Have you noticed my new profile photo here on my blog?  I owe it to my friend Jen from Jen Johnson Photography!  Jen and I friends from Texas and she is from and lives out here in Orange County.  She was in my sorority at TCU and was also the “little sister” in our sorority of my very best friend.  She started diving in to her photography business a while before me and when I started heading down that road I always turned to her for inspiration and information.  Starting my blog was a recommendation from her and had she not convinced me to start one, I don’t know if I would have done so!

I must say, I was a little nervous to step out from behind the camera and have my photos taken.  It can be tough being a photographer, but it’s also tough letting your guard down and getting your shots done.  Jen made me feel super comfortable and we had a great time.  Check out this sampling of images she shot when we met up last week, I love the urban look of the photos and this was exactly what I was looking for!

Jen has started to take her business in a new direction with her main focus now being engagement sessions, weddings and boudoir.  With that being said, I wanted to feature her here on my blog with a Q&A session paired up with some of her shots!  Thank you so much Jen for taking the time to answer these questions and thank you again for my photo session, LOVED IT!!!

What inspired you to become a photographer?

For the last ten years, I’ve been privileged to witness and participate in the weddings of numerous close friends.  I consider myself a professional bridesmaid and have even helped friends plan weddings.  Throughout the years, I’ve loved helping friends research photographers, because in MY mind, that’s the one way to make the day last forever.  About two years ago, I decided that rather than always looking at photographer’s art, I should try to make my own…and that began my journey!

What are your favorite types of pictures to take?

I love working with people in love!  Whether it be engagement portraits, weddings, or my favorite BOUDOIR, I see genuine love that I try to capture with my camera!

Are you a studio or natural light photographer & why?

I’m a natural light, on location photographer, however, I occasionally do shoot with strobes for a more modern/high fashion look. It usually depends on who and what I’m shooting before I determine what kind of lighting set up I’ll use, or whether I’ll focus on available light. I love to use natural reflectors such as light colored walls and reflections off of water, etc.  I prefer natural light because I like to capture people in their favorite atmospheres!

What are some of the products you offer brides or other clients?

Soon, I’ll be launching a boudoir site, where I’ll be offering boudoir marathons.  If a group of four women are interested in a special shoot for their guy, they’ll receive a discount for the shoot and I’ll arrange a fabulous hotel suite, hair, and makeup to bring out the diva in everyone woman!

Who inspires you now?

These days, I’m really inspired by editorial-style shoots.  Most people want images that will last forever, but they also want to feel special and that’s what I try to marry in each session!

When you see a picture, what is the first thing you notice?

Hands down, I narrow in on the eyes in every image I see!

Do you blog stalk? If so, what blogs?

Absolutely! In addition to photography blogs, I’m a sucker for DIY and home improvement blogs.  I also love to read blogs with cooking tips and recipe reviews!

Are you a Nikon or Canon girl? Which model do you use?

I’m a Canon 5D Mark II.  It’s my baby and I’ll never be convinced that there’s a better camera out there for me!

Favorite lens?

My favorite lens is the 50mm 1.4. It’s fast and consistently captures beautiful images. I like to get up close and personal with clients to capture intimacy and genuine moments and this lens isn’t intimidating or obnoxious!

Do you twitter? Facebook?

I’m on Twitter and Facebook!  You can find me at on Twitter here and on Facebook here!  Come on by and say hello!

Thank you again Jen for taking the time to do my shoot and letting us get to know you better!

Please visit Jen’s website at Jen Johnson Photography!