Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Guerrero.
Jen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I consider myself a storyteller and I’ve always used photography to do that. In the beginning, I’ve taken photos to capture a specific moment or memory to use it for my writing–basically, to create a vision board of sorts. But I fell in love with it when I had to take a photography class as an elective in college. The process of developing my own film and printing my own images awakened this other wonderful creative world to me. It really helped me be intentional, pay attention to details, be even more creative visually. So, when I found myself taking photos of co-workers, friends, and family members all the time, and getting really good reviews from them, I had that “why not?” moment. It was scary to do it professionally at first but I think that fear fueled my desire to continue to be better at it every time. And I love that I get to create moments with my clients–it’s really more play than work.
Has it been a smooth road?
The photography business is a bit subjective, I think. That’s where I find the most struggle because not everyone is going to like the way I take photos. Especially now that everyone’s their own photographer, right? Most people also expect a Leibovitz cover or The Sartorialist fashion feature on a photo booth price. But that’s when you hold your ground and be patient enough. I’m a believer in never losing your vision, whether your schedule is fully booked or barely full. When I don’t have clients, I start personal projects. I try to make sure I’m always pushing myself creatively because I know that, eventually, I’ll get clients who will appreciate the work I do with them and that’s what makes them come back and keep letting me take part in their special moments.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jen Guerrero Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
Though I’d like to delve into product styling, branding/marketing, etc. in the future, I just LOVE creating portraits. Especially collaborating with clients, from the make-up to the outfits to the location, the mood, the theme of the session; from the smallest details to however grand they want it to be. I love when my clients look at their photos and see that it is as much their vision as well as mine and tell me that they can’t wait to book another session because they have another idea or look they’d like to try. These people are not only repeat clients but they become friends, too. I become part of milestones in their lives and that’s such a privilege. For example, I have this client/friend whom I’ve taken Christmas photos of for a few years now with her and her husband and in a couple weeks, we’re doing her maternity session and we’re already talking ideas for her baby girl’s newborn photos, and the holiday session following that. It’s a sweet thing to see this couple as first-time parents and it’s even sweeter that I get to document that.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Digital photography, I believe, will keep producing even better talents. There are just no limits now, technology-wise, in producing the best content. We have better camera phones, mirrorless and full/medium format cameras are available to everyone; we are living in the culture of being our own personal photographers. Videography will definitely be in more demand and I think as long as videographers keep pushing to see themselves as filmmakers, the quality of videos they’ll produce will rival Hollywood short films.
On the other hand, film has made a comeback and I’m glad it’s here to stay. It may still seem like a trend though in the next 5-10 years because what gives it allure is the same thing that keeps some away–film doesn’t have that immediate gratification we have all been accustomed to. But that said, I still see more and more professional photographers going back to using film as an art form; it’s also a test of one’s skills because, with good ol’ film, the credit is undeniably to the photographer’s.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jenguerrero.com
- Email: daguerrerotype@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/daguerrerotype
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/daguerrerotype
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