Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen
Hi Jen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design, and started my career as a Graphic Designer at Raymond James. While I learned quite a bit working in corporate America, my heart was not there and I really craved connection with people and creating artwork that was meaningful and impactful. I left RJ in 2005 and started my photography business, continuing to freelance in graphic design until my business grew. After about a year I was earning enough income to make the leap to photography full time.
I started out photographing everything – babies, families, weddings, headshots and boudoir. While I enjoyed the variety of work I did, I started to hone in on what I really loved, which is working with women entrepreneurs. My experience growing my own business provided me with insight to share with women starting businesses. I was able to utilize my design skills to not only take photographs of clients for their websites and social media marketing, but also help with website design and social media content creation.
I started a women’s networking group in Tampa which quickly grew to over 100 members in less than 6 months. We met quarterly to network, learn about business topics and to support local companies. It was a great group where many meaningful connections were made. Most of my clients came from word of mouth, and participating in a lot of community grassroots networking really helped my business thrive.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say my biggest challenge has been moving out of state for one year after being in business for 6 years. I lost a lot of footing in the market and greatly dropped down on Google Search Rankings, where I had previously ranked number 1 for Tampa Photographer. This was also during a time where people wanted digital files only rather than purchasing products, so when I returned I switched to a digital file only business model. Selling digital files only took away from the opportunity to help clients create custom artwork for their home, and I am happy to be back to in person proofing and creating wall art and albums.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
“Your images of me were the first photographs I have seen of myself where I felt solid, beautiful and relevant.”
This is the best compliment I have ever received from someone, and my goal for each session is to have every woman I work with feel this way when they see their portraits. I am known for my laid back and fun approach, and making my clients feel at ease behind the camera. With my underwater work, people are so surprised when they see their images, and are blown away with how they look. Being underwater with someone is a special experience. I find the water to be calming and I love watching people transform in front of my lens when they are being embraced by the water.
I continue to have a strong network of photographers, artists and other creative entrepreneurs and am so grateful to be part of a supportive community. As I work on growing my underwater photography portraits, and look forward to continuing to be a part of an engaging creative community.
I approach photography as I do in life, with curiosity, fluidity and excitement. I often see people in a different light than they see themselves, and love creating portraits that show people how beautiful they are! I want all of my clients to feel amazing and love seeing their fine art portraits on their walls. I feel very blessed when I get to hang my artwork on someone’s walls for them to enjoy. While my life & my photography subjects have changed over the years, one thing has remained true: my passion and love for being behind the lens.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories are of swimming. I would wait impatiently through springtime for it to become warm enough to open the pool, and would spend hours upon hours every day in the water. I loved playing games with friends, but my favorite time was by myself. I love how the world just disappeared and left me to myself with my own imagination. It was always a sad day when fall breezed through and we had to close the pool for the season. Back floating, looking at the sky and clouds and enjoying the quiet solitude to think and imagine remains one of my favorite places to be. I am so thankful to use this tranquility to create soft, beautiful portraits surrounded by water.
Pricing:
- Underwater Session start at $1600 and include a $1000 product credit
- Above Water Sessions are $690 and include a $500 product credit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jennauglephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_naugle_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennauglephotography/
