Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodie Andrews.
Jodie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out in photography back in 2008 and loved it. Unfortunately, I made all of the classic beginner mistakes of working for next to nothing, or worse, doing friends and family “favors” by giving them free sessions. I was a new mom and quickly became burnt out. Not only that, but I never really took myself or my business seriously, so in 2014 I decided to walk away from photography altogether. Throughout the next 6 years, I tried a few different things, but my mind always circled back to photography. I desperately missed creating beautiful images for others. So, at the end of 2019, I decided that I would return to photography shooting what I truly loved, beauty portraits. I decided that I would launch my business in January 2020… and then covid hit. Needless to say, that really hindered my plans, and my anxiety and self-doubt got the best of me.
In 2021 I still struggled to accept that running an online business now is extremely different that running one 13 years ago. Honestly, I dragged my feet and fought adapting to the way businesses are run, mainly putting myself out on the internet on a regular basis. People want to know who they’re doing business with. I didn’t want to be seen constantly because of my issues with anxiety and imposter syndrome, so I stayed hidden most of the time.
Today, I am fighting through all of those issues, working on niching down, rebranding my business, honing in on my style, and remembering my purpose. I love being able to photograph women to not only build up their confidence but empower them in a way they never thought possible. And that comes from them being able to see themselves in a way they never have before. I know personally, that when you’re feeling off, sometimes something as simple as looking at a lovely portrait of yourself can change your whole mentality. As women, we have so much working against us, and we all deserve to just be still and know that we are enough as is. Those are the kind of portraits I’m offering. Portraits that show the individual person, no matter what season of life they’re in. And I’m not talking “glamour shots” unless that is what someone request. These sessions are customized and extremely personal to whatever my client desires. This can be a ball gown with full makeup and hair, or a tee shirt and jeans. Just lovely portraits of lovely people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My main struggle has been 100% me. I’m a classic over-thinker and grew up with very little self-esteem. These are two things that have always held me back and caused me to make choices based out of fear and self-doubt. When I had my son back in 2009, I knew I had to work on this, but no one tells you how hard it’s gonna be trying to better yourself and grow up while trying to be your best for this tiny human. You’re basically growing up together, which is really hard. But I thank God for my kids, because of them I never quit. They have truly helped me become who I am today and always remind me of what I’m capable of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I first started out, I shot anything and everything under the sun! Weddings, newborns, families, kids, couples, seniors, boudoir, and it was a lot. Now, I’m shooting personalized portraits and elopements. I absolutely love weddings and all the details, but I honestly don’t have the personality for it. Not to mention the work that goes into them. But I really enjoy elopements because you get to connect with the couple on a much more personal level without all of the noise of wedding planning. And from that, you get to create some truly special images. Personalized portraits, those are what call out to my heart. Most women have a certain way they feel about themselves but end up burying it deep, deep down because they’re too busy working, being moms, being wives, being something for everyone else. Some women see themselves as romantic, lovely, feminine, free-spirited, etc., they identify with those feelings. However, life gets in the way, and they start to feel disconnected, frustrated, and before you know it all of those lovely, positive feelings are more of a distant memory. Sometimes it manifest as self-doubt or negative self-talk. And most of the time women will only get in front of the cameras for their families, bridals, or boudoir for their significant others. But trying to get them in front of the camera just because they are worthy, is a whole different story. I’m hoping I can make women see they deserve to have beautiful portraits of themselves just because they exist and they matter.
What matters most to you? Why?
At the end of the day, I just want to be able to take lovely portraits of people and be able to spend quality time with my family making memories and living an intentional life driven by purpose and love.
Pricing:
- Basic Sessions start at $585 and go up from there.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@jodieandrews.com
- Website: jodieandrews.com
- Instagram: jodieandrews_photography
- Facebook: jodieandrewsphotography
- Other: Pinterest: jodieandrewsphotography
