Daily Inspiration: Meet Jennifer Marie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Marie.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Jennifer Marie, the founder of LIV Photography by Jen, and I’ve been capturing the world through my lens for over two decades. My journey and passion began in high school, where I photographed with film and developed images in a darkroom. There was something very therapeutic in the whole process and I absolutely fell in love. My formal training started at The Picture People, where I learned the fundamentals of posing, capturing great expressions, customer service, and composition using a manual-focused film camera in fast-paced portrait sessions.

I further developed my skills with Lifetouch, photographing school portraits from kindergarten to high school seniors, often capturing over 250 students in a single day. Additionally, I worked for Cilento, a premier studio in Scottsdale and Glendale, where I catered to families, high school senior portraits, weddings, babies, and corporate clients.

In 2012, I founded LIV Photography by Jen, specializing in corporate headshots, events, product, and branding photography. I also began working with multiple Phoenix Valley photographers as a second photographer, focusing on corporate projects. I’ve been honored to photograph events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open 2024, and have photographed celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Bailey Zimmerman, Marcus Luttrell, and Michael Phelps at various events.

Beyond the corporate world, I have a passion for capturing candid moments. I also enjoy bird photography, which I share with clients through @jamsbirds on Instagram. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of hummingbirds or the beautiful scenery of the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, my wildlife photography showcases my love and motivation for the craft.

I aim to make every shoot a fun, efficient, and positive experience, reflecting my commitment to quality and the satisfaction of being a trusted photographer in the Phoenix Valley area. From headshot sessions to corporate events, my photography combines skill and a dedication to capturing the perfect imagery.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road at all – but the most rewarding ones never are. Some of my struggles range from lack of bookings – which every photographer can relate to – to being so busy, my marketing and social media presence takes a back seat so I can get through all the editing, which then brings on another slow window. It feels like I’m making progress at snail speed sometimes, but progress is still progress in my book.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I focus on corporate headshots, events, and product photography. My mission is to create professional and engaging images that capture the true essence of my clients and the events I cover. People often tell me I’m known for making them feel at ease, which results in natural and authentic photos.

One thing I’m particularly proud of is my ability to stay calm and organized, even during high-pressure events. This ensures I capture every important moment beautifully and without stress.

What sets me apart is not just my technical expertise, but also my personality and comforting presence. I know how awkward it can be to be in front of the camera—after all, that’s why I stay behind it! I make it a point to adjust my approach to match each client’s personality and vibe, ensuring they feel comfortable and maybe even have a little fun during the shoot.

My varied background and extensive experience also gives me an edge. From developing film in a darkroom to working with top studios, I’ve developed a broad range of skills that allow me to adapt to different photography needs seamlessly. My genuine passion for photography and commitment to continuous learning mean I always bring the latest techniques and best practices to every shoot.

In short, my ability to blend professionalism with a warm, approachable demeanor, along with my dedication to my craft, makes each project a fun, efficient, and enjoyable experience.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, I have, though I would describe it more as an appreciation than a lesson. The COVID-19 crisis has significantly highlighted the mental health challenges we face in this country. While the lockdowns led many people to experience severe mental health struggles, it has also created a greater awareness and space for those individuals to seek help.

Having struggled with depression and anxiety in the past, I understand how devastating these issues can be. It’s encouraging to see more attention and resources being directed towards mental health, which is crucial for addressing these issues effectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LIVPhotographyAZ.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/LIVPhotographyAZ
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/LIVPhotographyAZ
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-marie-3ba4a921b/
• Other: jam@livphotographyaz.com

Image Credits
Jennifer Ann Marie with LIV Photography by Jen