The Beginner Photography Podcast

477: Jenny Stein - How Everyday Photos Can Change Your Life

• Raymond Hatfield

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In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Jenny Stein, a heartfelt family documentarian photographer dedicated to capturing real emotions. Jenny reveals the challenges of maintaining a love for photography when it becomes a business and shares powerful insights on how photography can provide closure in times of grief. We dive deep into balancing conflicting emotions and the significance of capturing authentic moments, even during difficult times.

The Big Ideas:

  • Balancing Emotions: Conflicting emotions can coexist in photography; both joy and sorrow are real and valuable to capture. This duality enriches your work.
  • Authenticity in Moments: Authentic photos during difficult times can offer significant comfort and closure, preserving the true essence of the moment.
  • Personal Connection: Personal losses and experiences shape your perspective and add depth to your photographs. Let your unique story enhance your creative vision.
  • Evolving Perspectives: As you grow, allow your photography interests to evolve. Focus on what you're good at and what genuinely inspires you to keep the passion alive.

Photography Action Plan:

  1. Capture Real Emotions: During your next shoot, create space for authentic moments by engaging with your subjects and encouraging natural interactions. Review your photos with a critical eye, selecting those that genuinely capture raw emotions and telling a compelling story.
  2. Diversify Your Portfolio: Set up scenes that depict both joyful and solemn emotions. This practice will help you become more versatile and empathetic in your work. Gather these varying shots into a mixed portfolio to showcase your ability to capture the full spectrum of human experience.
  3. Reflect on Personal Losses: Take some time to reflect on moments of personal loss. Consider how these experiences can inform and deepen your photography practice. Write down three ways in which these experiences can shape your approach to photographing others.
  4. Engage in Personal Projects: Start a personal project focusing on a theme close to your heart, such as family moments or personal loss, and make it a point to capture these authentically. Share your project with a trusted group or online community to receive feedback and refine your narrative approach.
  5. Embrace Daily Practice: Commit to a 365 project where you take a photo every day, focusing on capturing real-life moments. This consistency will improve both technical skills and emotional depth. Maintain accountability by joining a group or setting reminders, and reflect weekly on the emotional journey and learnings from your daily shots.

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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!