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

Hi Jordan, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Success is subjective and the way that you define success within your business shapes the way your business thrives. Early into my photography business, my definition of success was largely revolved around income and followers on Instagram. As I stumbled from failure to failure within these parameters, I quickly needed to shift my perspective of success in order to protect my wellness and the way I viewed myself as a business owner and artist. It wasn’t the income or the followers that defined my work and the impact it has, it was my ability to genuinely connect with my clients. There truly is nothing more important to me than connecting with people and being a part in helping them feel seen, known, and loved. Photography is one of my favorite ways to do this. It is really important to me that i get to know my client’s love and capture it in a way that is unique to them. So I stopped marketing myself as the smile and pose photographer that brought in the most revenue during the holiday season and began to be transparent about the love that I was passionate about capturing. When my client’s look at their photos 10 years from now, I don’t want them to remember stiff poses that some random girl with a  camera put them in. I want them to look at their photos and remember how they felt and how dang funny it was to run around and act like love-struck teenagers for an hour. My livelihood is measured by income, but my success is measured by the authenticity and intentionality in which I capture my clients. To me this measure success is worth what it costs – even if it means less gross income and fewer followers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Coronado!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has been my biggest supporter in my photography journey. My in laws were my first clients, my uncle bought my first camera, my grandpa taught me everything he knew about photography, and my fiancé is constantly encouraging me to take on projects that I am passionate about. I am so thankful for their love and support through this journey!

Website: https://jordanrosephoto.wixsite.com/mysite

Instagram: @jordanrosephoto

Image Credits
@jordanrosephoto @sydneyblissphotography

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