Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn McKinney.
Hi Jenn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
HI, I’M JENN Your Raleigh Senior Portrait Photographer
SERVING RALEIGH TO DURHAM, FUQUAY VARINA TO HOLLY SPRINGS, CARY TO APEX AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS
Five years of capturing unforgettable moments, and now, a dream realized – my very own studio nestled in the heart of historic downtown Raleigh!
It’s a magical milestone as I celebrate half a decade of senior photography bliss, and this studio, it’s like a gift that just fell into my lap. After over a year of looking, this amazing space fell into my lap and is better than I could’ve ever imagined.
Overflowing with character and charm, it’s more than just a space; it’s a sanctuary where every click of the camera tells a story. Located in the beating heart of Raleigh, it’s not just convenient; it’s a hub of inspiration, surrounded by the very essence of the city I love. Being here is more than a blessing; it’s a privilege to share this cool vibe with the amazing teenagers who grace my lens. Here’s to five years of memories, and countless more to come in this incredible space!
Let me describe the JMFHOTO Senior Experience for you:
Right in the heart of Raleigh’s vibrant downtown, our newly rejuvenated, historic studio radiates character and charm.
Step into a world of elegant senior portraits that capture each senior’s unique personality into a timeless heirloom. Once you’ve had your hair and makeup done right in our Raleigh studio, you’re ready to step straight onto Fayetteville Street and start your session.
Next, we’ll hit a second location, and you’ll be back in Downtown Raleigh in time to go to a celebratory dinner.
As your go-to NC Senior Portrait photographer, I’m dedicated to creating a personalized experience that reflects your unique style and personality.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Trying to find a studio space of my own that worked in my budget around the Raleigh area was very difficult. I searched around in Fuquay Varina, Apex, Holly Springs, Cary and all the cities in between just to find either way too big a space, stuffy old medical buildings that would require a lot of money and time to remodel or just way out of my budget. I came to the conclusion at the beginning of 2024 that I was just going to have to wait because after all of my search, tours of places and working with commercial real estate agents it wasn’t my time yet. Then at the beginning on Feb I got a Facebook Marketplace notification about a space in Downtown Raleigh. The space was unbelievable and the price was in my budget. Sounded way to good to be true or maybe even a scam. But I contacted them anyways just to see. The listing agent talked with me on the phone about my needs and budget and we scheduled a time to view the space. On arrival he had decided he was going to show me an adjoining space first since he thought it would work better for me. All I can say is WOW, two rooms separated by a very cool and historical wall with windows that open and a very hip vibe. Since I am a senior/teen photographer this is the perfect space – one room for hair/makeup and taking portraits and the other room as my reveal room and client closet. I couldn’t believe it and was afraid to ask for the rent costs. To my surprise they had decided they would drop the rent a little to fit into my budget. I mean talk about meant to be. Fast forward and here we are months later, I have had several portrait sessions in the studio, including model team cap and gown due to rain, many many reveal sessions and an amazing open house. No more needing to rush through my reveal sessions to race against my allowed time block. I have tried to make it as comfy as possible with a nice little beverage/snack area and gorgeous metal prints on the wall and several albums for my clients to look through.
Downtown Raleigh is about 45 mins from my house, but the majority of my sessions are in Raleigh. With the studio being located on Fayetteville Street it is the perfect location as downtown is undergoing some renovation and trying to bring in more people. Plus I am now more centrally located to reach more clients!
We’ve been impressed with Jenn McKinney Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in senior/teen portraits. Creating a unique and personal experience for them, it’s more than just the portraits. I get to know them, joke with them, pour into them, encourage them. Teenagers these days deal with a lot of confidence issues – I try my best to help them understand how beautiful and special they are. I want to help build up their confidence all the while creating amazing heirlooms for their parents to enjoy once they are away at college. Creating wall art, albums etc to treasure for a lifetime. Everything is printed from a high quality print lab.
With me joking around with these seniors/teens I am able to get true and real expressions from them to capture in their portraits. I use off camera flash so I am able to capture the true colors and the sparkle in their eyes.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Watching these teens/senior’s confidence grow through the JMFHOTO Experience and hearing feedback from the parents about how I was able to capture their child perfectly. I have a passion for these seniors/teens and to provide the most memorable experience.
Pricing:
- Senior sessions start at $1200
- I have a variety of portrait collections that include digitals, wall art, albums etc
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jmfhoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennmckinneyphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennmckinneyPhotography
