Meet Jenny Affan | Photographer, writer, human

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

Hi Jenny, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
“Be a YES person.”

I don’t resonate with this due to experiencing the shadow side of it in my career. Spreading yourself too thin, getting too many cooks in the kitchen, and essentially becoming an amoeba for other’s opinions. For me, the times I’ve said “no” have given me greater clarity than the times I’ve said, “ yes.” We live in a predominately hustle culture, defined by centuries of capitalism, slavery, and sacrificing the self. In some ways, saying “yes” has been how we’ve survived in this paradigm. Now – don’t get it twisted – I believe in saying yes to aligned opportunities, especially when one is starting out. But, what I wish someone also told me in the beginning of my career was, “Know when to say no, boundaries can be the greatest gift not only to yourself but those you work with.”

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.
Phew, what a question that could undoubtedly fill a book. In a cute lil’ nutshell my life mission is to create spaces and opportunities for people and groups to show up in their authentic selves.

Being a photographer, you hold a powerful and sacred responsibility which is to capture someone’s essence and energy. Over the last decade, I’ve had the honor and privilege to work with incredible people, brands, families, pets, the list goes on. What sets me a part from the slew of other photographers is that they are not me. It took me a long time to figure that out and to EMBODY that.

I had lived in LA 10 years ago, at the beginning of my photography career and I fell short of what I aspired to be. Fast forward to now, I moved back to LA from Portland last spring and I am proud of how far I’ve come on my craft and skill. My ability to connect with my clients in a way that allows them to flow and light up is what lights me up.

My biggest challenge has been this narrative of “why should I be a photographer, especially LA, the market is so saturated.” Reaffirming to myself that no one is ME has been extremely healing and fruitful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Pasadena, so whoever’s visiting me for a week we’re gonna do the whole Pasadena and NELA tour.

For outdoors, I’d take them to Eaton canyon, but on a Monday when it’s less crowded. I’d also take them to Huntington Gardens or Descanso Gardens for more
nature therapy.

Supporting the local farmers and small businesses is a love language so for food and fun, we’d go to South Pasadena Farmers Market and get oysters, smoked brisket fries, and fresh pom apple juice. Then listen to the live music while we enjoy our treats.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents! Their support and love as I’ve traversed many career paths is something I’ll never take for granted.

Website: Www.jennyslens.com

Instagram: @jennys_lens

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyaffan

Image Credits
Katya Caneda