We have had an amazing group of photographers join us at Lightbox in our first couple months of business! It is so amazing to see the individual style and creativity that each photographer brings to our space!
We are starting a new series of blogs featuring photographers that have come to use the Loft and Lower Studio here at Lightbox!
For our very first edition, we are very happy to introduce you to Jennifer Weter of JWeterPhotography!
Meet Jen!
“I'm a travel obsessed, beach loving, sunset chasing soccer mom. I love new experiences, whether it's meeting new people, exploring new locations or trying new foods. My husband and I love to explore new cities during our daughter's soccer tournament weekends by visiting local restaurants, craft breweries and coffee shops. What photographer can live without caffeine, right? I've spent many years working in the healthcare industry, but I'm most at home behind the camera preserving the moments that mean the most to my clients.”
Head shot: Abigail Derrick Photography
How long have you been a Photographer?
I started my business in 2017, but my love of photography began many years ago when I was the photographer for my junior high school newspaper. After my daughter was born in 2008, I wanted to preserve all of those precious, fleeting moments. That's when I enrolled in a photography class at Missouri State University, and I spent the next few years soaking up all of the knowledge I could get my hands on. I still believe investing in your education is important, and continue to take classes and workshops. I was fortunate this year to learn from one of my photography idols, Tarah Sweeney
How would you describe your photography style?
I like to incorporate a mixture of portraiture and lifestyle images in my galleries. I know we all hope to get that one shot of everyone looking at the camera and smiling, but the images that really move me are the ones that embody warmth, movement and emotion. Every picture has a beautiful story to tell!
What is the most rewarding thing about being a photographer?
Being able to document moments that will be cherished for generations. I always loved looking through my grandparents old photos. Seeing images of my grandmother as a child and young adult sparked conversations that might never have occurred without those photographs. It brought back joyous memories for her, and allowed me to share in a part of her life that I knew very little about.
What's your biggest fear as a photographer?
Showing up to a session without an SD card. So, I am compulsive about checking all of my gear before I leave the house, and I usually have several extra stashed in my camera bag, just in case.
What is your favorite thing to photograph?
Newborns! The transition from couple to family is so incredibly life changing. Those first few days go by in a sleep-deprived blur, and I love being able to freeze those moments for them. Witnessing the evolution of a family, as their littles grow and as siblings are welcomed is one of the best parts of photographing families year after year.
What is the best thing about your clients?
They are graciously willing to be vulnerable and allow me into the most intimate parts of their lives. It's difficult to be that open and trusting with a photographer, but it's so important. This lets me document the way they interact with each other when no one else is around. That's where the true magic lies. It's an honor that I don't take lightly.
If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you first started as a photographer, what would it be?
Trust yourself. Shoot what you're passionate about because to serve your clients well, you have to be inspired. If a session doesn't excite you, you won't be able to produce your best work.
If you could give one piece of advice to your clients what would it be?
Relax! Don't worry about the kids' behavior, just show up ready to be in the moment with your family. I'll take care of the rest!
What are some fun facts people may not know about you?
I was once a wedding cake decorator. I delivered many 5 tier cakes down ridiculous stairways, holding my breath the entire time. I had more than one nightmare that I dropped a cake during delivery. Although it never actually happened, I had enough near misses to make me never want to photograph weddings! Another fun, but embarrassing fact...I took a nap on the monkey bars when I was five years old. I fell off, face first, and broke both the bones in my arm. I guess being clumsy is a theme that has followed me throughout my life.
What would your ultimate, dream photo shoot be?
A couples shoot on the Kalalau trail in Kauai. My husband and I got married on the island and it will always be special to me. It's the perfect mix of my favorite things - beach, mountains, waterfalls and adventure.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Love, in all its many forms. Love between partners, parent and child, siblings, friends...it's what gives us hope for the future.
What kind of photo shoot(s) have you done at Lightbox?
Maternity and holiday family sessions. Everything from babies to families of six.
What was your favorite part about using Lightbox?
It's so incredibly versatile! I've used Lightbox for photo shoots, baby showers, girls' night out, and the space was perfect for all three. I love being able to utilize the prop closet. We were able to have a gorgeous tablescape for the baby shower and I didn't have to haul everything in from home.
How would you like to use the studios at Lightbox in the future?
I'd love to use the amazing light in the loft studio for a newborn session
Thanks so much Jen!
We love your work and so appreciate you taking the time to share your passions with us!
Find more of Jen’s work here:
www.JWeterPhotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/jweterphotography