Today we’d like to introduce you to Geraldine Jeannot.
Geraldine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started photography in High School. I joined the yearbook and photography class, I walked in thinking it was going to be an easy A. Ironically, I failed them both. Fast forward to college, I saved some of my scholarship money to purchase my first camera. I figured “Why not try again?” Six years later, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I started photographing my friends for graduation. Then they referred me to their friends. Soon, became known on campus as one of the go-to photographers for graduation. I spent four years of my college career studying medicine but in the back of my mind I wanted to be a photographer but I was scared.
So, I did it as a side gig. At the start of 2021, I decided to fully pursue photography. I had a four month plan to quit my full-time job, save up and get my LLC. But about two and a half months in, I couldn’t do it anymore. I took the leap and quit my job in the middle of the day on a Monday in February. March was my first month of being full-time and it was amazing. I had so many past clients book me. And I booked five weddings in one month which is major to me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! The first three years of my path in photography was learning my camera. The next two years were about battling the worth of my work in my mind. This past year was dealing with watching my plans fall apart in my professional and personal life during COVID. I had originally planned to go full-time in wedding photography in 2020. And then the world collapsed. It was a blessing in disguise though. It allowed me to put down more roots and create a foundation in my business. I was able to practice and network more with wedding vendors who were also struggling in the midst of COVID. I’m a first-generation immigrant, so I just have this “hustle” engrained in me. I see a closed door and I’m thinking of three ways to break it down or build my own door to opportunity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wedding and elopement photographer. My work is known for being filled with vibrant color and life. I love capturing people of color on camera. I’ve been told by Black women that stepping in front of my camera was the first time they felt seen. Their skin was glowing and wasn’t harshly edited. They felt beautiful in their photographs. I’m most proud of the first styled wedding shoot I ever did. I bought wedding dresses from Lulus, snuck onto the Alfond Inn property in Winter Park, and shot for almost two hours before they found me and kicked me out! This was February 2020, right before the pandemic. I didn’t have anything related to weddings in my portfolio at the time but I had $200 and a vision. I made it work! What sets me apart is I love experimenting with light, colors, shadows & composition. After all, there are no two weddings alike, each has its own story & deserves a tailored approach. My photos won’t look like anyone else’s.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
The biggest risk I took was quitting my job this year. I was making good money in the midst of a pandemic. I could have stuck it out. But I was crying every day after work. I hated my life and my job. It was either lose my mind or literally jump out on faith. So to quit and pivot into wedding photography where I only had one wedding booked for the WHOLE year was full of risk. Everyone has a dream and wants to make it happen. And of course, everyone’s risks are different. I was lucky enough to have my family support my decision. Not everyone is going to have that. I view risk as a positive motivator. I can either try or not.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@geraldinejeannotphotography.com
- Website: https://www.geraldinejeannotphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geraldinejeannotphoto/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/geraldinejeannphoto/
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