Meet Jenn Spain | Photographer

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

Hi Jenn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My single motivating thought has always been “I want to create art for a living”. That has been my inspiration, purpose and drive for everything I do. Being a working artist has always been the dream and it is a fierce and steady incentivizer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer and I operate a studio in Atwater Village. I find portraits to be incredibly fulfilling to capture and my work as a Love Documentarian is so meaningful and beautiful to me. What sets me apart by far is the genuine connection I make with my clients that allows them to shine in front of the camera. Being an LA based photographer does mean that I work with lots of actors and models but the vast majority of my clients are regular people who need spectacular photos of themselves. I so often hear “I’m not good at getting my picture taken” or “I take terrible pictures” and what they’re really saying is “I don’t know what I’m doing and I need help”. Establishing trust with my clients is my top priority; with that trust that I can direct and guide them to create imagery that tells a story. Being confident with a camera in your face doesn’t come naturally to many people and I consider it to be such an honor when I can show people that they ARE good at this and that they DO take gorgeous pictures.

I’ve been in business for 13 years now and getting here took guts. Growing this business has never been easy but I believe in myself and I am really consistent about not quitting! I am a professional but I’m also an eternal student of my craft. I’m constantly learning new ways to approach the camera and light my subjects. I take a lot of pride in my growth as an artist and the lengths I go to elevate my client’s experience. This isn’t just a job to me- this is my passion. It is an expression of the deepest parts of me and it brings me such joy. Creative pursuit is life-long and I’m in this til I take my very last breath.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is one of my very best girlfriends and I love showing her off! First up, breakfast burritos at Tacos Villa Corona in Atwater. Anthony Bourdain once declared it the best breakfast burritos in LA and the man wasn’t lying. It is a literal hole in the wall and every mouthful is magic. I love hitting up the Last Bookstore and Grand Central Market for the downtown vibes and delicious eats. DAYBREAKER is Brooklyn born and international at this point but there is something about a sober, early morning rave for morning people that feels so very Los Angeles. A walk on the bike path along the river with a stop at Spoke Bicycle Cafe for breakfast is a must. So is a stroll thru the Venice canals. I love dinner at Badmaash in downtown- it has some of the most exciting and inventive takes on Indian cuisine.

While I haven’t been able to do this since the fires, I look forward to our city’s continued healing so that I can experience my favorite way to spend the day once again. My absolute dream day in LA involves grabbing an early morning bagel (If you’re on the eastside Maury’s is the best but I also absolutely cannot resist an everything cheddar jalapeño bagel from Western Bagel) going on a lengthy, gorgeous hike in Topanga followed by an afternoon/sunset with my camera at Matador Beach in Malibu. We’d end the night at Malibu Seafood for fresh seafood, french fries and BYO champagne and then I could die of happiness on the spot.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think one of the magical things about being an artist is that I get to draw inspiration from everyone around me and I carry that influence with me, forever and whole heartedly. My life has been rich with incredible humans that have helped shape the person and artist that I am today. My family, my friends, lovers and muses… I owe gratitude to anyone who has been in my life for more than a moment. If you’re reading this and you know me, thank you for helping me to breathe life into my art.

Website: https://www.jennspainphotography.com

Instagram: @jennspainphotography

Image Credits
Black and white photo by Trista McCracken. All of the other images were taken by Jenn Spain Photography.