Fun Fact: Today’s Momtographer and I went to high school together! I must admit we didn’t really hang out in high school — I’m pretty sure we were in two completely separate crowds. But that’s all the more reason I absolutely LOVE the connections we can make all because of a camera. The people I’ve connected with (or re-connected with as the case may be here) through this photography journey are truly incredible. You know what else is incredible? Jennifer’s commitment to her craft and her beautiful images. Check em’ out!
Name
Jennifer Mooney
Camera/Gear
Canon t3i, 50mm, 1.8 Canon Lens
Tell us a bit about your kids and their personalities.
My three year old, Brayden, is my wild child, very active and always busy-but when he wants to be he is the sweetest little boy ever. He is into super hero’s and loves to tell me that he will “save the day.”Owen is my 9 month old and he has the sweetest smile, it literally melts your heart. You just look at him and he gives you a goofy grin. He is a mamma’s boy but is dying to keep up with his big brother.
Tell us why you love being a mom!
Nothing can prepare you for the insane life shift once you have kids, but to me, it’s all worth it when I hear them cry for me, or call for me. I love it when I pick up my son from preschool and he runs over and yells “MOMMY!!” or when Owen makes a beeline for me giggling the whoe way because I am home. the greatest joy that I will ever have is seeing life through their eyes, their smiles and their laughter and then they look over to see if I am watching, makes being a mom the best job ever.
Tell us what sparked your passion for photography.
I have always had an appreciation for photography and art. But it wasn’t until my first son was born and I hired a newborn photographer to come to home and take his pictures. She explained to me that she was just a mom with a camera and she got better and better…and I thought to myself…I can do that! It takes a lot of dedication, passion for learning more and time for practice, but it’s totally worth it. The best reward is hearing how much someone loves your photo, or you walk into their home and your picture is on the wall for everyone to see.
What was your biggest frustration before attending Momtographie class?
I like to shoot in Manual…but for me, it’s not always easy to get all the setting right, all the time. And being able to capture the moment, as its happening, without fiddling with my camera. Beryl’s class broke down the functions in terms you can understand and relate to your camera. Super Helpful!
You had taken a few other classes before attending Momtographie. Was there anything in particular you remember taking away from this class or any ‘Ah-ha!’ moments that you were able to implement right away?
What I think I took away the most from your class was to slow down and understand your camera. I had these insane goals of understanding my camera just by reading the manual…and doing some google searches. Your relationship with your camera is an evolution and practice really does make for perfection…and spending time with other classmates who are going through the same thing!
What’s next for you on your photography journey? Any hopes or dreams for what you’d like to learn/do next?
I really, really enjoy taking photos outside in the natural light in natural settings. I think my next goal is to learn more about studio lighting and how to enhance natural lighting. I want my journey to unfold naturally by creating work that is meaningful and inspires emotion, the only way to achieve that, in my opinion, is to keep practicing and learning as much as I can…and taking awesome classes like yours!!
Do you have a favorite photo you’ve taken? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite photo I have taken so far is my son right before his second birthday…he is so very hard to capture and usually runs the other way when I bring out my camera. But I took a photo of him and I think it just captures his “spirit.”
Are you looking to get the most out of your DSLR camera? It’s not too late to sign up for my next Momotographie class on August, 19th in Dulles, VA. Click HERE for all the details or to register. Not in the DC Metro area? Download your free Momtographer’s Guide below!