Meet Jaclyn Szabo | Wedding and Family Photographer

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

Hi Jaclyn, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
If it lights you up inside keep going! If it feels like something that drains your energy over and over and it’s not in your heart let it go; make space for something that feels more aligned with you.

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.

I went to Brooks Institute of Photography and received my BA in commercial photography. I received a great foundation in the technical aspect of photography that enabled me to really experiment with my work and make lifelong connections. After college I worked for other photography studios but 7 years ago, I decided it was time to focus on creating my own work and start my own business.

Photographing weddings came organically. It is such an incredible feeling to be a part of the most important day of someone’s life. I love the emotions, traditions whether old or new, and seeing the connection and love people have for one another. My goal is for my clients is to feel like we are friends (because we are) and for them to feel seen and comfortable. My hope is that it is the start of a lifelong relationship where we work together as their lives evolve and grow.  I’ve had clients start with engagement shoots and come back to me for their wedding, their maternity shoots, and family sessions. Getting to documenting growing families is so special.

Owning your own business is a real challenge, and I am still navigating through so many new things every day. I had my daughter about 2 years ago and she is the love of my life. It is a new season in my life that I am adjusting too and trying to balance with work. I feel so lucky to be able to be home with her while keeping my business going, but it has also given me new insights into the lives of my clients when I do their family shoots and helped me connect with them on a deeper level. I would not have it any other way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a fun one. Los Angeles has so many things to offer, so diverse culturally. As a new mom I may no longer know the hippest late-night spots but here are some things I love. Visit to the Getty Museum, the location and views are amazing; not to mention all the beautiful artworks. I just discovered “Back on the Beach” cafe in Santa Monica. It is a cafe literally on the sand. After you eat you can walk straight out to the ocean; they also have a great play area for kids and it’s all walking distance to the Santa Monica Pier. Downtown LA has a lot to offer as well, The Broad Museum is super cool, and the Grand Central Market is also a gem which has many different types of eats from across LA’s cultures. Also, going to a Dodger Game is a lot of fun and a very good people watching experience. I would also suggest a day trip up the coast to Ventura County where I was living before LA. It is only about an hour drive and downtown Ventura has some great vintage shops as well as an iconic Tiki Bar called Ventiki.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost my family and close friends. My parents are entrepreneurs and have always been very supportive of my photography path. My husband is also a huge help, he lets me photograph him a lot and run ideas by him. He minored in photography in college, so he is a great sounding board to me. My sister who is a painter and my close group of friends who recommend me to others support my work, it is all so appreciated and has helped me a lot over the years, giving me the confidence to keep going.

Website: jaclynszabo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynszabo/

Image Credits
bio photo – by miriam brummel