Meet Jenny Stein | Professional Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Stein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My passion for photography was the driving force that inspired me to start my own business. I was awakened to the art form when I enrolled in a photography class in high school. Since that time, I’ve always had a camera at my side observing and capturing the world around me. The range of emotions that unfold during major life events is especially touching. Each family is unique, and each event tells a human story completely unfiltered. Realizing that I could create a business by being an observer of these important moments and capture them for people was very exciting. Whether it is the gentle look of love a bride gives her groom as she walks down the aisle, the emotional glance between parents as their child reads from the Torah, the joy gleaming from a father’s eyes as he dances with his daughter at her Quinceanera, or the beaming pride of an individual receiving a prestigious award during a corporate gala, it is always an honor to be the one to capture these moments.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a photographer at a milestone event is a big responsibility.
I believe I got to where I am professionally because, first of all, I am passionate about photographing events and feel inspired by the range of human emotion and beauty that I observe through my lens. Each family, each couple, each event is absolutely unique.
Second, I am calm under pressure. I enjoy working with my clients and often develop a friendship with them. This enables my clients to relax and feel more comfortable in front of the camera. It’s a lot easier to take beautiful and natural photos if you can diffuse any anxiety the client is feeling and actually help them enjoy the day. For example, if a bride is feeling nervous, I’ll let her know that we can always be flexible with the timeline and there is always enough time, so she doesn’t need to feel rushed. For a teen who is nervous before their Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Quinceanera, I’ll start with a relaxed set of photos outdoors, where it’s beautiful and refreshing for them.
Third, I arrive prepared; I always tour a venue well in advance of an event, to locate the optimal photo spots. I always bring extra camera gear so am I prepared if I need a backup camera. And I consult with my client in advance of the event to prepare a photography timeline and photo grouping list. This ensures that I capture everything that they envision and more.
Lastly, I enjoy hard work and never limit the number of photos I take. If a precious moment unfolds in front of me, I will take as many photos as needed to capture the moment. I am also constantly learning new editing techniques and training myself in new editing software so I can improve the quality of my photography and final product.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a best friend was visiting me in Los Angeles, I would take them to all the amazing spots. The first day, I would start with a visit to Griffith Observatory and show them where La La Land and Rebel Without a Cause were filmed. We’d start by taking a hike to the Hollywood sign, then walk through the Observatory until sunset. At sunset we’d go the second floor of the Observatory watching the sun go down until the evening sky and stars came out. Dinner would be at a fun restaurant we’d pick along Sunset Blvd. The second day, we’d visit Malibu Beach and take a hike first to the top of Pointe Dume. We’d spend the rest of the day below at the Pointe Dume Beach and have dinner at the Sunset Restaurant. The third day we’d visit Beverly Hills. We’d window shop, actually shop and stop into the art galleries. Dinner would be at either Canter’s Deli or the Cheesecake Factory in Beverly Hills. The fourth day we’d visit the Getty Museum, enjoying the art and taking a lot of photos of the beautiful grounds there. Dinner would be at a scenic spot overlooking Los Angeles that we’d find. The fifth day we’d head over to Disneyland and spend the day there. The sixth day, we’d shop along Melrose and visit the Farmer’s Market and the Grove. Dinner would be outdoors by the fountains. The last day we’d visit Hollywood, see the famous handprints in front of Graumin’s Chinese Theater, take a tour of the Dolby Theater and see a show there at night!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all, I’d like to give a Shoutout to my wonderful husband and three children who have always been very loving, supportive and encouraging in my journey as a professional photographer, (even when it takes me away on weekends.) Without their continuous patience and support throughout the years, I couldn’t have created my business. My husband even crafted and built the booth that launched my business 13 years ago, which we still use today!
I’d also like to give a Shoutout to my parents who instilled my siblings and me with a love for the arts. My mother was a professional musician and my father, a doctor, was also a wonderful painter. When I was young, I remember my dad could paint 3-4 large canvas paintings in a single weekend. My parents also loved classical music and theater. They took us to ballet performances, musicals, concerts and live Shakespeare plays from an early age. I was very inspired by the performances, and I trained as a classical ballet dancer, myself, performing in yearly productions of the Nutcracker alongside other great ballet classics. Growing up in an artistic environment at home, allowed me to be open to discover my love of photography.
Lastly, I’d like to thank all the wonderful vendors I work with at each event. They are each energetic, inspiring and creative in their own way. There is a true feeling of comradery as we work together to create a beautiful experience for each of our clients.

Website: https://www.jennysteinphotography.com

Instagram: @jennysteinphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennysteinphotographer

Image Credits
All images taken by Jenny Stein Photography’s Team