Oahu Professional Photographer
For the past few years, I’ve been receiving email questionnaires from local high school students inquiring about my career. I know it’s part of their photography class grade and thought that I could put all the answers to their questions in one place, since the inquiries are numerous and around the same time each year. Yes! How convenient for you!! Here goes…
What got you into photography?
I started to dabble in photography when I had my first child, 15 years ago. It is when I remember digital cameras were first coming out… or it could be when I started to become interested in them because I had a beautiful baby I wanted to photograph. The busy-ness of motherhood kept me from really knowing the artistic and technical merits of true photography. Fast forward to 10 years ago.. I knew (as any mother would) that my children were gorgeous. I wanted to photograph them and document our daily life. I started to look only at other photographers that I admired and studied how they took their photographs. The beautiful blurred backgrounds, close ups on eyes, stuff like that. I wanted to take pictures like that too!! I got serious about photography. It was then that I convinced my husband that I absolutely needed a DSLR camera with a nifty 50 lens. My first DSLR camera ever was the Canon Rebel (I forgot what model number it was) and the nifty 50, F1.8 lens and the rest is history. 🙂
How long have you been a photographer?
I have been a photographer for 10 years, but a professional, legit photographer for 8 years. As legit I mean to say, actually charging for my services AND paying taxes.
What makes photography enjoyable for you?
I honestly love creating beautiful, fun portraits in this gorgeous landscape of Oahu, Hawaii. The families that I meet are icing on the cake. I have fully enjoyed meeting folks from all over the world that come to Hawaii to vacation.
What is your photography style?
My photography style is natural, fun and connected portraiture. There is a naturalness to the way I ask my clients to connect in front of my camera, all the while maintaining a fun atmosphere. I love that there is a “connection” in my photography with my subjects, whether it is a bride and groom, a family, a graduating senior or the landscape. When you look at my images, I want them to speak to you somehow. Whether it is, “Wow, what a gorgeous beach, I want to be sitting on the sand, ” or “That family looks like they really love being together, that photo should be on the cover of a magazine!” I know I’ve done my job, it’s one of the greatest compliments I could receive about my work.
Did you have any other jobs?
Before I became a professional photographer, I was an Interior Designer and then a stay at home mom and now I am a full time professional photographer entrepreneur.
What inspires you?
People inspire me. Their facial expressions cannot be contrived. When a groom looks at his bride for the first time, the look in his eyes when he looks at her…. when a grandparent meets their new grandchild for the first time, when a mother hugs their son meaningfully, when a group of friends are together enjoying a time well spent… natural facial expressions that express joy inspires me.
Have you traveled to take your pictures?
Yes, I’ve had clients that have paid for my travel fees that have taken me to California and the outer islands. I love it, but my kids are still fairly young and at this point in my career, I have to pick and choose where I would accept a travel assignment.
What type of equipment do you use?
I use all professional Canon equipment. I currently shoot with a Canon 5Dm2 and various Canon lenses. I firmly believe that it is NOT your equipment, but rather the person behind the camera that knows how to use their equipment to create beautiful images.
How long do you shoot for events?
Weddings are sometimes 4-8 hours, elopements are sometimes 90 minutes to 2 hours. Currently, my photo shoots are about 60 minutes of fun.
Do you have any photographers that influenced you to take this career path?
When I first started, I really admired Jasmine Star and Jessica Claire. I scoured their websites back and forth, forwards and backwards. I think it’s important to expose yourself to a few favorite photographers and study their shooting style. Yours will eventually evolve into itself.
What is it do you want to say with your photographs?
I want my images to share a thread of some kind of loving connection with the people in my photos.
How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to actually doing it full time, for a living?
When I first started, a friend came to my house and noticed the photographs that I had of my kids throughout my house. She had asked if I would come over to photograph her family for Christmas cards. I thought that it would be fun to do, so I went over her house and took some photos. They were not the greatest, but there were a few gems in there. She chose one image to use for her Christmas cards, mailed them out to friends and a few weeks later I got a phone call from one of her friends that got that Christmas card. She asked if I could come to her house to take pictures of her daughter and that she would pay me. Whhhaaaaat?? Really?! … and this is how it all began.
How many times have you worked specifically as a photographer?
I have photographed hundreds of families…. and when people ask my occupation, I proudly say “I am a professional photographer.”
Do you have insurance?
Yes, I do. In the state of Hawaii, a professional, legitimate photographer is required to have insurance and sign up for a permit to shoot at the beach (and pay taxes!!) 🙂
Hope I’ve helped you get an A+ in your photography class!! Best Wishes and Warmest Aloha, ~j
Best Affordable Oahu Photographer, Jennifer Brotchie, specializes in family photo shoots and portraits at the beach as well as engagement/couples shoots and senior portraits. Serving fun families lodging in Waikiki, Disney Aulani, Four Seasons and Marriott in KoOlina, Turtle Bay Resort in North Shore,Lanikai,Kahala and all points between. Beach photography sessions available in the morning and for sunset. Family Vacation Photos, Engagement Couples Photo Sessions, Waikiki Portrait Sessions, Editorial Photography on Oahu… Always seeking fun loving and connected families who love to hug, laugh and have a great time!
