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

Hi Jacinda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Having other side businesses before and being a single mom at the time, I knew I had to have a side hustle to make ends meet. Since Covid drastically changed my other side hustle of sewing, I was looking for something I could do that would not only scratch the creative itch, but also help my household.

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.
The world of wedding photography has changed so much in the last 20 years. Yes we are still capturing all the special moments of the day, but the artistry has grown to a whole new level. The way the moments are captured. The emotions that are coming through the photos are absolutely amazing to me.

Although I still really love the classic shots and Fine Art posing, the Documentary style has taken on a life of it’s own. It’s all so interesting to me. To be able to give a unique artist spin on such an important day is my whole heart.

Being a creative personality, artistic views has always come easy to me. I started out as a seamstress and was able to create boutique clothing when my daughter was young without patterns. Making things different and unique was always a goal of mine.

Growth can be hard and sometimes uncomfortable. I am a big fan of being better than I was yesterday, last month, or last year. Sometimes creatives can get into a mental block and having goals for myself drives me forward. Luckily, because I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a chance on me to invest in wedding photography as a business, I have met some amazing photographers I can rely on for advice when challenges arise.

Helping others is a passion of mine. Someone once helped me in this industry and I feel it’s only fair to give back.
I believe in Community over Competition. Everyone starts somewhere and no one will see what you see through the lens. Every photographer can have a different and unique vision for a photo shoot or wedding, and helping that vision come to life for my clients absolutely does it for me. It makes my heart so happy to hear my clients overjoyed with their photos.

The best advice I can give is to keep shooting. Keep learning. Get into rooms with more experienced photographers. Ask the questions and don’t be afraid of growth… Thats how we move forward to achieving our dreams and goals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Bakersfield is such a fun and unique place with so many different vibes to offer.

The rolling hills expanding the horizon is such a breathtaking backdrop along the bike path at Panorama Park. Looking out you see you see just a small piece of the oil industry that helps to drive Kern County.

Downtown Bakersfield has the big city vibes in a down home feel. From the swanky bars like Foxtail Lounge, Horse in the Alley, and Zama, you can get dressed up for a night out and say hello to the passersby as they enjoy their night out as well. The beautiful wall art of Downtown Bakersfield is also something to be seen! Cultivated by local artist, these masterpieces bring life to the city.

Some other favorite spots are of course The Pour House (with amazing food by Chef Lino) and the classic diner experience of Milt’s Diner. When in town these are a must!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is dedicated to the two people without which I would be nowhere in this business.

Firstly my big sis, Juliana Holm. Owner of @julianaholmfloraldesign in Bakersfield, CA.
Being in the wedding industry her self, Juliana was able to introduce me to several vendors on a weekly basis. Working with her to deliver wedding florals gave me a behind the scenes insight to how wedding are run and what it takes to be a vendor in the wedding industry. Her absolute belief in my work ethic helped me to keep pushing, keep learning, and seek out more experienced photographers from which I could learn from.

Secondly my best friend and life partner Matthew Bowden. Being goal driven himself, Matthew saw the light in my eyes every time I spoke about photography. His unwavering support has not only wafted the flames in my heart to be a better photographer, but it has also allowed me to go full time in an industry I have absolutely fallen in love with.

Website: https://zandzphotography.com

Instagram: @z.z_photography

Facebook: Z&Z Photography

Image Credits
Photo Credits to Marianne @mariannelucasphotography for my amazing Branding photos

And Huge Thanks to my couples… I love you all BIG!

@james_hernandez661
@holly_grace_02
@dkoumane
@little_saucey
@malloriemcdowell
@kiimberllly
@alexander_2875

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.