Rising Stars: Meet Jennie Ellis

Image credits: Kayla Irish

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennie Ellis.

Hi Jennie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My life was transformed in 2009. My family and I flew into one of the poorest countries in the world and our hearts were immediately changed. For the next 10 years, I traveled from Florida to Haiti 4 times a year. We began a school and church in a rural village with no electricity or running water.

The people in the village became family and I wanted to preserve the memories and quickly discovered that I would need a photographer. I could not afford to bring one on each trip so realized it would be my new hobby. I borrowed a camera and started to take photos of the children. in the school, so we could find sponsors in the US. I always had a small printer on hand because most had never seen a photo of themselves and giggled for hours as they stared at their reflections.

I began to see life through the lens of a camera.

I focused on people in their environment working the farm and cooking over an open flame. I had no formal training but realized that photography was something you feel more than something you do. Photos were a way of connecting to the people in the village. It was important to me to never exploit anyone but capture the heart of the friends I loved in that beautiful country.

As years went by, people started asking if I would take photos for them in the US and I began a small photography business focusing on outdoor portraits. I really embrace the idea that photos tell stories and everyone has a story. From there, my path widened and I began to see opportunities to use my gift to give back to my community in many different ways.

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?
I have not had many obstacles in photography. I have taken it one step at a time and made no assumptions so I have always been grateful for the opportunities.

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 live on 17 acres and photograph families (specializing in foster/adoptive families and special needs children), kittens for the rescue I volunteer with, and anyone who is looking for very natural, organic photographs.

I do not use props except a very simple trunk, bench, etc. I offer sessions that run an hour or longer and do not offer mini sessions. Because I believe photography is relational, it takes time to develop rapport and get the shots that capture people’s true personalities. I live on the most beautiful property. It is a breathtaking background for amazing photos.

I have spent a lot of my time photographing teen and young adult girls and have used my skill as a way to mentor them on self-worth. and value. Some of the girls I have been photographing for years free of charge.

A local coffee shop displays art that rotates once a month. On 3 occasions, I displayed my photography there which consisted of photos from my trips to Haiti, secretly incredible heroes in the community, and special needs children doing extraordinary things. I was also a featured artist for an organization that highlighted local women who were overcomers of addiction, abuse, etc. These shows changed me more than any other project because I photographed and became friends with such incredible human beings and was able to capture their resilience, strength, and courage.

My. greatest strength is to really see the people in front of my lens and help them find their inner confidence. As they become more comfortable, they also become more vulnerable and photographs become authentic and real. Photography is a tool to help people feel empowered and understood.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
My favorite quote is:

“When people ask me what equipment I use I tell them my eyes.”

-Anonymous

Contact Info:

• Email: jensellis624@gmail.clom
• Website: jennieellis.com
• Instagram: @JennieEllisPhotography
• Facebook: Jennie Ellis Photography