Excited about our Have You Met series where I showcase YOU, the photographers of our community. We had over 400 photographers apply for the series in less than a week. I can’t wait to showcase the talented photographers. There is a mix of hobbyist and business owners as well as full-frame and crop sensor users. This may be my new favorite part of the site.
This post contains affiliate links. Thanks in advance for supporting Click it Up a Notch. I am no longer accepting applications for this series.
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No.01Tell us a little about yourself and your photography journey.
Hi I’m Jen! I live in St. Louis, Mo. with my husband, six year old daughter, two cats and our goofy Saint Bernard. I’ve been into photography for as long as I can remember. Both my dad and grandfather were photographers so I grew up with a darkroom in my basement! I learned to shoot and develop film early on and I will admit, moving into digital photography took me longer then it should have, but what can I say? I am a creature of habit.
After my daughter was born I started focusing more time on photography. I didn’t have intentions of starting a photography business, but as more and more people asked me to do photos for them, it just sort of happened. And I am so glad because I love creating memories for families. The past year I have really focused on my business and the growth has been amazing.
I am continually doing workshops to learn new skills and grow as an artist. Photography has really given me so much, a creative outlet, amazing network of photographers I now call friends, and a unique view of the world.
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No.02What is the best advice you received so far on your photography journey?
The best advice I’ve gotten over the years has been simple. “Shoot what you love and love what you shoot.” So many times we get bogged down as artists trying to create what other people want to see and then we wind up hating this art that we so passionately loved once. I made a decision early on with my business to focus on what I love, babies and families, and I couldn’t be happier! And I make it a point to go out and shoot for just me on a regular basis. It’s a good reminder when you are shooting for yourself just why you got into photography in the first place.
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No.03Where do you find your inspiration?
Texture, light, color, weather…it all influences my professional and personal work, but what really inspires me isn’t something that can be seen, it can only be felt…emotion. My goal is always to convey an emotion in an image.
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No.04What type of background do you have? Self taught? Formal training? Mentor?
I started learning the basics of shooting, in manual, and how to develop and manipulate film when I was 12 from my dad. I had a photography minor in college so I’ve taken a variety of college courses too. Having learned the art of photography with film really helped me have a good grasp on how to get an image right in camera.
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No.05Are you currently doing any photography projects? If so, what?
I am currently working on a project focused around mothers who have lost babies. The goal is to capture their grief in daily life.
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No.06If you could only use one lens for a year, which would you choose?
I would definitely choose my Nikon 50mm 1.8 if I could only use one lens for a year! The focal length is extremely versatile, it’s amazingly sharp, and it is a prime. Prime lenses are my favorites!
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No.07Share links to 3 of your favorite photography tutorials and tell us why.
How to easily batch edit images in Photoshop or Elements – I love this batch editing tutorial the Colorvale blog! I’ve batch edited for a while, but never thought to do it in this manner!
How to use back button focusing – Want sharp images! Learn to back button focus!
Color tutorial – This nifty trick always comes in handy whether it is a family or a newborn session!
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No.08What is your favorite image right now?
My favorite image right now is of my daughter, wrapped up in a family heirloom quilt. I love the way the image is framed with the tree branch at the top, the golden light popping through the background and her sweet face, giving me her big brown puppy dog eyes.
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No.09What type of camera and lenses do you shoot with?
I shoot with a Nikon D700 with a 50mm 1.8 or 85mm 1.8. Although, I am currently thinking about buying the Sigma 24-35 f/2 ART!
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No.10Let’s light someone else’s candle, who is a photographer you think we should check out?
I am really digging on some local to me photographers right now! Check out Heather Mohr Photography’s amazing newborn work and A Family Affair Photography’s beautiful family sessions!
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No.11What is your biggest challenge when it comes to photography?
My biggest photography challenge right now is balance. I work a full time job Monday-Friday, and shoot mostly on the weekends. I also have a young daughter so I need to balance photography, work and family life and that can be hard, especially during busy times like fall. I definitely don’t have it all figured out!
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No.12How do you display your photos?
We have a large photo wall in our living room that has a variety of framed prints and canvases. I change out the images every so often to keep it updated.
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No.13What is the strangest thing you carry in your camera bag?
I usually have some sort of annoying child’s toy that makes noise. Right now it is a talking “Jake” from Jake and the Neverland Pirates Disney Jr. show. I use toys of all kinds to get and keep the little ones attention!
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No.14What is next on your list of things to learn this year in photography?
This year I am really working on mastering and working with studio lighting more. I shoot almost all-natural light all of the time, but lighting is a great skill to have and one I want to improve on.
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No.15If people want to follow more of your work where should they go?
You can check out more of my work on my website www.jenkillionphotography.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jenkillionphotography.
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