Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenni Chapman.
Hi Jenni, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started in the world of actor headshots and doing marketing and archival photography for plays and musicals, but my heart has always been with more creative and truthful storytelling photography. I was closeted until my senior year of college, and my coming out was the start of my self-love journey. I am so proud of how far I’ve come! I am passionate about the fact that I offer photography experiences, not just photoshoots. Most people feel self-conscious and unphotogenic when they have their photo taken, but I believe you deserve a joy-filled photoshoot experience where you feel empowered, confident, and celebrated. That’s why I created inclusive photography experiences that make you feel gorgeous and genuinely YOU.
Currently, I offer self-love portrait sessions (perfect for seniors, birthdays, or a much-needed confidence boost), photography for couples and families, elopements and small weddings, and my project The Queer Soul Experience. LGBTQ+ people nominate themselves for the experience and get to explore and celebrate their identities and stories through photography and my podcast, The Queer Soul Spotlight. My ultimate goal is to turn it into a book showcasing their photos and advice.
I’m also working on a queer retreat for LGBT photographers and influencers to create some incredible content and network! Hopefully, that will be coming later this year or early 2024.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I struggled at the beginning with wanting to be a jack of all trades. I had so many plates spinning that I couldn’t unify them in a marketable way. Through several mentors and programs, I’ve realized that the element that ties all my offers together is the way that it’s a celebratory, feel-good experience from the moment you send your inquiry, to your session date, to your gallery delivery, and beyond.
It’s essential to me that whoever I’m photographing feels seen, empowered, and confident throughout our time together – that’s what takes your photos from just good to meaningful memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in customizable, incredibly fun photography experiences that make you feel amazing. So many people come to me saying they’re nervous because they’ve never had professional photos taken, or they think they’re unphotogenic. The truth is, being photogenic can be taught!
The key is having someone to guide you (in this case, me!) that can make you feel at ease and like the main character you deserve to be. I edit with true-to-life color and dimension – no overly filtered edits or body slimming here – so your photos look the way they felt to be there in the moment. That’s the magic of pairing gently guided candid moments and my editing style: your finished gallery brings back the energy, joy, and emotions of your session every time you look at them.
My job isn’t just to document – it’s to help you transform into your most genuine self and take some intentional time to really love this authentic version of you. We could all use more of that in our lives!
What’s next?
I mentioned earlier that I’m in the preliminary stages of creating a retreat for LGBTQ photographers and influencers – my goal is to create a space where we can connect, form friendships, and create incredible photography + short-form video content together in one magical weekend! I’m just starting to reach out and see who might be interested, so that will be coming either later this year or early next year.
Season 2 of The Queer Soul Spotlight podcast just wrapped, and I’ll be starting to record interviews for season 3 soon. I’m so happy with how it’s taken off!
On a personal note, I’m getting married to the love of my life this September, and planning that has been a part-time job in itself! We have all queer-affirming or queer-identifying vendors (shout out to Kelly Griffiths Photography, Rachel Replogle of Replogle Studios, Kim Baker of Kim Baker Beauty, and Luciana + Masumi of Events by GS), and it’s going to be the most magical day.
Pricing:
- Solo + couples portrait sessions start at $950
- Family sessions start at $1200
- Elopement + Wedding packages start at $2900
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jennichapmanphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennichapmanphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennichapmanphotography
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@jennichapmanphotography
