Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Gifford.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born and bred true to the core Floridian, I was born in Eustis in 1980 raised in Ocala, Florida most my life. Currently located in Summerfield, Florida I relocated here about two years ago. I have recently become a grandmother to a handsome little man named Alexander.
Photography has always been a pretty big part of my life; my grandfather was a Photographer for many years and my father was a Photographer for a newspaper in Michigan in the 60-70’s. I still have so many prints from back then. They are one of my most prized possessions and mean more to me than anything I could ever buy.
Domestic violence has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember one of my first memories are of my father choking my mother and most of the memories that I have from when I was younger are of abuse and situations that we’re not ideal I pretty much raised myself and my brother. my mother spent most days in our restaurant trying to make a living for us. My father was an alcoholic for most of my childhood he is now sober and a different man. Which is a true blessing we are now reconnecting, which is something I have always wanted and hoped for.
I have found that history will repeat itself if you don’t make the changes necessary. I found myself in a bad situation I was with a man for eight years and I had to escape he ended up doing 18 months in prison and I now suffer from PTSD from that experience, he was the reason why I relocated.
As far as my photography, I like to focus on things that I care about. I have worked in just about every genre and find that conceptualism and fine art are where my heart lies.
I have worked over 100 concerts and events and have been doing weddings for the last five years. I really enjoy weddings it’s the love story for me, I’m such a sap. I still cry every time. It’s the sentimental moments, the things that mean so much more that get me. I am by far a sentimental Photographer I shoot things and try to capture those moments and things that mean a little more to the clients or myself. I am always incorporating things for my grandparents into sessions whether it be close a candlestick holder or a necklace. I’m always trying to bring more meaning and sentiment into each session.
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?
Heck no. Between my ex getting on drugs pawning all of my gear and anything worth anything. I have had to start all over from scratch. I sold my home and I relocated to Summerfield and I have been trying to build my business back up acquiring new gear and just replacing all the things that I’ve lost.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in conceptual and fine art. I like creating the images that I see in my head and incorporating things that bring sentimental meaning into each image. I’m not your average family photographer. I spend a lot more time with my clients learning their likes and dislikes and what means the avail most to them so that I can bring those feelings into our sessions. If that makes sense.
How do you think about happiness?
Spending time with my family. I have learned over the years that nothing means more than family.
Pricing:
- Family Sessions start at $400
- Wedding collections start at $2000
- Fine Art Sessions start at $600
Contact Info:
- Email: Bookings@jennifermgifford.com
- Website: jennifermgifford.com
- Instagram: @jennifermgifford
- Facebook: Facebook.com/jennifermgiffordphotographer
- Twitter: @Momentsforlyfe
Image Credits:
Maria Heller Designs (red dress) Bashia & Karl Schaefer (couple) Brandy Bennett (pumpkin head)
