Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Henningsen.
Jennifer, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was intrigued with photography by my father. He always had a camera around his neck and was smiling. He captured all our holiday gatherings and anything that was important, which was his family. My dad even had darkroom equipment in the basement, so I know it was a lost passion of his. I loved when we’d review the images on the slide projector. Clearly, my dad loved seeing the joy it gave me and photographed even that moment. I would not have remembered these tender moments had my dad not captured them. When I was in high school, I picked out an expensive Minolta camera and he bought it for me. I was in heaven and I brought that prized possession everywhere. I had to send my rolls of film off to Seattle Film Works and wait for a few weeks to see my images.
My dream was to be a photographer, traveling the world for National Geographic. Then reality set in and I needed to pick a college and photography wasn’t on the list of majors in 1986. I studied Sociology and Occupational Therapy. However, I found a way to keep shooting. I worked for the University of New Hampshire newspaper and photographed events. I was encouraged to continue photography from one instructor at UNH. I received an A in a photography class and was so proud.
Fast forward eight years, I was married to my supportive husband Kevin and then within two years had two little boys. We decided it was best for me to be a stay-at-home mom. He traveled often and my oldest son needed speech and ironically, occupational therapy. These big-eyed babies gave me a reason to practice photography again. Friends saw my work and asked to pay me to photograph their kids and then Keepsake Photography was started in 2002. It wasn’t until 2008 that I joined the PPA and PPC and started going to regular classes for it. That’s when things took off and changed for me as an artist.
I received a phone call from a dear friend, Bree, whom I had worked with at a skilled nursing facility years before she moved to Texas. Bree found me on Facebook and saw that I started a photography business. Ironically she had also! She asked me to come out to Texas for the Texas School of Photography. That was a pinnacle moment because I started investing in myself to become a better artist. I was then exposed to amazing photographers that wanted to help new photographers get better. I learned about getting my certification and earning degrees. Setting goals for yourself as an artist is important. You can get more creative and understanding the rules to art before you can break them.
I have always been a leader. I don’t mean to sound arrogant. It’s just in my DNA to feel that I can help, I can try something new and I can do it well. I feel best when I am moving and working. I was inducted last year into the Athletic Hall of Fame for my high school. I am a Grade Level Advisor for the National Charity League that my daughter and I are both a part of and I am on the Board for the Professional Photographers of Colorado. I have been a certified professional photographer since 2009 and I will earn my Masters of Photography within the next year. I feel that we must always keep striving, exercising, making goals for ourself, and bettering the community.
My three children and husband have been a tremendous support to my business. My husband even helped me design a studio when our basement was refinished 12 years ago. They have all helped me on photo sessions. My daughter is probably the most versed in all the aspects of my business. She has always had the most interest. She has even sat by my side and watched print competition. She has learned Photoshop and can edit like a pro. She knows all the terms and might be able to do this on her own soon.
This is an art form and you can not mass produce portraits. You need to be energized when you meet your client. It isn’t just about taking the photo and having your exposure and composition right. We must meet someone new and get them at ease immediately. We must constantly strive to show their personality in the portrait and do something unique time after time. We must follow through with our workflow and offer professional products, not just digitals that can disappear. I have had many interns. I love to teach what I can and expose anyone to this wonderful art form and business. Enjoy what you do!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes! So many. The first challenge was studying for the CPP (certified professional photographer) exam. A lot of people don’t pass it the first time. Plus, you had to enter 20 images to be judged showing you know different techniques. I passed the first time and it had been about 15 years since college and taking exams. It felt rewarding!
Still my challenge: achieving my Masters of Photography. It was so hard to not merit prints that I felt were worthy. At times I wanted to quit entering and felt that it was a whole lot of money and energy and not worth it. I had to take a break, dig deeper and try again. We all have read the quotes on failure. I had to say them to myself and believe in them. “Do not fear failure but rather fear of not trying”. Roy Bennett. Earring my masters is so very important to me and it does not matter what age I achieve it as long as I do!
Please tell us about Keepsake Photography.
I am a portrait photographer specializing in high school seniors, families, newborns and children and headshots.
I am known for sports artwork. I have created banners as a tribute to senior athletes. These banners have swept through the local high school and they are displayed at the home games or meets. I have seen them at the banquets and grad parties as well. I am so proud of them because as an athlete, I understand the dedication these kids and families have to their sport and these banners make the parents and players proud.
People know I am different than other photographers because I print and have always printed. Giving digitals away and not doing anything else for your client seems empty to me. I want them to have something completed and professional for the wall or in an heirloom album. I am the expert and they are coming to me because they can’t do these things on their own and need help to make it look amazing. They know I know studio lighting and can shape light like they can’t. They know, from my reputation that I will help them along the whole process and make sure they are valued and we meet their expectations.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Great question to make me reflect! It’s not one clear moment when someone said something or something remarkable happened. It was just a feeling of years of good memories. My mother worked so hard as a language teacher. She taught French and Spanish at my high school. Even though she was correcting papers up until Christmas, she always made Christmas so special.
She spoiled us with gifts and we unwrapped presents all morning. She set the dining table for a special holiday meal. We played Christmas carols and lit candles so it felt just so peaceful. I wish that for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11034 Shadowbrook Circle Highlands Ranch, Colorado
- Website: www.KeepsakePhotographyPics.com
- Phone: 303-522-3320
- Email: jen@KeepsakePhotographyPics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenhenningsen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeepsakePhotographer
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HenningsenJen
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/s8Eu7ZZ6zke07cKLYcySTA/
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