Natalie Jennings: Photographer, Educator, Free Spirit
Here at The Agency Co., we firmly believe that business-owners are changing the shape of the world with their ventures. Today we’re proud to feature Natalie Jennings.
Natalie is an idea-generator. She a wildly creative photographer with an education background, which makes her uniquely suited to running her multiple businesses. On one hand, artist…cranking out gallery-worthy editorial style photography that you can guarantee will capture the fleeting moments where memories are created. On the other, mentor…using a decade and a half of experience to teach young photographers how to build profitable businesses. And she’s not done creating new things. Keep your eyes peeled for future ventures.
We can all learn from her free spirited approach to business.
Here’s what she shared:
🌎 How is your company changing today’s landscape?
I think empowering people to build a dream business--and watching them do it--is life-changing. When I started Jennings Photo--my lifestyle photography business--in 2010, it was a huge undertaking since not as many resources were readily available for new photographers ten years ago as there are today.
For me, building this business has changed my life for the better in so many ways and I want that for others, too. My podcast and coaching programs through Photo Business Help are doing just that. It's incredible to watch people successfully build their dream photo businesses and live better lives.
Continuing to share my work via Jennings Photo and teach other via Photo Business Help is a combination that I hope continues to be inspiring for others in this industry.
👊 What is your favorite part about your job of lady-boss biz owner?
Honestly, sleeping in and working late. I'm a night owl and enjoy my productive and quiet late-night hours.
Second is hands down the creative control I have around new ideas. Not in a control-freak kind of way, but because I find that I'm much more invested in my own efforts, long work days, etc. when it's a project or idea that I'm building for me and to make my business better rather than an arbitrary task for another company or boss.
🔥 How would you define “agency” when you think about business ownership?
I think my last answer sums it up well: having agency over my own growth and development and implementation of new ideas lights me up. Agency is a kind of freedom. Personal agency over my choices allows "work" to instead feel like inspired creation.
📣 What would you say to a woman with a great business idea, but a hesitancy to launch?
Do it.
I'd also probably spout a couple of my faves: "Perfect is the enemy of done," is a great one because you can always refine and improve. But trying to get it perfect out of the gates is nearly impossible and hinders movement.
Second, I believe that motivation to move forward on a project often comes from simply doing the thing. We are often waiting around to feel inspired before we act, but often it's the other way around: acting and doing can wake up the muse, so to speak.
🙌 Who inspires you to be a force in your industry?
What's interesting about this question is that I don't think I've actually aspired, or been inspired, to be a "force" in my industry. I know recognition and reputation drives a lot of folks. But when it comes to Jennings Photo & Photo Biz Help I am inspired by my why, which is autonomy over my time and schedule. It's the freedom to do what I want, when I want and having a job where I get to be a creator.
I'm actually inspired by folks in many industries living the lifestyle that's important to me. Chris Ryan toodles around in his van and writes books. That's pretty awesome. Jordan Harbinger interviews interesting people and podcasts about it. Ester Hicks invites people to her live-changing events in places around the world.
And I've traveled the world snapping photos. Being "a force" doesn't really inspire me to do what I do. The lifestyle and opportunities do. I'm way more interested in living a fulfilling life that helps others do the same.
When not snapping photos of gorgeous things, plotting her next shoot, or publishing podcast episodes, Natalie can be found here:
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#humanswithagency is an ongoing celebration of humans who are using their power in business to change the shape of the world. Know someone doing it? Nominate them below and we’ll feature them in an upcoming issue..
