Today we’d like to introduce you to JENNIFER COLLIER.
Hi JENNIFER, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography found me at a time when I didn’t realize how much I needed it.
I had owned my Sony camera for nearly two years before I ever truly used it. Every time I picked it up, I felt intimidated. It seemed easier and more comfortable to rely on my phone than to learn all the settings and technical aspects of photography.
Everything changed when the head coach of the Frisco Memorial Girls Varsity Basketball Team reached out to me after seeing some photos I had shared on social media. She asked if I would be interested in taking photos for the team. I had every reason to say no, but instead, I decided to take a chance on myself.
Before my first game, I called a photographer friend back home in Louisiana for advice on getting started without spending a fortune on new equipment. I also connected with one of the team dads who is deeply involved in photography and videography. He generously gave me a three-hour crash course that helped build my confidence and gave me the foundation I needed to jump in.
From there, I learned by doing. I became the team photographer and partnered with Story of the Season to help document the team’s incredible journey. Looking back at those early images now, I can clearly see how much I’ve grown. Every game, every event, and every photo taught me something new.
What started as simply taking pictures turned into something much deeper. I discovered that I love telling stories through images. When I look through a gallery, I don’t just see photographs—I see emotions, memories, relationships, victories, and moments that can never be recreated. Sometimes those images even bring tears to my eyes because I know how meaningful they are to the people in them.
Photography has given me a creative outlet that I never expected. As a labor and delivery nurse, I’ve spent my career helping people through some of life’s most important moments. Photography allows me to do something similar in a different way—preserving moments that people can hold onto forever.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth happens when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. What began as a scary opportunity became a passion, a business, and something that brings me genuine joy every single day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! It has been rewarding, but definitely not a smooth road.
Learning to shoot in manual mode has been one of the biggest challenges. Understanding shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and lighting felt like learning a completely different language at first. Even now, I’m constantly learning. The difference between a great shot and a missed shot can come down to a single setting.
I’ve also made plenty of rookie mistakes along the way. I’ve accidentally deleted what I thought were some of my best photos and couldn’t recover them. I’ve shown up to shoots without my memory card loaded. I’ve tried covering an entire basketball game with only one battery, only to discover how quickly a camera battery drains. Those are lessons you only have to learn once!
One of the biggest challenges was overcoming my own intimidation. I would walk into games and see seasoned photographers on the sidelines with huge cameras, massive lenses, and years of experience. Meanwhile, I was standing there with my Sony camera and a 24-70 lens, wondering if I belonged.
What surprised me most, though, was how supportive the photography community has been. Instead of feeling judged, I found people who were willing to help. I’ve connected with several experienced photographers who have shared tips, answered questions, and encouraged me along the way. Their generosity helped me gain confidence and continue improving.
Looking back, every mistake, every missed shot, and every awkward learning moment was part of the process. The struggles taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of simply showing up and trying. I’m still learning every day, but that’s part of what makes photography so exciting.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the owner and photographer behind Very Photojenic, a photography brand focused on capturing authentic moments and telling stories through images. While I photograph a variety of subjects—including sports, seniors, families, branding sessions, and special events—I would say my specialty is capturing emotion and connection. I love finding those candid moments that people don’t even realize are happening and turning them into memories that last forever.
Many people in my community also know me for something a little unexpected. As a labor and delivery nurse, I’ve become the unofficial photographer in the delivery room. After a baby is born, you’ll often find me taking parents’ phones and capturing those first precious family photos. In fact, many of the physicians and nurses I work with will tell new dads, “Just give Jennifer your phone—she’ll get the pictures.” Over the years, I’ve photographed countless first moments, and it’s become one of my favorite parts of the job.
What I’m most known for is my ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Most people tell me they’re awkward, nervous, or don’t know how to pose. I enjoy creating an environment where they can relax, be themselves, and have fun. That’s usually when the magic happens.
One thing that sets me apart is my background as a labor and delivery nurse. For more than 27 years, I’ve had the privilege of being present during some of the most important moments in people’s lives. Nursing taught me how to connect with people, anticipate meaningful moments, and remain calm under pressure. Those same skills translate directly into my photography.
What I’m most proud of is that I had the courage to start. For two years, my camera sat unused because I was intimidated by it. Today, I’m documenting championship basketball teams, photographing families, capturing milestones, and building a business around something that genuinely brings me joy.
I’m also proud of how much I’ve grown in a relatively short amount of time. When I look back at my first images compared to my work today, the difference is incredible. But more than the technical growth, I’m proud that I’ve found something that allows me to combine creativity, storytelling, and human connection.
At the end of the day, photography isn’t just about taking pictures for me. It’s about preserving moments that people can revisit years from now and still feel exactly how they felt in that moment. Whether it’s a state championship game, a senior portrait, a family session, or the first photo of a newborn with their parents, those are the moments that matter. If my images can make someone smile, laugh, cry, or remember a special chapter in their life, then I’ve done my job.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to connect with me is through Instagram at @veryphotojenic, where I share my latest work, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming projects. You can also view and preview my galleries through Pixieset, where clients can experience the stories I capture through my lens.
I’m always open to working with families, seniors, athletes, lifestyle clients, small businesses, brands, and individuals looking to preserve meaningful moments. Whether it’s a family milestone, a branding session, a sporting event, a lifestyle shoot, or simply capturing everyday moments that deserve to be remembered, I love creating images that tell authentic stories.
I also enjoy collaborating with local businesses, creatives, influencers, and community organizations that value connection, creativity, and storytelling. As I continue to grow, I’d love to expand into more lifestyle, branding, and creative content projects.
One of the biggest ways people can support me is simply by following my journey, sharing my work, recommending me to friends and family, and engaging with my content. As a growing photographer, word-of-mouth referrals have been invaluable and mean more than people realize.
My goal is to create images that make people feel something—whether that’s joy, nostalgia, pride, or connection. If my work resonates with you, I’d love to connect and help tell your story through the magic found in every frame.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://veryphotojenic.pixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veryphotojenic?igsh=d2dxOHV1YXppc2Qx&utm_source=qr
