Witness the blend of talent, experience, and innovation that defines creative excellence

We're thrilled to feature Jenna Snapss, a powerhouse talent who thrives in the dual roles of creative director and photographer. Not only does she bring her own masterful eye behind the lens, but she also orchestrates the entire creative vision for stunning results.

In this edition of Creatives interview, Jenna Snapss dives deep into her process, inspirations, and what it takes to lead a successful creative team.

Let's get right to the Q&A and see what Jenna Snapss has to share! 

Creative Vision

Can you describe your overall creative vision as a photographer? What kind of stories do you aim to tell with your work?

I really aim to depict real images, these AI images are taking over (which I genuinely do love visually) and I want to see the beauty in reality. As women we rarely appreciate yourselves, we celebrate and mimic the things we see in mass media. I would say I want to create eclectic editorial images, highlighting authenticity. 

Leadership Style

As a creative director, how do you guide and inspire your team to achieve the desired aesthetic for a project?

When directing I really keep a balance of directing and listening. I will use super bold directive phrases, and then allow for silence, feedback, or models input. I’m also unapologetically passionate, I will send mood boards, mimic poses I like, comment on how the model is coming off, show models their pictures so they can see what I am catching. Communication and collaboration require multiple voices so I may be leading, but I’m also observing. 

Overcoming Challenges

Can you share an instance where you had to overcome a creative hurdle during a shoot? How did you adapt and achieve the final vision?

I can name specific instances, but I respect everyone’s privacy so I will speak vaguely about the main challenge I encounter. People get in front of a camera thinking it’s going to be easy, that it’s 100% on me to make them look good and it’s not. They often lack the ability to emit emotion or interest in the photos, it can become very bland or meh with some people. Models love to do the stern stare but really it comes off as deer in headlights. When I encounter this I try to take conversational breaks to get their mind activated, or I’ll ask their favorite music to try and get their vibe to match the set accordingly. People do tend to be shy or hesitant to my direction, so sometimes I will very bluntly show them how they are looking and let them know what I’m seeing. I have been known to say “I’m bored” from behind my camera if I have a good relationship with the model. Im an Aries so I’m super blunt and there is no hiding my disinterest. I also have learned to turn down opportunities that I know won’t excite me because that’s not fair to myself, the model, or my body of work. 

Client Collaboration

How do you approach collaboration with clients to ensure their needs are met while staying true to your artistic voice?

I’m really big on picking looks with the models, I’ll send them a variety of examples I think will look good on them or how I’d like them to look so they have the right to pick what they like of my suggestions. Anyone who knows me though knows if I don’t like something I’m going to speak on it, I think that’s why people trust me. I won’t allow for them to not look their best, and I will help them in achieving that. 

Industry Trends

What are some emerging trends you see in the photography industry, and how do you incorporate them into your work while maintaining your signature style?

Everything is becoming bold, with a whimsical touch of color and a fantastical quality. I see so much added “animation” combining animation with photography. I think I foresee myself playing on it by making my art more edgy/grunge, deeper shadows and brighter highlights. I love contrast so the more of it the better. 

Inspiration Sources

What are some of your biggest sources of inspiration, both within and outside the world of photography?

I’m obsessed with architecture and interior design, I also love nature. I am constantly looking in those fields for inspiration. I also love fashion too, obviously. I’m drawn more to retro and vintage everything. The people I meet doing this are also big motivators.I really thrive off of the good ones. I experience people and allow them to change my life, even if it is one meeting. Have deep conversations, be silly, vibe. You never know how much you or another person needs that.

Mentorship

Do you have any female photographers you admire or have been mentored by? How have they influenced your career?

I don’t have many female photographers I have found and connected with, but I’m just inspired by female creatives all around. A few note worthy photographers that are women who I have found inspiration from are CloudNai, and then a local partnership King.Stropharia. They both are true to their styles and remind me to maintain MY VISION. 

Being a woman in the industry is hard, you have to maintain a soft look while having a firm moral standing. I’m influenced a lot by Tracey Ellis Ross, Erykah Badu, Drew Barrymore, and strong women who remain THEMSELVES. I think it is easy to fall into the mindset of having to expose or modify oneself to achieve success and those women don’t have significant plastic surgery, dress in line with fashion and not flattery, and maintain their humble and real personalities. 

Work-Life Balance

Being a creative director and photographer requires a lot of juggling. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I am a huge believer in rest and boundaries. I will stop what I am doing and leave it alone until I want to. I don’t allow social obligations or outside stressors. I love just laying up with my family, watching movies, getting into nature. 

Diversity & Inclusion

How do you promote diversity and inclusion in your work, both in terms of the subjects you photograph and the creative team you collaborate with?

My original tag was dat1whitebish and it was that solely because I was always that one awkward white girl in the group. I find myself constantly surrounded by a diverse group of people so it’s only right that translates into my work. I recently just started shooting in Minnesota again after being in LA and I’m finding myself limited, it’s harder to find or connect with a wider demographic. To me it’s important to represent all people in my vision when presenting to society. I don’t like the standard model being the only thing you see when you think of Jennasnapss. I want people to relate, to do that you have to include everyone. 

Future Goals

What are some of your long-term goals as a creative director and photographer? Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

I wish I could say something profound, buts it’s about maintaining peace and spreading inspiration. I want people to find safety in either my process or in experiencing my visuals. I hope to be able to purchase physical spaces for creatives to have to project in. This may be photo studios, or rentals, I have an itch to do installation art so I think those larger goals will align. 

   

And that's a wrap!

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the creative mind of Jenna a photographer and creative director who champions authenticity and real beauty. From overcoming creative hurdles to fostering diversity in her work, Jenna's journey is a testament to the power of staying true to your vision.

So, head over to Jenna Snapss social media and show some love for the captivating images she produces! We can't wait to see how she continues to inspire others and redefine the boundaries of photography in the years to come.

INSTAGRAM.COM/JENNASNAPSS

This interview marks the exciting launch of our "Creative Spotlight" series, highlighting the diverse voices and perspectives shaping our artistic landscape.

Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with talented individuals like Jenna!