newborn photographer feature | Jenny Cruger Photography

I have been loving those natural, organic photos lately, so choosing our next photographer was a no brainer. her photos are so pure and beautiful, and i could just get lost in her work for days! :)

meet the lovely Jenny Cruger ...

What inspired you to become a photographer?

My son. Cliché, but true. When you have a child, it’s hard to settle for photos that you know you can do better (ie wanted to stop using my point and shoot on him) and I knew if I picked up this skill again, and worked hard, I could create the look I had in my mind for his photos.  I shot film in high school, and we had our own dark room, so he really inspired me to pick it up again (digitally at first, though I shoot both now).  
 

 

 

Describe your style in 3 words?

Simple, pure, organic.

What is in your camera bag? And what equipment did you start out with?

I may or may not have a small collection of camera bags (1 Ketti, 2 Kelly Moore, 1 Shootsac) and to fill them: (all Canon) 5D Mark III and 5D Mark II, EOS 3 (film), 35L, 50L, 85 1.8, 100L, 135L.  I started out with a Rebel XSi and 50 1.8. 

At what point did you specialize? And what drew you to newborn photography?

I firmly believe that while you can specialize in one genre of photography, you don’t have to be in just one genre to be specialized if that makes sense.  I think your brand should show your specialty.  My specialty is in my style, what my core values are, how my brand makes my specific clients feel, and the way I shoot & approach my subjects. I do have a major focus on newborns because I absolutely adore seeing a perfect, new, organic being and capturing every inch and detail of them.   

When did you figure out your own style? How long did it take to find YOU?

Early-Mid 2011 is when I really began shooting what I wanted, how I wanted, and processing how I wanted to.  From there just grow and perfect, which is always on ongoing process.  It took me a good year+ of shooting professionally to really figure out what direction I wanted to go with every aspect of my business and just this year I feel 100% confident turning away clients who don’t mesh well with my vision.  It’s just not worth it, and ultimately, neither the client or I will leave happy and that’s not fair to clients. I got a call today from someone interested in an extended family portrait with matching clothing, etc.  I told her I had to be completely honest with her in that I would not be the best person for that job, but would send her some recommendations of fellow local photographers who would love to shoot that.  She thanked me profusely for being so up front with her.  I think that’s really important. I send my clients links of clothes to wear or buy and work on all of that with them.  They know if they choose me, we are creating a specific look together, or they would not (and should not) choose me. 

What has been your best investment for your business? Camera upgrade, lens, prop, etc...
 

Ooo that’s hard! I am going to say my natural light studio. It’s definitely an investment!   It’s in a wonderful area of town and I am able to shoot my newborns and babies in there just the way I want to, in a space that just breathes comfort, calmness, and organic beauty. I also meet potential brides (and other clients) and hold in person viewing and ordering sessions there which is so important for my business.  That said, I bought the 135L last Fall and you would have to pry it out of my hands. ;)  

Are you self-taught or did you take classes to help you get where you are?

I took film classes in high school, but otherwise self-taught. I did go to college for Business and then Music Business here in Nashville and I use that knowledge an awful lot as a business owner! The music industry and the photography industry is surprisingly similar, too.

Do you use natural light or studio lighting?
 

Natural light

How do you "get away" from business? What is your escape?

I don’t.  No… I try to set office hours. ;)   My son goes to preschool 3 days a week and during that time I am either shooting, meeting with clients/fellow photographers, or doing computer work like editing, bookkeeping, blogging, invoicing, designing…it never ends!  I work some evenings after he goes to bed and then of course weekends for weddings and/or portrait shoots. When I am not working, I’m playing with my 3 year old, cooking (always trying to make healthy vegan food), and I love to shop.  I love to knit, and rarely have time, but I have a collection of yummy organic yarn waiting for my downtime.  My husband and I have been making an effort to get away a few times a year, too.  We went to Asheville, NC in May and will be visiting Michigan, where we grew up, for the first time together in many years this October.   We were high school sweet hearts, so I’m excited to visit our old special places. 

What was the last book you read (not photography related)?
 

The Starch Solution by Dr. John McDougall

What advice would you give to somebody just starting out?

Charge appropriately for your time and costs and if you ever shoot for free (which I think is okay to do starting out) YOU call the shots and get exactly what you want for your portfolio.  

Where do you look for inspiration? 

In person: locations, antique and thrift stores. I love driving through the country, old barns, wildflower/weed fields, small towns.  I just planted a wildflower garden in our front yard which I’ve been meaning to do for a long time. I have a feel gardening will become a huge inspiration. I am growing lavender which is my favorite thing ever. Mix that with a dose of modern + simple and add a lot of feminine lace, layers, neutral tones and organic textures and I am one happy woman.

 

Who is your photographer crush??  

Jose Villa

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Personally I am eager to move to a small piece of land from our subdivision so our kid(s) and rescue dogs can have fun out in a large yard,  we can have an organic garden, and little farmhouse and professionally I would love to be doing what I love still, photographing newborns + babies, young families, children, and some really awesome weddings and teaching other photographers. 

Anything you want to share? Do you mentor photographers? Sell anything we can't live without!?

Sure, My next in person workshop is this November and the information can be found here: http://www.jennycrugerphotography.com/blog/index.php/in-person-workshops/

And I have a line of templates for newborn photographers that reflect my simple and organic love for everything in my life: http://www.jennycrugerphotography.com/blog/index.php/for-photographers-2/template-collection/

I would love to offer your readers a buy one, get one (purchase a collection and then email me to tell me you read this interview and I will send you BOTH) or $100 off my November workshop! 


thanks for reading! and remember, if you love this featured post ... please share!