Meet Jordyn Mooney | Photographer + Happy Human

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

Hi Jordyn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It was written in the stars to begin with. I started as a musician and then spent time as a hairstylist, which was an excellent trade, but the through line in my life was connection and documentation, so I turned to photography. Creativity in a career was a non-negotiable for me. It hasn’t always been simple and hardly straightforward, but I know that I know that “adding art” to the world, whether through a song, a painting, a color formula, or photographs, is a part of my DNA. I am a very chatty Type B Enneagram 4, a proper weirdo. I am a proud Sagittarius Sun with a Cancer moon to keep the feels feeling. I had the privilege of working at Apple retail for a stint, for which I credit my ability to pick up some of the more technical aspects of this role. My Dad is a talented woodworker and film fanatic; I credit my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to him.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in storytelling, honest, heartfelt, and whimsical. I photograph families in a way that feels like a memory, an experience that feels warm, timeless, and full of emotion. I focus on capturing authentic relationships and all those cozy moments in between. I am smitten with getting the details, like the wrinkles near your eyes when you smile or hands, trying to convey the way it feels to be held by them. Clients often tell me how much fun they have during their sessions, which is a high compliment. My ability to create comfort and connection in front of the camera sets me apart, especially with little ones and parents often in the thick of busy, beautiful chaos. I don’t just want to take a pretty photo; I want to help people feel something when they look at it. A friend described my work as “Creamy dreamy, light-filled and warm, but still color true nostalgic, but not antique, timeless soft contrast lived in earth meets sky palette I can hear a heartbeat in each image.” I was stunned by this description and have clung to it ever since.

I’m most proud of how I’ve built this business while raising two young kids. I’ve carved this path with little time, limited resources, and a lot of grit. It hasn’t been easy, of course. There were seasons where I shot in borrowed time, edited between school drop-offs and late into the wee hours (shout out to all business owners burning the midnight oil), and questioned whether I could make this work. I thank my patient family and friends for pitching in with babysitting or helping me set up backdrops and baking cookies for my mini-sessions. I never claim to be self-built; instead, I proudly wear the badge of collaboration and community. I have a crew of hype women in my circle, photographers and creatives who I credit my happiness to as well. But every challenge taught me something valuable: resilience, patience, the power of showing up, the habit of creating, even when it’s hard. The wheels in my head are constantly spinning and looking for art. I also feel deeply fulfilled with the connections and friendships I have built with my clients. They cheer me on, bring my name up in rooms where I am not present, share my work and trust me, trust my vision and heart.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my work and my story, it all comes from a deeply personal place. I know how fast life moves. I know what it’s like to want to freeze time just for a second. I create from that space so that others can hold on to theirs. Life is fragile; I feel such peace and pride knowing I am making a story for each family that will outlive me. I see beauty in the mundane; I notice how the light dances or shadows, reflections, and shapes in my everyday life, so I bring some off-center creativity to all my portrait sessions. Oh, and if we can sneak in a Moon in the background of one of your photographs, that’s a bonus for this celestial-obsessed girl.

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 live in Temecula, so swing by Akash Winery and Little Goat Bakeshop first, but I love having access to San Diego and LA. For my week-long trip, catch us in North County, SD. I love the Green Room Hotel in Oceanside; it’s darling and perfect for a night or two. I would stop by Communal Coffee for a Cappuccino and a pastry and would drool over the adorable bouquets they have on display. Ideally, hop on the back of a bike or scooter and cruise PCH, obviously some beach time; I love Moonlight Beach in Encinitas or Swamis. The meditation gardens right nearby are gorgeous. “Flashbacks” thrift store for more sunglasses you do not need. Lunch would be a toss; Taco Stand in Encinitas is close by, and I would give anything for an order of their churros, but I am always delighted with a visit to Oceanside, South O Brewing, or LTH for Dinner. No questions there; they have this perfect hummus plate. “Frankies” for the BEST cocktails, best bartenders, and vibes. Pour House to catch some live music.
The Brick Hotel is another rad place to stay right there next to Frankeies and the ultimate stay-cation if you ask me cause Cococabana is the rooftop bar, usually has a good DJ and a great view of the ocean and great photo ops. You can walk to get some Handels ice cream or rent one of those little bikes and cruise down to the strand. More music at Jazzy Wishbone, thrifting at Captain’s Helm. An iced coffee from Revolution Roasters. I would watch the sunset in Carlsbad and get drinks at “Same Same” and Ramen at “Gonzo.” Is it clear I love food???  Pretend I threw in a yoga session on the beach or rooftop as a part of the Brick Hotel amenities and a hike or two in between all this feasting. Lots of photos of the buildings and your aesthetic plates are full of food and the ocean, and I’d be in heaven. 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Easily my two beautiful sons. My love of documenting them in every stage of their lives sparked the courage to do so for other families as a business. As a single mother, they push me to be successful, yes, but they also keep me grounded. I teach them the art of noticing and the importance of documenting as a form of my legacy. They are the magic in my life and add the color to it. I do this all for them.

Website: https://book.usesession.com/i/SVpWXS2lw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordynmooneyphoto/

Other: https://shorturl.at/44k3B

Image Credits
Jordyn Mooney Photo, Mama Macs Photography, Shot By Schex