October 15, 2016

Meet Studio City Photographer: Jenna Moore

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Moore.

Jenna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I can never really remember the exact time that I began taking photos. I have memories from as young as 5 years old, stealing my mum or grandmas camera and using up the whole roll. I always loved having a camera in my hands and knowing that I could save moments and more so, people. In high school, I had been in all the art classes and just really enjoyed creating things. I decided to complete a Diploma of Photo Imaging and further my knowledge of photography 5 years ago. Since then, I have focused on Portraits and Documentary work. There’s something about taking an image of someone who is unaware and just being present that I love.

I would like to steer my photography towards documentary and portrait work to shine light on some things that may be hard to see. I’d be interested in shooting in a hospital, a school or a shelter.. just somewhere that needs attention. I tend to get intrigued by dark topics but then like to shoot them in a beautiful light. Right now I photograph for a foundation for kids called DDJF and I have had the opportunity to take some magical photos of these kids.

My photography has always been a part of my life.

Has it been a smooth road?
By far in the last few years, my biggest struggle has been assimilating into a new country. I moved to Los Angeles from Melbourne, Australia so I’ve had to start a whole new career out here. I do a few other things since moving to LA and my time is used differently now. I also work in the Film and TV industry doing Audio and I have a T-Shirt company called Cats on Everything with my husband – things can get busy!

Have there been people or an institution that has played a pivotal role in your career?
I think my mother played a big part in my creativity growing up. She was always such a free spirit, a creator artistically and emotionally. I always felt safe to explore my thoughts and opinions. As a teenager, I experimented with several different mediums like painting, sculpture, and illustration. My art teacher in high school was Grace Di Muzio, she always ‘got me’ and believed in my talents, I never got to tell her how much her support meant to me.

Finally, I landed on photography and decided that it was the medium for me. I was fascinated with the black and white photography books my mum would have lying in her salon. I loved going through photography books any chance I got. I was around 15 when I became engrossed in movies and cinematography, enjoying films like “The Shining” and “American Beauty”. Almost 10 years later I obtained a Diploma of Photoimaging at RMIT in Melbourne, Australia. It was at this school that I met a teacher called Naomi Herzog. She had a way of speaking that would really inspire me and open my mind up that always blew me away. I met many amazing teachers at this school and I learned a myriad of skills that I will never forget. Shortly after I met my husband, who in a very intense and life changing way inspired me and lit a fire that has yet to burn out. And pushing all that aside, I think the person that has inspired me the most, has always been me.

What type of clients or projects do you look forward to most?
I love photographing people and documenting places in a very honest way. I love using classic natural lighting and shooting simple images that tell a powerful story through expression and composition.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
I would have shot more.

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