I have waited very (not so) patiently to share this amazing interview with you all. As all photographers know, we get very busy, especially this time of year and doing things like blog interviews aren’t always #1 on the to do list. I am so happy I persisted (bugged, annoyed, stalked) Jess about finishing this interview and that I finally am able to share it with our readers. Jess of Olive Avenue Photography is insanely talented and has a unique style all her own. I was first introduced to her work when she joined the amazing group of LPG Photographers and was so impressed with her vivid colors, deep tones, creativity and connection she has with her subjects. Her black & whites have the most scrumptious depth, I am actually envious of them! It is so hard to find uniqueness, that special something in this industry and with Jess, we certainly found it. Check out her work for yourself!
Please meet Jess and her lovely family:
What Jess has to say about herself: I live in Minneapolis. Which is ironic because I hate being cold. I am a wife to the greatest guy ever and mommy to a squirly 4 year old girl and her sidekick the pug, Dudley. Most of my days are spent building forts in the living room, cooking dairy and gluten free meals, picking up dog poop and enjoying every minute of it. Oh. And I am a full time photographer on the side. Hee! I specialize in children, families and high school seniors.
1. If there was one thing you would want us to know about you, what would it be?
No one has taught me more than my daughter or my camera.
2. Share with us your favorite image and why.
Well there is nothing fancy or remarkable about this photo. But it is one of my favorites because it encapsulates everything I love about my life. Silly and cute tiny people!
3. What inspired you to be a photographer?
My daughter. We waited so long for her (she is adopted from Vietnam) and she was growing so fast. I felt an urgent need to capture her life. Plus, she is pretty darn cute and irresistible to photograph.
4. How long was the transition from hobbyist to paid professional and how long have you officially been taking paid clients?
I would say it took me about a year to transition into shooting professionally. I’ve been taking paid clients for about 3 years now.
5. What type of session do you look forward to the most (maternity, newborn, child, family, etc) and why?
I have things I love about each type of session…but my favorite has to be my high school seniors. I just started working with them this year and it has been a blast! I find those sessions really help me to recharge creatively. Photographing children is a very close second though.
6. On average, how many sessions do you have a month?
I only shoot about 10-15 sessions per month because I stay at home with my daughter full time.
7. What has been your most memorable session and why?
I would have to say my most memorable session was photographing a sweet 5 month old little boy who was fighting for his life against a rare form of cancer. I will never forget how precious he was and how loving and incredible his parents were. It was one of the most moving hours of my life. He passed away a few days later.
8. Are you formally taught or self taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?
I am mostly self taught but have attended a couple of workshops and seminars. I’ve also worked with a couple of mentors and am active in several online forums. Being a hands on person…the workshops and mentoring have by far been the most helpful to me. It’s wonderful to be hands on with knowledgeable teachers and to meet other talented photographers in the industry.
9. What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
I would say the biggest inspiration comes from nature. I love the wild parts of a landscape and all the color that surrounds us.
10. Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I shoot Nikon. I would have to say it’s a tie between my 50mm f/1.4g and my 35mm f/1.4g for favorite lens. They are both incredible!
11. RAW or jpg and why?
RAW because I love how I can adjust exposure etc on an image without compromising the integrity of the file.
12. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, both or other?
Just Photoshop. I bought Lightroom a year ago and it is still wrapped in plastic.
13. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
My best advice would be to take your time! There is so much that goes into creating a successful photography business. I think people make a mistake and jump in too big too fast. Take time to find your personal style and who you are and who you want to be as an artist. Obviously this is a lifelong journey…but it will save you lots of grief if you discover what you love to shoot and how you want to shoot before you hang up that shingle.
14. What is your favorite and least favorite part of owning your own photography business?
My favorite part is helping to support my family by doing what I love and am passionate about. It’s not bad being your own boss either
. The negative part is the hours. I put in an insane number of hours…way more than I ever thought possible. It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to have your own business. Even if you are ‘closed’ your mind is always working and thinking about what’s next!
15. Who is the most inspirational photographer in your life?
I would have to say one of my dearest friends, Emily Corey of Emily Corey Photography. We met when we were both in the process of adopting our daughter from Vietnam. Emily has dabbled in all mediums of art, but her photographs take my breath away. She is the reason I first picked up a camera.
16. Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road?
I hope so!
17. And finally, please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My style is honest and quirky at times. I love deep, rich color with a little twist of vintage and whimsy. I think many of my images are born from idealistic visions of childhood and life. Although I am also really attracted to moody black and white photographs. So I guess I am a bit all over the spectrum. But each day I wake up feeling a little different than the day before. As I evolve and grow I hope my photographs do too.
A few fun questions:
1. what is your favorite food? Pho Ga (Vietnamese chicken noodle soup).
2. what is your favorite beverage? Water.
3. your favorite item of clothing? Skinny jeans.
4. your go to pair of shoes? Converse Chucks.
5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often? hurry!
Thank you so much Jess, for allowing our readers the opportunity to get to know you and your fabulous work. You truly are unique and special, we are lucky to have you on LPG and here on LSI as well.
wow, your work is really fab. Great, now I’ve got to add your website to my already very long list of favorite photographers!
Looking forward to seeing more of your work though – what an inspiration!!
So pretty!! Love all the images! I am a nature lover as well for settings, so I really love her stuff!!
love jess’ work. love jess. her growth and success is beyond deserved. congratulations jess. can’t wait to see where your journey continues to take you.
xo
deb
these are all amazing. the last one takes my breath away!