We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jozie Jennings. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jozie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I’m a mom first, business owner second. Though my kids would say I spend an awful lot of time working. (They’re not wrong).
My days normally start with a cup of coffee while no one is talking to me and nothing needs my attention.
Then I get the kids ready for school and walk them over. We are so blessed to live in a community where I don’t waste a ton of time commuting.
Once the kids are at school, I open my emails and weather app (because beach sessions in Florida require the constant check-ins!)
I’ll reply to emails from the night before, schedule upcoming sessions, and then spend a few hours a day editing sessions from the day (or weekends) before.
Depending on the type of session I’m working on, editing can take anywhere from 2-8 hours a day.
I try and prioritize a quick workout every day for mental health, then it’s pretty much time to pick the kids up from school again.
I’ll take care of the afternoon snacks and homework, and other early evening home things, and then most likely head out for a sunset session after dinner.
This is a typical day in our household at least 4 days a week.
I am so grateful for my husband who fully embraces dad-duties when he gets home from work.
The nights that I do not have sunset sessions, it’s my turn to put the kids to bed, before I go to bed early myself.
I really value sleep so I don’t typically stay up to watch tv at night.
This is my ‘normal’ day to day life. Sometimes I get to travel out of state for weddings or personal trips, but for the most part my life revolves around editing and laundry.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jozie Jennings, I’m a full-time lifestyle photographer living in Manatee county FL, and LOVE what I do.
I was born and raised in beautiful South Africa, and grew up in a small town with no traffic lights, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and monkeys.
I never could have dreamed that one day I’d become a US citizen, live in sunny Florida, and call the most beautiful beaches my “office”, while having a career that brings so much joy and comfort to people for generations.
Being away from my entire family really puts into perspective the importance of not only taking the time to make the memories with people you love, but also capturing those moments on camera so you have something tangible to look back on when the people you love aren’t around to make new memories with.
I take a lot of pride in having integrity within my business, not taking shortcuts, doing things the right way, and building trust with my clients year after year. I also take a lot of pride in the fact that I really don’t take myself too seriously during sessions. I will act crazy to get smiles out of even the most stubborn kids during family photoshoots.
I am currently in the thick of planning for fall sessions. I have about 100 families that return to me every fall for Christmas photos – so it can feel a bit chaotic, but it really is the best kind of chaos.
As long as we don’t have any hurricanes that come and wreck our beaches again like 2024, I thrive in the craziness.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
First, a moment to say bravo to these powerful, though-provoking questions!
I am a big advocate for mental health and wellness, and love the challenge.
Though I consider myself pretty good at making small-talk, I would much rather talk about all the deep things in life that could sometimes make people uncomfortable. I love conversations that really make people do some soul searching.
This kind of leads into the answer to this question.
One thing I used to believe about myself as a child was that if I was unopinionated, and did what I was told, stayed in my lane/ box, and didn’t question anything or anyone, that I would be liked. And respected.
I 100% do not believe that anymore, and I am raising my daughters to not believe that either.
I now see that when you stay quiet, and in your box, and without boundaries for yourself, the only people who benefit from that are the people who could take advantage of it in the first place.
I am passionate, I fight for justice, I do not believe I have to be small-minded and quiet for people to like or respect me. In fact, being who I am BOLDLY, has helped weed out all the people who don’t matter in my life anymore, and my relationships, friendships, and everything else has been the most fulfilling and purposeful since I’ve removed those limiting beliefs.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I used to think about giving up A LOT the first few years.
Owning a business and running it yourself is HARD.
Owning a small business that seems like it’s unimportant, doesn’t have a huge impact on society, and doesn’t make over 6 figures a year – all while being a mom and wife, while your family lives on another continent – can sometimes feel impossible.
There were many many many times while building this business over the years that I felt so frustrated and defeated because it seemed that no one respected my time while I was working from home.
I’d have galleries due, bookkeeping to do, clients who were a priority; and people in our life would expect me to be available for other things because I was “just at home anyway.”
Before I learned how to set boundaries, I had people expecting me to be available 24/7.
But then I grew as a person first, business owner second, learned how to set boundaries both personally and professionally, and now I truly can’t ever see myself “giving up”.
The only “giving up” I plan on doing, is retiring on my terms, happy, fulfilled, gracefully bowing out of the career and business I built for myself over the last decade; and trading professional photography for taking photos while I travel.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry believes currently is that if you don’t use AI, you’ll fall behind or become replaceable.
While I do believe there can be some helpful benefits to AI, there is just something to be said about human connection.
For me, it’s not only the quality of the gallery I deliver to my clients (which AI could totally assist in editing), but it’s about the quality of time spent together while we capture those memories.
I have booked sessions with photographers for my own family, and based on their portfolio, I thought I would love the experience.
Turns out, when you have someone who helps you edit your gallery, but you put no effort on connecting with your clients, helping people feel less awkward during sessions, or giving parents with crazy kids some grace – the galleries turn out less than awesome.
To all the photographers who don’t rely on AI, I say don’t believe the lie that you’ll become replaceable.
There are SO many people who CRAVE the human connection for a wonderful photography experience.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I hope this answer isn’t too controversial – but I love this question.
I guess it also depends on how people think about themselves. Some people may LOVE my response, others may truly hate it or just disagree altogether.
One thing that I think and talk about OFTEN, is the legacy we leave.
Nothing materialistic that we own, will matter one day.
All the money in the world can’t save you when your time on earth is done.
And when that time comes, no one will care about the house you lived in, what car you drove, how much money you had in your bank account.
People will care about how you made them feel.
Did you treat others well? Did you share your wealth? Did you help others in need? Did you do the things you said you would do even when it wasn’t convenient anymore? Did you stand by your convictions or did you follow the crowds?
I understand deeply how much legacy is found in who you are as a person, not the things you did or the things you own or the number in your bank account.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joziejenningsphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jozie_jennings_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joziejenningsphotography
Image Credits
Jozie Jennings
