Daily Inspiration: Meet Jenna Roden

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Roden.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a photographer and videographer, originally from a small town called Midland, Michigan. I moved out west in 2017 wanting to break new ground in creating and growing a business.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to growing a business I would describe like a playground. Lots of swings and up and down levels of the business that were all beneficial towards growth but not always easy. Sometimes we fall off the playground, you know? I’ve had clients who have sworn to sue me but they refused to read their contract. I’ve had technical issues where I 1. couldn’t afford software or 2. my software malfunctioned on me during events. On top of that, I’ve run into many creative ruts trying to find my style and voice for my business.

I knew nothing about starting a business, and all my opportunities to try to contract with media companies or mentorship opportunities kept falling apart i.e. business didn’t work, the photographer was too busy, etc. I had to learn everything on my own.

What has made the road the smoothest, was actually finding friends who were photographers and videographers alike. That’s actually what not only helped me solidify the direction of my business but provide a supportive and network community to thrive within.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer and videographer that specializes in couples/storytelling. I’m most known for my out-of-box cinematic style. Creating stories using light, shadows, and natural elements alike. I am a natural light photographer, I don’t like to use any artificial lighting when it comes to my shoots.

I’m most proud of being featured in Rocky Mountain Bride for my first wedding film.

What sets me apart from others is the ability to capture extremely intimate moments anywhere and anytime. I’m not quite sure how to explain it, but I have had many clients nervous, unsure of themselves, with a vision in mind, and I always try to work with them to take it even further. I want to really share their story through visual creation.

Even filming my first wedding, I didn’t do the cliche pan shots or the typical wedding song. Maybe it’s because I’m in Lifecycle Marketing as my 9-5 but I naturally like to get inside my client’s head, understand who they are, and throw a Kygo song on their wedding video and sure enough make the client shed happy tears!

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The ability to unite others with creativity or adventure makes me so happy. I remember I did a spontaneous road trip to South Dakota and set up some shoots along the way to pay for my trip. Combining my two favorite things (travel + photography) not only made me more excited than usual to shoot, but the essence of traveling and connecting with others made everything even sweeter.

Now I can look back at that road trip with not only the memory of shooting with couples who will cherish those photos for a long time but the friendships and spontaneous adventures that came with it.

Pricing:

• $300 hour for the standard session (travel fee not included)
• $175 for 45 min standard session (travel fee not included)
• $450 1.5-hour engagement session (travel fee not included)
• $300 hour for wedding session (travel fee not included)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jennaroden.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/byjennaroden
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennarodenphotography