Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Jolley.
Hi Jenny, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2017, I started experimenting with my little second-hand DSLR camera my dad found at a pawn shop for me. I was newly engaged and in the middle of my first year of teaching, so it was an awesome creative outlet! I was down to photograph anything and everything. A few months later, after watching all kinds of helpful YouTube videos that professional photographers shared, I decided I really wanted to see a wedding day from the perspective of a photographer! I was down to carry gear, bring water, and whatever I needed to do to just witness a day with a wedding photographer. An incredibly kind photographer let me come along (and bring my camera!) to a couple of her weddings and I was instantly hooked. I knew this was what I wanted to specialize in as a photographer. I began being a second photographer for other photographers and in 2019 took on my own weddings! Over 5 years and 100 weddings later, I’m now a full-time wedding photographer!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were definitely struggles along the way. Running a business as a solo entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. Rejection can feel very personal, and as someone who had “imposter syndrome” from the very beginning, rejection could completely knock me back and make me question if it will all work out. I learned early on that being a wedding photographer is a 10% creative career, 90% business career. Don’t even get me started on all the legalities of business, like taxes. Of course, they’re important and I will always operate professionally, but there’s been plenty of nights I wanted to rip my hair out, staring over government forms and accounting records.
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?
Like I mentioned earlier, I specialize in wedding photography! I am known for my light and vibrant style. I create photos that aren’t just how your wedding day looked, but how it felt (cheesy, I know). I am also known for being a kind, positive light on wedding days. I always actively work to be an approachable vendor and reliable anchor for a wedding day. I want couples to be able to turn to me and know they’ve got someone in their corner and protecting their peace on their wedding day as much as possible. I am honestly really proud of finding my own space in the wedding industry here in Lawrence and Kansas City. I have pulled in my own chair to the table and made my own spot. I believe what sets me apart is the experience I provide from booking until after the wedding day. I am always available throughout the wedding planning process and love meeting in-person or over video chat for timeline consultations, venue visits, and general planning to ease any stress I can for my engaged couples. I also believe I don’t know a stranger and can make people around me feel comfortable, which is reflected in my photos and the experience my clients and their favorite people say they have working with me!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Oh my gosh, I have to shoutout my best friend Jessie. She has been there since day one. Actually, she was there BEFORE day one. Jessie has been my best friend since 4th grade, and when I started my photography business, she was ALWAYS by my side to help me grow. She went to wedding shows with me and helped me with my booth, posed in front of my camera when I had no idea what I was doing, and constantly sent encouragement. She was my first second photographer and was by my side so I didn’t lose my mind at my first couple of weddings. She shared my posts, passed along my name, and never made me feel alone. Truly, I wouldn’t be where I am without her and I don’t know how I’d ever be able to thank her enough.
I’d also like to give credit to my husband, who has also been there since the beginning. He also went to weddings and sessions with me, jumped in front of the camera for me, and has supported me since day one. When my best friend Jessie provided support more on the in-person and creative side of things. my husband Chance helped more behind the scenes. He’s helped me file my business taxes, has been an amazing proofreader, and has been an anchor over the years. This year, I officially left my teaching job to be a full-time wedding photographer and without his constant support, I wouldn’t be here. He has always seen my potential, even when I don’t see it myself. His confidence in me has never wavered, and he knew from the beginning that it was never an “IF”, but a “WHEN” I would go full-time with wedding photography. He has told me a million times (slight exaggeration) that I can do it whenever I’m ready, to make the jump. I don’t take his support for granted!
I would also like to give credit to my friends, family, and clients who have all supported me as well. I’ve been connected with amazing clients without them sharing my name. A village has grown around me and this business and it’s made the big decisions not as scary, knowing I’m surrounded by so much love and support. I treasure every kind word, every referral, every booking – all of it!
Pricing:
- 8 hours coverage: $3,100
- 8 hour coverage plus engagement session and complimentary second photographer: $3,600
- All day coverage plus engagement session
complimentary second photographer: $4,100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jennyjolleyphotography.com
- Instagram: @jennyjolleyphotography
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jennyjolleyphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jennyjolleyphotography
- Other: Email: hello@jennyjolleyphotography.com
