MTPPA » Michigan Triangle Professional Photographers Association

We are excited to announce that Jen Kroll is coming to MTPPA on Monday evening June 17th at 7pm! We are honored to have her speak to us about her story in the business of Weddings. Check out her interview below.

Non-Members $49

Members : Free

1. How long have you been in business?
I photographed my first wedding in 1999 but didn’t take my business full time until 2006.

2. What got you started in photography?
I took photography as a college elective.  The process of creating, both in the camera and in the darkroom, had me hooked.  Life was particularly turbulent at that time; I found peace and solace in creating beauty when everything else was broken.

3. Tell us about your family. How do you keep your life balanced?
Balance?  Ah.. that ever elusive state of existence.  It’s a continuous challenge that sometimes we thrive in and sometimes is way out of whack.  We try to cap our weddings at 15 a year and that seems to help.  Last year we accepted 18 weddings and it was out of control.

4. What is your favorite thing about photographing weddings?
It sounds cliche, but my favorite thing are the relationships that develop.  Not only with clients but with vendors as well.  Wedding professionals are a unique breed.  We need each other to make the event successful and to maintain creative and emotional sanity.  There is a vulnerability found in those relationships that keeps me humble and inspired.

5. How do you stay inspired and creative?
Art inspires me.  When I find myself being depleted by the saturation of the photography market and shooting fads, I go back to the masters of all mediums who have withstood the test of time.  I find that I can’t look at too many other wedding photographers without playing the comparison game.  That is not helpful or productive at all.

6. What advise would you give to a new wedding photographer?
Don’t give up your day job.  It takes years to hone your craft, and while you’re busy getting shooting experience take a few business classes at the local community college.  There are no get rich quick methods in photography.  To quote my favorite movie, “Life is pain, Highness.  Anyone who says differently is selling something.”  You’ll know when to take your business full time when it becomes a release of creative energy rather than an uphill battle with a steep learning curve.

7. What products/vendors do you use the most or love?
Nikon, Graphi, and Color Inc.  Other vendors have come and gone, but these three have been with me since the beginning.

8. What will your program be about?
Struggle and failure.  Very few people ever experience the kind of pressure it takes to make diamonds.  If you feel like you are being crushed, my hope is that you will find encouragement, hope, and inspiration in my story.

9. What gear do you take to your weddings?
Bodies: Nikon D4 & D700 Lenses (all Nikon): 70-200mm 2.8, 24-70mm 2.8, 85mm 1.4, 50mm 1.4, 105mm 2.8 Strobes: Nikon SB900, Profotos