Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenni Ritchie.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with photography began when my oldest son was just a baby. I got my first DSLR camera, and began documenting everything he did, along with my journey through motherhood.
As my love for photography grew, I began teaching myself more about the craft and took a few classes in Photoshop and editing. Eventually I started offering sessions to other families. What began with Minis Sessions gradually grew into something much bigger.
Today I offer Mini Sessions, Family Portrait Sessions, Headshots, Grad Portraits, Maternity Sessions and Weddings.
As my business has grown over the years, it has taught me so much- not only about photography, but also about myself as both a business owner and a creative. I am so honored to get to document families in the same way I first began documenting my own, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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?
There have been many ups and downs to being a business owner. Just when I think I have it all figured out, I find myself being challenged to grow and stretch in a new way.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that we all have strengths and areas of growth as business owners. Early on, it became clear that I thrive in the creative side of photography but the financial side of things didn’t come as naturally to me.
Thankfully, my amazing husband now handles the bookkeeping side of my business, which allows me to focus on my clients, and the artistic work behind the camera.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to work collaboratively with my clients, and include them in the session planning process. I love when my clients look at their gallery and feel like themselves, and see images that feel true to their story.
I always offer a variety of posed photos along with capturing candid moments in between poses. Whether it’s a couple sharing a quiet laugh after an inside joke or a mama snuggling her little one, those unscripted moments always end up being my favorites.
I also love to work creatively with light, and often shoot in natural light.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
When it comes to my business, I’m not a big risk-taker. It’s funny because in my personal life I can be a bit of a procrastinator and more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of gal, but when it comes to my business, I’m the complete opposite. I always deliver galleries ahead of schedule, have backups of all my equipment and images, and client communication is at the top of my priority list.
But that being said, starting my photography business in the first place was probably the biggest risk I’ve taken. Putting my work out into the world felt scary at times, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenniritchiephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniritchiephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniritchiephotography/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenni.ritchie?lang=en
