel like the market for what I do is oversaturated. So sometimes when potential clients reach out, they are fishing, checking for pricing. On top of this, the pandemic hit and things seem to have slowed down some. I took this time to focus on my home life and family as well as pouring back into myself. The pause has definitely been a game-changer for the best.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer and I love capturing business owners especially women-owned businesses. It gets me excited capturing beautiful photos of these women in their element, especially branding photos. That’s mostly been my focus small businesses, products, their owners at work, events. Sometimes my clients will reach out to me to also capture their families which can be fun as well. I mostly photograph on location (at parks, outdoors, sometimes at the client’s home) and sometimes we rent a studio for certain sessions. I’m proud of the two nonprofits I photograph for sometimes. The front runners (founders) are phenomenal women. Megan Manigault is the Founder of I Am Voices which is a nonprofit that brings awareness to sexual abuse in the community. She also founded a transition home and assists women 18-24 who transition out of foster care and are homeless (survivors of sexual abuse). She’s amazing and so is her cause. I’ve been photographing her and we’ve been friends for about 5 years. Then there is Victoria Baxter, founder of God Is Love, The Jal Ministry, and 311 Outreach (in the Checora Cherokee Neighborhood). I’ve been friends with her and photographing her and her outreach for about 4 years. The giving back through donating not just items but my time to these organizations and the photos that document what they do/the impact they make is what I love. My heart is what sets me apart. I love what I do, who I do it for, and the reaction my clients have when they see their images. That makes it all worthwhile.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t give up. Don’t be afraid to pivot or try something new in your business because what works for everyone else may not work for you. If you can, find a mentor or a peer group you can learn in. When I started out, I reached out to 3 other photographers to ask for help as far as mentorship and they did not even respond nor give me the time of day. I kept going though and found some amazing people who gave me a chance, weren’t afraid to share knowledge, and helped out. To give them their flowers now I’d like to thank Kim Craven, Monifa Morant Basdeo, Patricia Gilliard, and Garith Snype. When I was starting out these people gave me a chance to shadow them at photo sessions and weddings. I so appreciate them for what they did.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@jentwilsonphoto.com
- Website: www.jentwilsonphoto.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.wilsonphotographysc
Image Credits
Katrina S. Crawford Photography
Jen Wilson Photography
