Feature Friday with Jennifer Snavely Photography!

Jennifer Snavely Photography was the winner of our 'holiday traditions' challenge.  Today she is sharing more of her beautiful work, as well as her thoughts on her style, her gear, and advice for new photographers!

1. Please tell us about yourself...

 I’m Jennifer of Jennifer Snavely Photography.  I’m mostly a hobbyist and live in Central Illinois.  I’m married and have two boys ages 9 & 4.  I work full time as a Financial Analyst so I don’t have as much time as I would like for photography but it’s my passion. My favorite thing to photograph is my kids everyday lives.

2. Can you describe your style in 3 words? Why those words?

Coming up with three words to describe my style was harder than I thought.  I think it is evolving and I am just coming into my own style after years of trying new things.  The three words I came up with are Emotive, Loving and Genuine.  I always try to capture my kids raw emotion good or bad. 

3. What sparked your passion for photography?

I think I have literally always had a camera.  I remember Christmas’s and birthdays when I was little getting new cameras.  My parents couldn’t always keep up with getting everything developed so there is still a drawer full at my parents of undeveloped film.  When I was in high school my parents turned a bathroom into a darkroom for me.  I didn’t really know what I was doing and we didn’t have the Internet back then so I learned what I could from books.  I went into the Air Force and completely got away from photography.  I really regret this now because I went to a lot of unique places and really wish I had more photos of that time.  I got back into it full force around the time my second son was born. 

4. What's in your camera bag right now?

  My camera bag is HEAVY.  I have a Kelly Moore Woodstock backpack which I love.  I shoot with a Canon 6D.  Most of the time I use my Canon 24-70.  I also always carry my Canon 135 but don't use it nearly as much as I should.  I also have a Sigma 15mm fish eye, Tamron 90mm Lensbaby Edge 80, Sweet 35 and an old Helios.  I don’t carry these around all the time but always have a couple in my bag.  The Sigma 24 is next on my list!

5. What is your dream shoot or project?

   My dream shoot would be to take my kids to Paris and photograph them on their adventures.  I went over the summer and really wish they could have been there. 

6. What are some of the misconceptions you had about photography and photographers at the beginning of your photography journey? Have they changed, and how?

   In the beginning I was really intimidated by photographers that I loved.  I have come to realize everyone is so open and willing to answer questions. 

7. What advice would you give to newbie photographers? What advice do you wish you'd been given at the very beginning?

    I would tell everyone to take as many classes as you can.  I do a lot of classes on Clickin Moms and other sites on the internet.   I would also say to attempt a 365 project.  I haven’t actually completed one but I have come close and the amount of growth you can see is amazing.  

Find more of Jennifer's gorgeous work here:

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