Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerusha Pfannenschmidt.
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?
I am originally from New Albany IN. Moved to Louisville KY right before getting married to my now ex. Moved to Sarasota April 1st 2021.
Back in 2006 my wedding photographer backed out on me 3 weeks prior to my wedding. Had to find a fill in last minute which I left up to my soon to be mother in law. The guy she found was an elderly gentleman with antique looking equipment. His talent was equally dated. He shot entirely in film. One roll “didn’t take”. He knew nothing of posing, didn’t know lighting. The result was much as you would expect. While on the honeymoon he turned over a sample album with our sad looking photos they had magic marker all over them telling what kind of editing he would do to them once we selected our desired photos. I call this the magic marker attack of 2006. The kicker, is that in addition to his original fee he was charging us extra for photos we didn’t even want. This was quite the learning experience. We tried reaching out when we had returned from the honeymoon to no avail. And then we came across his obituary…. finally someone who had been shooting around at the wedding and had heard of our misfortune offered a CD with around 400 unedited date stamped photos. Of those photos there were maybe 8 usable photos that were halfway decent. So I began my photography journey in the reverse of what most do, with editing date stamps off of my backup wedding photos.
No I take my experience and try to educate people on the dangers of not doing enough research, and undervaluing their wedding day memories. Think it’s expensive to hire a professional photographer?… wait until you hire an amateur, it will cost you your memories.
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?
I would say that nothing worth while comes easy. I have had my struggles along the way. I wouldn’t be who I am without the thorns.
Grew up in a large single income family with my 5 brothers and sisters. Married way too young. Didn’t truly know myself before selecting the person I was supposed to spend the rest of this existence with. Had a 14 year mostly unhappy marriage. During the scamdemic I realized that I needed to make a change. We divorced and I moved here knowing no one, had no real plan, only $1,200 in my bank account. I wouldn’t be where I am without God’s guidance.
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?
In addition to Photography, I also coach beach volleyball, and alongside my boyfriend run a non-profit called Bettering Beaches. I knew when I moved here I wanted to give more than I take.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I don’t think so… oh wait! I met my upgrade on Tinder and we’ve been together over 3 years 🥰
It’s an interesting story…
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Pfanntastic Photography/Through Jerusha’s Lens
