We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Lustig and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I picked up my passion for photography in high-school as a creative and emotional outlet for a troubled upbringing. I pursued it further in college by getting my Associates in Photographic Technologies. Since then I have worked a number of various photography related jobs, including being a Gallery Director of John Fielder’s Colorado & The Denver Photo Art Gallery. I always viewed photography as a hobby and that if I made it into a business, then I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. I know now that I had it completely backwards!

Over the past few years I have been bartending and shooting very little on the side. I tried to apply for jobs and get back into the creative field but had no luck finding something for the pay I wanted and the flexible schedule I yearned for. I also received a lot of NO’s, was passed up for a promotion, and was not advancing at my current job. This was hard to experience, but has only inspired me to start saying YES to myself now! Photography is never something I knew how to pursue full time because I never had the confidence in myself to do it. I’m taking steps now to change that way of thinking. I’ll be taking some entrepreneurial business classes next year, as well as working with some artists I admire to advance my skills and grow my business even further!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
First of all, I still have a long way to go before I’ve met the level of success I’m chasing… but I am on my way! I have been shooting for about 16 years now, and I aim to make it a full time career. I think my art stands out in the way I notice and compose details within the frame, as well as how I capture natural light, and tell a story or emotion through a photograph. Some of my earlier creative work really challenged me to put myself in uncomfortable environments, try new things, and be completely vulnerable with some of my projects. I enjoy capturing all things in front of my camera. I’ve done landscapes, food, architecture, events, music, product photography… but portraits is where the magic really happens.

I love getting to know my subject, and being on an adventure with them to create and capture moments they will remember forever. I get so excited and in the zone when the subject, lighting, and location all come together. It’s hard to know when to stop shooting! Over the years I’ve learned how to make my clients feel more at ease in front of the camera so that I can capture more natural candid moments. If we’re not having fun then what’s the point?!

I want the world to know that I will not be intimidated by competition, and that I am here to build my business just as much as I am here to help you tell your story and be there for all your big life moments.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them adventuring around the classic RMNP, hit up a hot spring maybe, tube down Clear Creek River in Golden, catch an AVS game, explore the First Friday Art walk in the Art District of Santa Fe, or see some live music at Red Rocks. I live close to the Baker/South Broadway neighborhood so it’s always fun to check out some of the bars and restaurants in that area. Adrift tiki bar is always a favorite. To be honest, Candlelight Tavern is a fun dive bar that has some great wings and burgers. For a classier night out, we might go to a speakeasy like B&GC, and then grab dinner in Cherry Creek somewhere. I also have a lot of fun secret spots up my sleeve that I share with only the coolest of people.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank Mr. Frank, my high school photo teacher who really started it all. Listening to Pink Floyd in the dark room was a VIBE I’ll never forget. I want to thank the incredible photography professors I had in college. A huge shout out to Kelly Rush for hiring me to work at the gallery which will always be a favorite time in my life. And of course all the love to my friends who have modeled for me over the years, the clients who have supported me, and my family for always believing in me and encouraging me to chase my dreams.

Website: www.jenniferlustig.com

Instagram: jlustig.photo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lustig-01830b73/

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