Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hagan.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my photography business in 2014. I was a single mom, babysitting in my home to pay my bills and I knew I wanted to do more. I wanted to do something I was passionate about and have the freedom to be with my kids. I knew photography was something that I was passionate about, and I wanted to pursue that. I bought my first camera with a kit lens and I started reaching out to other photographers to see if I could shoot with them, I started doing free shoots for friends and family.
I started taking classes and workshops and learning everything I could. Over the years, my business grew and I was able to go full-time with Photography in 2019. Every year I learn new things about my craft and I also fall more in love with this passion that I have. I have had a lot of challenges that I’ve had to overcome in my personal life and that directly translates into how I run my business. It’s so important to me to not only run a successful business but to also have a successful life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely is not always a smooth road. Owning your own business of any kind comes with so many ups and downs, struggles and victories, and so much learning. But at the end of the day, I am passionate about what I do and I absolutely love my job so I always say it’s worth it in the end. Being an entrepreneur is definitely not for the faint of heart. Last year covid-19 hit my business in ways I never thought possible. It was a struggle every day and I’m just happy to still be here doing what I love today. It also is greatly anxiety-inducing when you are always Looking for new ways to get your name out there, promote yourself, make sure you are getting booked, and make sure that you have time for family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer in the Raleigh area, although I travel all over. I have a very bright and Airy style and I’m probably most known for family photography. I’m always really proud of my family photography, I’m a kind person and photographing children comes so naturally to me. I’m always striving to pull natural smiles and expressions out of kids and families and I think that creates a photograph that you want to hang on your wall. I’m very excited about the direction of my business because this year I’m going to offer an entirely new experience for families. Still working on this, so I’m not announcing it yet so you’ll just have to stay tuned.
What are your plans for the future?
Yes! This is what I was just alluding to. I’m really excited to offer a new experience to families. This fall, I’m actually launching an entirely new experience for families. This is going to be something completely different for families who are looking for something more luxurious and different than portraits in the park. I don’t have all the details in place just yet, but what families can expect is more of a magazine-style photoshoot and print ordering session to follow. This is going to give families something truly special to be able to hang on their walls.
Pricing:
- $275 – $800 for portraits in the park
- $800 – $2400 for a studio experience
- $2800 – $4200 For weddings
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.jhaganphotography.com
- Instagram: @jhaganphotog
- Facebook: facebook.com/jhaganphotography
Image Credits
Headshots are by Radian Photography
