Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Adams.
Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
“How I Got Here” – Jen Adams Photo
It all started in 1999 with a big camcorder, backup batteries, and a tripod slung over my shoulder. I had a heart for storytelling and a dream to offer affordable wedding videography to couples in Central Florida. But just one year in, I fell head over heels for photography — and I knew I could do it better than what I was seeing at the time. I was one of only two women in the area doing this kind of work, and I brought a female perspective, a calming presence, and the kind of intuitive guidance that helped my clients truly shine on their special day. Add in my storytelling style — the kind that freezes a moment, captures a feeling, and turns it into something timeless — and I was hooked. By 2016, I fully transitioned to photography only… and I’ve never looked back.
Now, 26 years after starting my teensy business, I’m still doing what I love. I’ve photographed over 2,000 weddings, just as many families, hundreds of seniors, and at least 500 headshots. I’ve had the joy of capturing many couples on their wedding day, then photographing their newborns, family milestones, and eventually their teens’ senior portraits. I’ve even done extended family shoots for these clients that were originally a wedding couple — sometimes three and FOUR generations 20+ years later — Whether they choose their photo shoot to be at their home, a park, a special spot, or at the beach, these full-circle moments are everything to me!
My clients often tell me that my lightning-fast one-week turnaround, the fact that they own their images, and the personalized, responsive service I provide are what sets me apart. I believe in making the process easy, fun, and genuinely enjoyable — from the first message to the final gallery. What can I say? I am a workhorse and love to please my clients, because a happy client almost always comes back and they refer me, which is invaluable.
My husband and I recently moved into our dream home in Margaritaville, Daytona Beach — a sunny, palm-tree-filled paradise we designed ourselves! While I still photograph all over the Orlando area, I’m so excited to grow my client base along the coast — in Daytona, Ormond, New Smyrna Beach, Deland, Port Orange, and beyond.
From sandy toes to graduation caps, I bring energy, ease, and over two decades of experience to every shoot — and I love helping people feel comfortable, confident, and ready to shine.
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?
“Has it been a smooth road?”
For the most part, yes — I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a fulfilling, steady career doing something I’ve always loved. But like any business owner will tell you, it hasn’t always been sunshine and sandy beaches!
Over the years, I’ve occasionally run into clients who were just… hard to please. Some people are naturally wired to see the negative in everything, and that can make even a well-executed shoot feel tense. I’ve also had situations where someone only booked me for a small amount of coverage, then expected me to stay hours longer — without wanting to compensate for the extra time or the extra work that comes with three hours of shooting versus one.. Those moments have definitely helped me grow a thicker skin, and more importantly, a stronger contract!
The good news? Those tricky clients are the exception — not the rule. I’d say 99% of the time, I’m blessed with amazing people who appreciate my work, respect my time, and come back year after year. And with experience, I’ve gotten good at spotting red flags early on. If someone’s looking for “something for nothing”, I kindly guide them in a different direction and away from me. Protecting my time, energy, and creative spark has become just as important as delivering beautiful images.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in capturing life’s moments — big and small — with a personalized, thoughtful touch. From weddings, events and newborn sessions to high school seniors, headshots, and extended family shoots, I bring the same level of care, creativity, and connection to every session. I’m most known for how comfortable I make people feel, how easy I make the process, and how much I genuinely care about the final product.
What sets me apart? I’m in it for the people, not just the bookings. I love surprising clients with a little extra — whether it’s extra time on me, an unasked-for discount, or even a free shoot when I know it’ll make a difference, especially for my long-time loyal clients. I wish I could do that more often, but alas — I am still saving for my retirement! Still, I lead with my heart as much as my camera.
I have a special place in my heart for families going through a hard season, especially those navigating challenges they didn’t choose — including families with special needs children. My goal is to help everyone feel beautiful and seen, no matter what the world says they “should” look like.
Over the years, I’ve developed subtle posing techniques and creative direction that help clients feel confident — particularly those who don’t love how they look or have insecurities. Many have told me they come back year after year because of how I helped them feel in front of the camera.
Sometimes, I have to address the “elephant in the room” — whether it’s a concern someone is nervous to bring up or a sensitive family dynamic. I believe thoughtful, direct communication is key to a great experience. It’s not just about showing up and shooting — it’s about listening, understanding, and delivering images people truly love.
And that, more than anything, is what I’m proud of: the trust my clients place in me year after year to tell their story with kindness, honesty, and beauty.
How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t just about being featured in an article (though that’s always an honor!) — it’s the little moments that remind me I’m making a difference in my own Jen Adams Way. A heartfelt thank-you note, an unexpected tip, a referral to a friend or family member — those are moments that fill my cup. They tell me I’ve done more than just take a good photo for a client — I’ve made someone feel something they didn’t expect during a photo shoot, and they appreciated the experience enough to pass my name along.
But really, success is being able to continue doing what I love, year after year, and having the people around me recognize my heart and the effort I put into my craft. If my clients feel seen, beautiful, and valued — and if they walk away knowing I truly cared — that’s success in my eyes. And the fact that many of them come back again and again for photo shoots? That’s the greatest compliment of all and helpful with the “monetary success” many think of first.
Pricing:
- 1 hour family shoot or senior shoot on the beach $425
- 1/2 hour headshot with two deep edited headshots $225
- Weddings: Typically $425/hour billed on the quarter hour and we discuss a timeline that will work seamlessly to give you the budgeted price you need
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JenAdamsPhoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JenAdamsPhoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenAdamsPhoto
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-adams-photo/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jen-adams-photo-daytona-beach?osq=jen+adams+photo&override_cta=Get+pricing
Image Credits
Jen Adams Central Florida
