spotlight :: JoNa Photography

(all images copyright JoNa Photography)
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Ealier this week, I contacted Jennifer Dery of JoNa Photography to get more info about the photos from Lovely24's knottie bio. I very much enjoyed her portfolio and her kind words via email, so I asked her to be featured in a spotlight, to which she kindly agreed. She also has got a blog, so don't forget to check it out. Here is our little Q+A from earlier this week.

Pearls Events :: How did you get started in the biz?
JoNa Photography :: After extensively searching for my own wedding photographer and being really inspired by some of the work I saw, I thought photography might be a fun, creative outlet for me. At the the time, I was finishing medical school and wasn't really sure I wanted to be a doctor. My wonderful husband gave me the courage, and an early graduation present of a film SLR camera, to pursue my dreams. I offered to do an engagement session for free for a bride-to-be. She ended up liking them and posted the images on a wedding chat board and I am very fortunate that the word-of-mouth referrals haven't stopped since. My first wedding was shot entirely in film for a couple who had to move up their wedding date due to the groom's early deployment. I don't think I have ever been so stressed out waiting for the film to be developed to see if anyone would ever hire me for a wedding again.

Pearls Events :: What is your number one, always-gotta-get-it shot?
JoNa Photography :: The kiss!

Pearls Events :: Where are you located and do you travel?
JoNa Photography :: My husband, son and I live in Holt, MI (just south of Lansing). Yes, I do travel!

Pearls Events :: If you could shoot anyone's wedding who would it be?
JoNa Photography :: Present: Oprah Winfrey. Can you imagine all of the fun details?! Past: My parents. I know that's not really possible, but I would love to see, document and experience one of the most important days between one of the most special couple's I know.

Pearls Events :: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
JoNa Photography :: Oberweis Mint Chocolate Chip (probably the main reason I want to move back to Chicago some day)

Pearls Events :: What is your photography style?
JoNa Photography :: I prefer a more candid and photojournalistic approach. I hope the words: timeless, emotional, real and creative might be used to describe my work.

Pearls Events :: What is some advice for couple's hiring a photographer?
JoNa Photography :: Light is a critical part of photography. The type, quality and amount of light during different parts of your day can affect the photos. If you have lighting options, include your photographer in that discussion to achieve the results you desire in your photos.

If you have the option, don't put the cake table in the corner of the room. The bride and groom face the corner to cut the cake and it is sometimes difficult for the photographer and the guests to see the actual cake cutting.

Extensive must take lists often limit a photographer's creativity. Recreating someone else's wedding may mean the story of your day gets lost in the list. There are plenty of photographers who don't mind, and even prefer, working off of lists, so make sure when you meet with photographers that you discuss this aspect of his/her style so everyone is happy with the final results.