Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Bond.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I picked up a camera after my first daughter was born. We couldn’t afford a photographer so we financed a DSLR and I learned how to take photos of my baby. Then my friends and family asked me to do some photos for them, and they just paid what they could. Most paid in coffee and homemade dinners for my family. Word of mouth spread, and I just kept practicing and learning. Now it’s a full-time gig year round. I love it because I can bring my kids with me on most shoots; they are great assistants. I homeschool both my kids, photography gives me the opportunity to be home with them while helping support my family.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road necessarily. I don’t know if I believe that such things exist. I mean, you don’t really learn or grow from smooth roads anyway. You learn from bumps, potholes, and curves. It’s those curves and potholes that make you who you are. And I’ve been through plenty of them. Clients that are impossible to please, damaged memory cards, uncharged batteries, bad lighting… it’s all a struggle. But it isn’t peace that brings greatness; it’s struggle. You don’t learn much from perfect conditions. You need adversity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I don’t know if I really have a specific focus. I just shoot what I see. There’s SO much around here to see. And it can all photograph well with the right timing, the right angle, and the right light. I do love taking pictures of people though. My kids…families… I love catching people at just the right moment to let their inner light shine through. I love the idea of capturing a moment, a thought, or a smile in time. We forget things every day. But if I can snap a picture of a couple with their newborn baby, someone who just got engaged, or found out they were pregnant… I can preserve that moment in time for them forever. I love that.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
This city is crazy. I love that a short drive can take you from the mountains to desert, to forest, the beach… and then the city itself… I don’t know anywhere else where you are an hour’s drive from so many different kinds of places. There’s so much that inspires me here in LA. You can just be driving down the street and see something that gets the creative juices flowing. And you’ll probably be stuck in traffic, so you’ll have plenty of time to study it or take a picture! Just the people, the buildings, the animals, the mash-up of all these different cultures… Travel a mile in any direction, and you’ll see a whole different vibe. I love that; it’s so inspirational. I’d say the only thing I really can’t stand is the traffic. It’s made me late for shoots, but everything else is amazing!
Contact Info:
- Website: Sunnylayne.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sunnylaynephotography_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
