BEYOND THE LENS

Beyond the Lens creates photo shoot experiences for women and girls with a focus on natural, authentic images.

The sessions create safe spaces that empower girls of all ages (from 11 to 111!) to celebrate & be the truest version of themselves.

But sometimes, it's hard to celebrate the girl we see in the mirror. The temptation is strong to present an image of ourselves not as we truly are, but as we think the world wants us to be.

We sit in our pajamas scrolling after a long day at school or work, frustrated that the girl online always seems to look better than we do. We forget that she has perfect lighting, an hour-long makeup routine, not to mention AI filters on every post. She looks amazing; but how much of what we see is really her?

Insecurities come from comparison and comparison comes from insecurities. It is a terribly destructive cycle, and one we can easily get caught in. Somewhere along the way, the lies we believed took root, and we disqualified ourselves from our own lives.

But…What if?

What if we dare to see beauty in the mirror?

Beauty in the twinkle in our eyes, and lines from our laughter…

our scars...

our hair that just won’t cooperate...

that crinkle above our nose?

What if the only thing that actually matters is that we are strong, confident women?

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life”?

-Mary Oliver

Dear Friend,

My photo shoots focus on who YOU are as a person. Not who people say you are, not who people want you to be, but your natural, organic self. Natural here does not mean that we don’t wear make-up or fancy clothes (those can be fun!) - it just means we aim to reflect in your photos the truest version of who you are.

I am a a confident, relational photographer with an artistic eye who combines intentional dialogue, no time limit, the beauty of nature, and YOU to create beautiful portraits.

Outer beauty does not make you confident. Knowing who you are does.

Love,

Jennie

“I LOVED shooting with Jennie! Nothing is better than feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin while taking photos. What’s special about Jennie is that she isn’t just after the shot, she is after the confidence of the subject she’s capturing. Jennie is easy to work with and excellent at coaching you through your shoot. You will absolutely leave feeling encouraged and empowered. Leave your shoot feeling like a boss and your pictures will be GORGEOUS! Easily a 5 star experience!”

- Chan Occena

Photography is about seeing the person on the other side of the lens.

Truly seeing her, and then taking her on a journey of self-reflection, vulnerability and fun.

My goal is to provide a safe place where girls and women feel they can let their guard down and be in the moment.

Quotes from the Beyond the Lens Project

“ I felt like something was lifted.”

“It was easy to feel accepted - to take off my mask and tell everyone!”

“The experience was meaningful and I could be vulnerable.”

“I did not have to lie.”

“I was in a safe space.”