Hey Friend, How You Doin'

As of today, it's been 2 years and 8 months since I've *officially* launched Jordan Brown Photography. I wasn't always sure that my art would make it out of the "hobby" category and into the "business" category, but here we are and I'm thrilled about it! I thought that it was time to re-write Jordan Brown Photography and make this business "mine"! After all, it's important that your business reflects you, your values, and what type of client you want to attract. More on that in a future blog ;)


A Little Bit About This Journey

I began taking my photography seriously in 2016 when I moved back to my home state (Delaware!) and I began taking photos of live music and (occasionally) taking photos of my friends and family. (However, catch me back in 2011 on family vacation taking photos of every plant, mushroom, and flower I found on our hikes...I thought I was the bees knees!) I developed an interest in improving my technique and my editing so I began taking online courses, I joined Facebook groups to learn from others, and "followed" a bunch of photographers on social media who I aspired to be like. Plus - Practice, practice, practice! Over time, I learned not to compare my work to other photographers (a hard lesson, if you ask me!) and instead, take a moment to be inspired and to learn how to create images that I was proud of. Fast forward to now and I am proud to still be learning and growing in both my craft and as a business owner to make the best experience for... YOU!

ABOUT YOUR GIRL, JORDAN

I'm a Delaware native who went to school for Animal Science. NOT PHOTOGRAPHY! Growing up, I was very skilled in the arts. I always loved to draw as a child and then I learned music. I began playing percussion in middle school - learning snare drum, bass, tympani, cymbals, tambourine, egg shaker (yes, you heard that right!), xylophone, glockenspiel, and more! But, curiosity got the best of me and I was eager to learn more art - I started panting and drawing and learning new mediums to create art. However, it wasn't until after college that I really dove into photography.


So.. what about the sciences? OK - great question! I always knew that I wanted a career "working with animals". But, didn't most people? I started my collegiate journey as an Animal and Food Science Major at University of Delaware, unsure where it would take me. Until one day, I took a Wildlife Conservation course and it clicked! This was it! I finished my degree and began working as a veterinary technician, volunteering and interning at zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and wildlife education centers, (shout out to the Center for Birds of Prey, Brandywine Zoo, and Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research!) all while learning that this field is NOT for the weak or unmotivated. Fast forward four years post-graduation, I earned my first paid wildlife technician job (while still volunteering and working part-time as a vet tech). Now, eight years later, I'm a full-time wildlife biologist, (still) a part-time vet tech, and now a full-time photography business owner. Yes, ALL of your dreams are possible!


OK BUT do you sleep? Yep! Though, should probably sleep more...


Do you have a social life? What about your family? I do prioritize having "down time". I like to stay busy (obviously) but I really put in an effort to do the things I love - spending quality time with my family, my husband and three dogs, hiking, traveling, listening (and dancing to) live music, tending to my native plant garden (and indoor plant babies!), finding new places to eat, and sometimes even hunting and fishing!


Wait a second... I thought you said you were LGBTQ-owned? You heard it right! I put the "B" in LGBTQIA+. While I am married to a man and in a straight-presenting relationship, it doesn't change who I am. Mostly, I just want everyone to know that they are welcomed here at Jordan Brown Photography, no matter race, gender, religious beliefs (or non-beliefs), abilities, shape/size, or who you love! Being represented and heard is important! I just ask that you show the same respect back!

ABOUT YOUR GIRL, JORDAN

I'm a Delaware native who went to school for Animal Science. NOT PHOTOGRAPHY! Growing up, I was very skilled in the arts. I always loved to draw as a child and then I learned music. I began playing percussion in middle school - learning snare drum, bass, tympani, cymbals, tambourine, egg shaker (yes, you heard that right!), xylophone, glockenspiel, and more! But, curiosity got the best of me and I was eager to learn more art - I started panting and drawing and learning new mediums to create art. However, it wasn't until after college that I really dove into photography.


So.. what about the sciences? OK - great question! I always knew that I wanted a career "working with animals". But, didn't most people? I started my collegiate journey as an Animal and Food Science Major at University of Delaware, unsure where it would take me. Until one day, I took a Wildlife Conservation course and it clicked! This was it! I finished my degree and began working as a veterinary technician, volunteering and interning at zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and wildlife education centers, (shout out to the Center for Birds of Prey, Brandywine Zoo, and Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research!) all while learning that this field is NOT for the weak or unmotivated. Fast forward four years post-graduation, I earned my first paid wildlife technician job (while still volunteering and working part-time as a vet tech). Now, eight years later, I'm a full-time wildlife biologist, (still) a part-time vet tech, and now a full-time photography business owner. Yes, ALL of your dreams are possible!


OK BUT do you sleep? Yep! Though, should probably sleep more...


Do you have a social life? What about your family? I do prioritize having "down time". I like to stay busy (obviously) but I really put in an effort to do the things I love - spending quality time with my family, my husband and three dogs, hiking, traveling, listening (and dancing to) live music, tending to my native plant garden (and indoor plant babies!), finding new places to eat, and sometimes even hunting and fishing!


Wait a second... I thought you said you were LGBTQ-owned? You heard it right! I put the "B" in LGBTQIA+. While I am married to a man and in a straight-presenting relationship, it doesn't change who I am. Mostly, I just want everyone to know that they are welcomed here at Jordan Brown Photography, no matter race, gender, religious beliefs (or non-beliefs), abilities, shape/size, or who you love! Being represented and heard is important! I just ask that you show the same respect back!

I want to hear more about photography!

Well, that's why you're here isn't it? My photography style is human-centered, true-to-life, and a mix of candids and posing. What does this mean? It means that, for my business, I focus on humans as a subject base (rather than nature, animals, etc.). I aim to keep my images true to how they were in real life (whether that is color, contrast, lighting, etc.), and that while I am not a documentary photographer, I do my best to create images that are not stiff, that show emotion, and that really mean something to you. I also try not to ever be *too* serious :)

Overall, I enjoy capturing LOVE. I know, it sounds cheesy. But this means, the love between you and your partner, the love you have for your children or parents, the love from your soul dog, the love you have for your business that you grew from the ground up, or something else that you are passionate and grateful for. For me, this is where the art is born. You come to me with your story, and we tell your story through a series of photos that represent the who and the why. I can take beautiful images but they're only special and magical when there's a love story to capture!

A note about affordability: I do try to price my packages as affordable options while still maintaining a functional and profitable business. There are many expenses that go into being a photographer (even outside of the very expensive equipment!) and a business owner. However, I understand that times can be tough and that photography truly is a "luxury". I am happy to offer payment plans for sessions and events - so long as the full amount is paid by your session. Let's chat!

Shout Outs

Behind this new re-brand are some amazingly talented people and it's important that we take a moment to shout them out! First and foremost, let's give it up for Sanker Designs. Behind this new logo is the person who took all of my ideas and created a whole branding kit for me to use for my website, for marketing, social media and everything else that I send out! I told Josh, "Hey. I have all these ideas... but I don't really know how to put them together cohesively". After a few minor tweaks, Josh made my vision come to life and I was so grateful!

Next up - Kylee B Photography! I reached out to Kylee about taking photos for a re-brand and told her that I wanted this photoshoot to be fun and be reflective of me and my personality, and most importantly, be FUN! So, we met at her studio, The York Flat, and I had FOUR outfit changes in my two hour session. Safe to say that Kylee killed the photo sesh (check out the colorful photos of me around my website!)

And last but certainly not least, my photographer buddy Ashlee Emerson Photography. She was looking for a few updated headshots and branding photos to launch her new website so I said, Hey girl, let's do a photo swap! And we did! We met at The Ivory in Dover, DE and had a super fun time! Check out the images that she took above (the white back drop!) which were edited by yours truly.