Black Photography: In the Beginning

Sixteen years ago I gave birth to two beautiful identical twin daughters. These two wonderful babies were a great addition to the five-year-old and 15-month-old little girls that I already had at home. As a stay-at-home mommy, my life was now very busy and extremely full – love, diapers, love, crying, love, messes, and did I mention a lot of LOVE!

However, I knew that I needed a little “me time,” so I set out to find some part time employment that I would enjoy. Before long, I found myself working for that big-name company with a studio in every town: Lifetouch. During my time there, I learned much about the photography industry, most importantly that I really wanted to be a part of it. My typical workday consisted of greeting young children and families and escorting to them to a small photography studio. In this small, dimly lit room with two bright spot lights, I had 20 minutes to win the trust of toddlers while they would perform at high levels of cuteness in an imaginary two-foot by two-foot space with a background that displayed a burning fireplace inside a picture window where virtual snow fell fell magically outside! I used all kinds of tricks and photo wizardry to capture a beautiful memory that could forever be posted upon the walls of there homes….whew, I’m exhausted just reliving those moments!

So, after a year of working in the studio, I knew there had to be a way to do what I loved in the the best lighting of the great outdoors, where children love to run and play, and families feel comfortable and want to hang out. I wanted to be able to take my time and play at fabulous locations, trying new adventures, and truly capturing the essence of my client families. Those are the principles that I launched Black Photography with and they are the same ones I adhere to today, 11 years later. I have since expanded my services to include to senior portraits, wedding photographer, boudoir photos, and many other types of photography. I truly love my job and can’t imagine doing anything else!

Off the Clock

When I’m not working, there are four wonderful people who fill my heart and my time.

My oldest daughter Melia has become a very valuable assistant on many sessions, including serving as “pose master” for senior and boudoir sessions, she is also oftentimes called on for her amazing “baby whispering” gift. The children just adore her!

My second child, Maraena, is another awesome photo assistant whose fun, bubbly personality makes our children and family photo sessions fun for everyone.

The twins, Serena and Sabrie, are my “glow girls” extraordinaire – they can find light and aim reflectors like champions!

Finally, there’s Mr. Banks and Little Miss, our tiny little Yorkie companions. I figure I may need some extra company as, one-by-one, all of the girls are leaving the nest. 🙁

As a family, we enjoy big annual surprise Christmas vacations, combing through shopping malls and boutiques, finding the next great restaurant or diner (definitely a family of foodies), and all things MUSIC!

As for me, I spend my mornings at my local Crossfit in intense workouts that I’ve become addicted to over the past five years. I want all the Crossfit clothing, custom tennis shoes, and I love watching the Crossfit Games when they air on ESPN.

My second addiction, is shoes! My love affair with shoes goes back as far as I can remember. Someone once asked me “why do you love shoes so much?” I replied, “Because I never have to ask if they make my butt look big!”

Finally, I love all things girly – movies that make you cry, Mary Poppins, anything coffee, and traveling!

Thanks for taking a moment of your day to read about me. I look forward to meeting you, and finding out about all the things you love and creating a lasting memory that is uniquely yours.

Your Photographer For Life,

Jennifer Black
xoxo