featured: jess sandager
we are so excited to share one of our wallflower friends from the spring retreat -- jess sandanger. jess is brimming with talent, and the growth she has made since march makes us both so proud. her work is creative, heartfelt and inspiring. see what jess has to share below and please take a bit of time to explore her full portfolio and blog!!
wallflower friend: Jess Sandager
business name: Olive Avenue Photography
location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
website: www.oliveavenuephotography.com
blog: www.oliveavenuephotography.com/blog
How many years have you been a photographer?
I started my journey right around the adoption of our daughter from Vietnam in 2007. A few months after she came home I bought my first DSLR. I started my business about 18 months ago in the spring of 2009.
How would you describe your style?
I just try to follow my heart, behind the camera and with post processing. I feel my way through everything. I find inspiration in the world around me. I am always drawn to create a marriage between my subjects and the earth -- girls in pretty dresses belong in the weeds, pregnant mommies in the water, llittle boys in the dirt. Childhood is a magical time…and I long for the images I create to embody that.
Can you share why you chose to attend the wallflower friends retreat this past spring?
I have always been a huge fan of Deb and Leah’s work. They are both enormously talented at what they do and produce work that is unique and emotional. I also appreciate their partnership and friendship. So when my close friend and fellow photographer suggested we go…I knew it would be the perfect fit. I was also looking for more than just a workshop. I was looking to find myself as a photographer...and knowing what I did about Deb and Leah, I knew I could trust them to help me with that.
What was your favorite part of the retreat?
It is certainly difficult to choose a favorite part...as it all was really so memorable! But I loved our dinners with Deb and Leah. Just being able to sit and chat for a couple of hours with great food and wine and all these wonderful women…it was the best. And Deb and Leah would answer any questions we asked…they were so generous.
Have you (as a photographer) or has your business grown or changed since returning from the retreat? If so, in what ways?
Everything has completely changed for me since the retreat. I truly believe it was the turning point in my personal journey with photography and my business. I found myself at the retreat. I had so many fears that I was carrying around with me before. I would shoot and edit differently for clients than I would for myself personally because I was so insecure about being different than everyone else. At Wallflower Friends I learned to embrace who I was as a person and a photographer…and my work was transformed. I am IN my work now…heart and soul. The fear is gone and I feel like anything is possible. Deb and Leah were so supportive and encouraging…they gave me wings!
What type of photographer do you feel would most benefit from the wallflower friends retreat?
Anyone who is passionate about life and their craft will benefit. All you need is an open heart and mind.
Where do you see your photography going in the next couple years? Did the retreat help shape that vision?
The sky is the limit. I am booked 2-3 months in advance right now. If you had asked me if that was possible a year ago I would have never believed it. My goal is just to keep growing, learning and dreaming…and yes, Wallflower Friends has definitely helped shape that vision. Oh, and I am hoping for a Wallflower Friends reunion…hint, hint!
What inspires you, in general?
Life! Giggles, tears, imperfection, emotion, love. Last night I was shooting at the beach before sunset and there was just the most lovely warm breeze. That was inspiring! I was sitting there in the sand shooting this beautiful woman with a growing baby in her belly and just thinking, wow…I have the best job in the world.
Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 05:58PM
Reader Comments (8)
thank you jess for this awesome interview. YOU are an inspiration!! xo
love that you profiled a wonderful lady and great photographer who has more drive than anyone I know. may her journey continue to be filled with success
Congrats Jess! This is an awesome interview!! Such an inspiring journey you have been this year.
Gorgeous heart, gorgeous lady, and gorgeous work! So glad to have been a part of knowing you!!!
what a great interview. and also one of the luckiest to have gotten to meet jess at the retreat. such a talented photographer!
Hi Jess...wonderful words...which emanate with such positiviety and happiness...you got the powah! Adore each and everyone of these images too - particularly the yellow chair and tartan leg warmers! amazing light and processing
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