In the serene town of Smith Mountain Lake, where the colors of sunset paint tales on the water, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jen Chaconas, best known as Jolly Jen to the photography world. Known for her infectious laughter and the art of capturing enchanting moments, Jen's photographic journey is a story of passion, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of storytelling through her camera lens.

"High school yearbook days were my initiation," Jen shares, a sound of nostalgia in her voice. Her love affair with photography began with racing to Eckerd's drug store for prints with 120 film and flashbulbs.

Fast forward to one special Christmas morning, Jen unwrapped a Minolta—a 22-megapixel game-changer, and she entered the realm of digital photography. "It felt like I was instantly a professional," she chuckles, reminiscing about the steep learning curve that accompanied the shift to digital. Little did she know, this moment marked a turning point in her photography career.

In the corporate world of pharmaceuticals, Jen sought something more. Still determined for something in a creative world, a meeting with local photography maestro Kevin Hurley took an unexpected turn. "He said 'NO' to working with me but told me to submit images for critique. It was a wake-up call," she reflects. The Virginia Professional Photographer Association became her sanctuary, where critiques fueled her hunger for improvement.

The turning point occurred after connecting with Blair Phillips, a presenter whose vibrancy left an indelible mark. "His workshop was a revelation," Jen shares. "It wasn't just about capturing images; it was about telling a story, pricing your work, and mastering the art of in-person sales." It was a pivotal moment in the evolution of her craft.

Jump to one year later, Jen opened her studio in 2013 marking a significant milestone, but challenges loomed. "The unknown was my biggest challenge," she recalls. Instead of relying on the adage "build it and they will come," Jen delved into research, reading, and a commitment to learning the business side of her passion.

For Jen, photography is the art of capturing the magic in a moment. "I feel blessed that people have invited me into their lives to capture what is special to them," she says, the sincerity in her voice echoing the essence of her philosophy.

“They say, do what you love“, Jen mentions. It was hard to figure out at first. She tried weddings, and newborns, realizing it wasn’t exactly what she loved photographing. She found her calling in capturing memories for high school seniors and their families. This is where her creativity and energy collided.

Her business grew from there to include other types of portraits. "Corporate headshots became an intimate dance of capturing true personalities in a brief encounter," she adds. Family portraits, set against the backdrop of Smith Mountain Lake, evolved into a tradition of building lasting relationships with vacationing families.

"What sets me apart? It's about relationships, capturing personalities, and always striving to be better," she asserts. Each click of her camera shutter is a step towards surpassing her limits, ensuring that every client experience is as unique and unforgettable as the individual she's capturing.

From teaching elementary school to navigating the pharmaceutical world, the pursuit of making a difference remained constant. Building relationships—it's the heart of Jen's journey, evident in every photograph she captures.

It's not just about capturing images; it's about unveiling the true essence of each individual. Face-to-face consultations, questionnaires, and a commitment to understanding her clients' personalities became integral in crafting authentic stories through her lens.
"Waking up every day knowing I've built a business based on relationships—there's nothing more rewarding," she confesses. A decade behind the camera lens is a testament to the impact of genuine connections formed over the years.

Never settling on what she knows, Jen's commitment to continuous learning is unwavering. "Always be better than I was yesterday," she affirms. Attending conferences, learning new skills, and staying updated with the latest trends are her ways of providing the best for her clients.

The tale wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the role of PhotoBiz. "John Krazmien has been a crucial part of my success," she expresses. “The relationship with PhotoBiz goes beyond business—it's a lifelong friendship forged in the journey of capturing magic.”

"Earning my hobbies through hard work" is Jen's philosophy. Boating, reading, and fitness provide a balance, fueling her quest to be the best version of herself. It's not just about capturing moments for others; it's also about savoring life's moments for herself.

A decade behind the lens, capturing moments, building relationships, and chasing the magic—Jen’s story continues to evolve, one snapshot at a time.

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