Meet Michael Jennings in Downtown Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Jennings.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Michael. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The creative inside me came to life in 8th grade. I started drawing pictures during all of my free time, usually still life or landscapes. Wanting to be creative in more ways than one I thought, “Why not try taking photos on something other than my flip phone?” So in 9th grade, I managed to buy a used point and shoot camera from a friend. I believe it was a Nikon “Coolpix” P80. Boy was I cool, and I sure took a lot of cool pix with it too. Haha! Not too long after that, I learned about these so-called “dslr” cameras. I asked my friend John (who sold me the P80) and asked if he has a dslr camera I could buy. Sure enough, he did! I sold the P80, along with some old video games and used that money to buy my very first dslr, the Nikon D3000. It was a big purchase for me at the time. I had no idea what to do with it or how to use it outside of its auto mode, yikes. Over the next five years, I went from not knowing anything about my camera, to truly loving photography and everything about it. I even managed to make a little money doing it!

During my time in college at Binghamton University in Upstate New York, I photographed dozens of events and people for the university, it was a great experience and I loved the fact that my part-time job during college was to take photos! Heck yeah! At the time I didn’t see myself pursuing photography professionally after college. It was just a part-time job, right? Well, I graduated and my love for taking photos only grew more.

In early 2017, I officially started my photography business and had since been working my butt off to learn and grow more and more every day.

I love meeting new people. I love traveling to new and exciting places. I love trying crazy new sports. I love life and every opportunity I have to capture these experiences with my camera.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
You know, sometimes the road is smooth – I mean super smooth – and other time its covered with potholes and roadkill and no clear signage! But, for the most part, it’s been a pretty good ride. I’ve learned a lot and gotten lost a few times.

I’d say one of the biggest struggles has been continuing to develop my creativity and allowing my focuses to shift. Originally I was focused on photographing outdoor adventure sports, specifically rock climbing. It was a blast. I had to shift gears once I had a serious medical issue with my hand that has decreased my ability to climb drastically. But that is okay; I loved photographing rock climbing because I loved photographing the PEOPLE, I do the same thing now, just not hanging from ropes off a cliff. Occasionally I’ll get outside and have some fun on the cliffs, but I have to be more careful now.

The other largest struggle has been separating my self-worth from my business success. Foolishly, I hoped that my business was going to magically flourish right away and I’d be clear to work solely for my self right away. Well as we know, that is normally not the case. Growing a solid client base, creating a respectable portfolio, developing lasting and meaningful professional connections, those are all things that take time and patience, in addition to effort and dedication. It is still a question that pops in my head occasionally during a dry spell or bad day, “am I good enough to make it?” Well, I’ve finally decided that the answer to that questions is “Yes!” and it will always be yes!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Michael Jennings Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I photograph people! Settings include events, headshots, engagements, portraits, etc. Although, my main focus is photographing individuals.

I want my photos to make people to feel genuine and humble. I know it sounds strange, but it’s a nice feeling.

I am most proud of my portfolio! My portfolio is all of my greatest successes and moments with people.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck hasn’t played too big or too small a role in my journey so far. I haven’t had any major breakthroughs because of sheer luck, but I’ve definitely had some small wins because of it. I think that’s just how life is. I mean, maybe if I was LUCKY, it would play a bigger part!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.MichaelJenningsPhotography.com
• Phone: 3159411783
• Email: Michaeljennings315@gmail.com
• Instagram: @michaeljphoto_

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