Inspired, A Very Special Project | Jennifer Cusimano Photography

Now and again you come across a photographer and instantly fall in love. Jennifer’s work seriously takes my breath away. Her soft processing, the special connection she captures between her clients and the dreamy way she photographs newborns just blows me away. I love everything about her work and am in fact SO excited about this interview I am bringing it on an off day AND am going to jump right into it with no further ado. Meet Jennifer Cusimano!

You can find her Blog HERE and Website HERE. You can also follow her on Facebook HERE.

Hi Sweet Jennifer!

Lets get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

I’m a wife and a mom to a 2 year old baby girl. I’m expecting baby girl #2 in October and couldn’t be more excited. I love my family and I am so grateful that I’m here today getting to do what I love.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

When I found out I was pregnant with my first baby I decided I had to learn all that I could before she was born. I didn’t want to miss anything.

What’s in your camera bag?

Nikon D700, 50 mm 1.4g, 60 mm 2.8 macro, 24-70 mm 2.8, 85 mm 1.4g

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

Canon 40D, 50 mm 1.4

If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?

My 50 mm 1.4g is my go to lens for all newborn sessions.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?

I just dove in and I can’t say it was all that bad. However, if I had to do it again, I would take it a little slower. I would have learned more in the beginning before starting to charge so that I could have priced my self appropriately. I’d also make friends in the industry earlier. Some of my best friends are photographers and I’ve finally realized that there is enough business for everyone.

What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?

I liked Anne Geddes when I was young, but since I’ve started photography I have loved Baby As Art.

What kind of photos do you like to take for just yourself when not working with clients?

I love taking pictures of my sweet girl…and with the upcoming arrival of her baby sister, I’m sure I’ll be taking a lot of newborn pictures!

If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?

Hmmm, that’s hard. I probably wouldn’t want to because I would be too nervous/ too stressed!

Describe your style in 3 words.

Pure, soft and simple

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

I honestly can’t think of one.

Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?

Feeling confident in my work and trying not to compare myself to others.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

I do most newborn sessions mid morning, but I love an hour before sunset for family/ outdoor sessions.

If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead?

Just be mom.

Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography?

I went to Texas A& M and got my degree in education. I haven’t had any formal education in photography.

What do you do to get your clients to relax with you?

I love on their newborn like it was my own and visit with them about the first few days of life. Most parents I work with are first time parents and I feel confident enough to take their baby while they relax. They are able to watch me work the entire time so they know their baby is safe. Most clients leave saying they want to take me home to get their baby to sleep!

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

I want to keep growing, learning and challenging myself. I want to take more personal pictures of my babies.

How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning? Any Big Aha! Moments?

I make myself do monthly sessions of my baby… even if I don’t want to. 😉 Photographing my family allows me the opportunity to try and experiment without the pressure of pleasing someone else.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

Embracing my style and not being envious of other styles/ other photographers.

Digital or Prints?

Digital

How long would you say it took you to find your “style”?

Probably around 2 or 3 years….not that I’m even there yet, but I like where I’m headed.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: pink and grey
Favorite Season: summer
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: bachelor and bachelorette
Pet Peeve:
Favorite Pandora Station: none
Studio or On location: both
What did you want to be when you grew up? a mom
One thing no one knows about you is: I’ve been eating Spaghettios almost every night right before bed (poor baby).
Pc or Mac: Mac
Lightroom Or Photoshop: both
Film or Digital: digital
Props or No Props: simple props
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Bora Bora, or anywhere there is a beautiful beach
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: It depends what day and what time of day.
Favorite photo ever taken: This is one of my favorite images because it’s of the two people I love most.

Raw or Jpeg: Raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: None, just the TV. Usually Sprout for the little one.
Favorite Quote: “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” -unknown- Shared on Oh So Posh Photography fan page.
Most valued material possession: Hmmm, that’s hard… pictures and iphone.
Processing Style: soft, clean and simple
Coffee or Tea: coffee
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Giuliana and Bill Rancic with their newborn baby
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? Kelly Moore b-hobo bag, in grey of course.