All this being said, I report to you now on my front porch in Wisconsin with a few trusted co-workers nearby. We've escaped the city for some R & R, but being the workaholics that we are, talks of business have been in the conversation loop.
One such friend that has joined me here is Jenn Gaudreau of Jennifer Kathryn Photography. I've mentioned her dozens of times in this blog, but I feel like I've been holding back on this treasure. Jenn and I met through the industry grapevine and have since become very good friends. We've collaborated on photo shoots together (Tangerine Tango), convalesced to each other about our businesses and even delved in to our personal lives. She was even sweet enough to take my professional photos for my website. Today, I take the time to introduce this women I completely adore and feature her interview....as we sip coffee and enjoy the smell of cows in the Wisconsin air.
1. How long have you been in business?
I'm entering my 8th year of being a professional photographer, and I started Jennifer Kathryn Photography four years ago. I've been in Chicago 3 of those years and I am absolutely in love with the city!
2. Toot your own horn....what’s your specialty?
The heart of what I do focuses on getting to know my clients- their sense of style, passion, purpose and personality- and then filling the frames I shoot with who they are!
3. Who or what are your favorite subjects to photograph....your dream photo session?
Passionate, stylish and focused business women who have a heart to make a difference in the world with their brand. Couples who are in love and uninhibited in their expressions of affection and playfulness. Individuals who are being impacted by incredible non profits that provide microloans and education to women. To capture the dignity and vibrance of people and sharing their beauty with the world is what makes me feel alive.
4. Craziest thing you’ve captured on camera?
One of the most amazing opportunities I've had was to capture the people in small village in India for a non profit organization, Thirst Relief, that supplies clean drinking water to communities who do not have it. I was the first to photograph the wells that have served thousands of individuals in the Tamil Nadu region of India. Seeing people traveled to each of the 10 wells in from miles away, some with two and three water jugs on their bicycles, really made clear the reality of what an impact Thirst Relief is making and it was incredible to be a part of that.
5. What do you like about working in the wedding industry?
5. What do you like about working in the wedding industry?
Something I just love about being a part of the wedding industry is the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and wedding professionals to bring a couple's vision to life. It's such a joy to build new relationships as we serve our clients on one of the most incredible days of their lives.
6. What is something you wish your clients knew about your job?
So much of what I do is dependent upon the relationship I have with my clients and the energy they bring. My goal is to create an atmosphere where people feel truly comfortable being themselves so I can photograph them authentically. Even the most genuine of portraits takes place on a "stage" of sorts and requires intentionality, and so the ability to be brave and vulnerable in front of my lens will make all the difference between merely pretty photos and powerful ones.
7. When you are not working, what are you up to?
When I'm not working I can be found checking out some of the best restaurants in Chicago, traveling across the country and internationally when my schedule and budget allows, dabbling in vocal lessons again, experimenting in the kitchen, volunteering at YAO, or catching up on How I Met Your Mother and New Girl.
8. Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about? (either professionally or personally)
At the end of April I will be participating in the Live Below the Line campaign to raise money for Opportunity International. For five days I will be eating on less than $1.50 per day (the poverty line for the U.S.) and documenting my experience. I'm so excited to be doing something tangible to raise money for an organization that is making a global impact.
A few shots from our time together:
And some of her less Loreen related work:
Take a visit to Jenn's site and fall in love with her work as much as I have. If you're lucky like me, hopefully you'll get to meet her someday and fall in love with the beautiful, caring person that she is. Thanks Jenn for joining me at the office...and for being a dear friend.
Awwww, Loreen!! I am choked up after reading your sweet, kind words. I am so happy that we are colleagues, but even more happy to call you my friend. You are one of the most incredible women I know, and I'm grateful for you in my life!!! And what a gift to have people in our lives that we can both work AND hang with!!
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