Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer (Jenn) Vogt.
Hi Jennifer (Jenn), please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve had a camera in my hands for as long as I can remember. My love for photography started when I was just eight years old and got my very first wind-up Vivitar camera for Christmas. I spent hours taking pictures of everything around me — and plenty of selfies before selfies were even a thing. My mom would have called me the “selfie queen,” and honestly, she wasn’t wrong.
That spark never faded. In high school, I joined the yearbook staff, worked my way up to editor, and realized I had a natural eye for capturing stories through a lens. But when it came time to decide on a career path, my mom told me that photography wasn’t a “real job.” So, I took a practical route and pursued a degree in business — with a secret plan to use that knowledge to one day run my own photography business.
After graduating in 2005, I started by photographing my kids, friends, and family. Word spread quickly, and before long, people were asking me to shoot their family portraits. By 2010, that little side hustle had grown into a full-fledged business. In 2015, I expanded my work to include mentoring other photographers, because I strongly believe in community over competition. I’ve helped new photographers with everything from pricing and contracts to building confidence and understanding their cost of doing business — even letting them shadow me on shoots. There’s a photographer and a style for everyone, and I refuse to gatekeep what I’ve learned.
Now, celebrating 20 years in business, I’m still evolving and learning new things all the time. I’ve recently fallen in love with branding photography — helping other small businesses stand out with powerful imagery for their websites, social media, and marketing beyond the typical headshot. I also continue to photograph weddings, seniors, and families, always with a journalistic style that tells a story.
At the heart of everything I do is a deep passion for capturing real moments and helping others — whether that’s preserving memories through my lens or empowering other creatives and business owners to succeed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Honestly, no — not even close. Like many creatives, my journey has been full of twists, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
When I started out, I was a young mom trying to balance building a photography business with the reality of needing a full-time job to support my family. Photography was always my passion, but it wasn’t something that could sustain me year-round in the beginning. Without a studio, winter was nearly impossible — no one wanted outdoor sessions in the cold. And summer? It was often too hot for people to want to book sessions. I had to get creative and flexible, building my schedule around evenings and weekends so I could keep growing my business without sacrificing financial stability.
Then came one of the biggest tests of my career: COVID. Overnight, everything changed — we were told to stay away from people, and no one knew what the future held. Strangely enough, that challenge became a turning point for me. I pivoted quickly and started offering “porch sessions,” where I’d stay 15 feet back and photograph families on their front steps. It exploded in popularity. People wanted to show they were still connected, still loving, still living — even in isolation. Some families got creative with masks and Lysol cans, while others simply embraced the joy of being together. Capturing those moments of hope during such an uncertain time was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
Since then, I’ve continued to evolve. I opened a freestanding studio for a few years and now have a beautiful light-filled sunroom studio in my home, which gives me the flexibility to shoot indoors year-round. I also offer in-home sessions for clients who prefer that comfort and convenience.
Through every challenge — whether it was juggling motherhood and business, seasonal slowdowns, or global pandemics — I’ve learned the power of adaptability. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me resilience, creativity, and a deeper love for what I do. At the end of the day, photography is my passion. And no matter the obstacle, I always find a way to push forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in lifestyle, storytelling photography — capturing real, authentic moments that go far beyond stiff, posed portraits. Sure, we’ll start with a few traditional poses, but from there, it’s all about creating an experience. I use fun, engaging prompts to get people laughing, smiling, and truly connecting with each other. Whether it’s a family session, a branding shoot, or a headshot, my goal is always the same: to capture genuine emotion and create images that feel real.
What I’m most proud of is the experience my clients have when they work with me. Time and time again, I hear things like, “Wow, you made me feel so beautiful,” or “We had so much fun,” or “I felt so comfortable.” And to me, that’s everything. Because photography isn’t just about the technical side — it’s about the way people feel when the photo is being taken. Even if the shot isn’t perfectly posed, if it captures authentic joy and connection, that’s what makes it powerful. When clients look back at their images and relive those emotions, I know I’ve done my job.
Another thing that sets me apart is the full experience I create from start to finish. It’s not just a photo session — it’s a memory. My clients often tell me our time together is unforgettable because we laugh, we play, and we make it fun. And once the session is over, I’m known for my incredibly fast turnaround time. After 20 years in the industry, my editing process is seamless — sneak peeks often go out the same day or within 24 hours. Small session galleries are typically delivered in 48 hours, and even weddings or corporate shoots are usually back in just a few days. A week is my absolute maximum.
I pour my heart into every session. I’ve been known to stay up until 2 a.m. editing because I’m too excited to wait. That dedication — along with my focus on authenticity, connection, and creating a truly enjoyable experience — is what makes my work stand out. My photos are more than just images; they’re moments, stories, and feelings frozen in time.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the quality that’s been most important to my success is my adaptability and relentless passion for connection. No matter what challenges come my way — whether it’s balancing motherhood and business, navigating a pandemic, or evolving with the industry — I’ve always been willing to learn, pivot, and grow. I don’t see obstacles as roadblocks; I see them as opportunities to get creative and find new ways to serve my clients.
I also believe my ability to make people feel something is a huge part of why my business has thrived. Photography, to me, is about so much more than taking pretty pictures — it’s about building trust, creating an experience, and capturing real emotion. I treat every client like they’re part of my family, and I think people can feel that genuine care in the way I work.
On top of that, I have a strong work ethic and a bit of a perfectionist streak — when I commit to something, I give it 110%. Whether it’s staying up late to perfect an edit or mentoring another photographer so they can find their own success, I’m all in. That dedication, combined with my passion for storytelling and my belief in community over competition, has been the driving force behind everything I’ve built.
Pricing:
- Family Lifestyle Sessions start at $350
- Weddings/Elopements start at $1000
- Solo Branding starts at $350
- Corporate Photo day starts at $1000
- Seniors start at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://barefootlifestyle.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barefoot_lifestyle_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarefootPhotosbyJenn
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-vogt-a6031929a/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@barefootlifestylebyjenn
