Meet Jenna Elrod | Owner & Lead Photographer at Jenna Elrod Photo, LLC.

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

Hi Jenna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been a storyteller at heart. There’s magic in the way a single image can tell a thousand stories, evoke memories, and connect us to moments we never want to forget. I wanted to create a space where love is celebrated in its purest form, where families can relive their joy and couples can revisit the spark that ignited their journey together.

But it wasn’t just about the art of photography. It was also about the relationships, the trust, and the privilege of being invited into people’s most intimate moments. Every wedding I’ve shot, every family session I’ve captured, feels like being part of a grand, ongoing story – one where I get to play the role of the silent observer, the memory keeper.

Starting my own business was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I mean, let’s be real – diving into entrepreneurship is like jumping into the deep end of the pool and hoping you’ve learned to swim! But there was this pull, a calling almost, to step into my purpose, to create a career that felt authentic to who I am and what I love.

I wanted to craft an experience that was as joyful and seamless for my clients as it was fulfilling for me. I imagined a business where every photo session wasn’t just about getting the shot, but about making memories. Where my clients felt seen, cherished, and celebrated.

In a world that moves so quickly, capturing these moments felt like my way of slowing down time, of giving people the gift of reflection and connection. And honestly, isn’t that what life is all about? Celebrating the everyday magic, the grand celebrations, and the simple, beautiful chaos of family and love?

So, here I am, 10 years later, still pinching myself because I get to do what I love every single day. It’s not just a business; it’s my heart poured into every click of the shutter, every edited frame, and every story told through my lens.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, which started as a humble dream, has blossomed into a celebration of love and family in all its beautiful forms.

What sets me apart? It’s my commitment to making every session a genuine, heartfelt experience. I believe in capturing the unscripted moments – the ones where you forget the camera is there and just be. Whether it’s a bride’s tear as she reads her vows or a child’s giggle as they twirl in the autumn leaves, these moments are what my lens seeks. I want my clients to see their true selves in their photos, to feel the love and joy of those captured times every time they look at their images.

I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve built through my business. It’s not just about delivering photos; it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level. Many of my clients have become dear friends, and being trusted to document their most precious memories is an honor I never take for granted. It’s those connections and the stories we create together that keep me passionate and excited about my work.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t a straight path, and it certainly wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, where I wondered if I had what it took to succeed in such a competitive field. There were late nights, learning curves, and the constant juggle of being an entrepreneur, wife, and mom. But here’s the thing – every challenge taught me something invaluable. I learned to trust my intuition, to lean into what makes my heart sing, and to never lose sight of my “why.”

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of authenticity. People connect with real stories and genuine emotions. I realized that by being myself, by sharing my joys and my struggles, I was able to connect more deeply with my clients and my community. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being real.

I also learned the power of gratitude. Celebrating the small wins, appreciating every client, and being grateful for every opportunity has shaped my journey in the most beautiful ways. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but taking a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come can be incredibly grounding and inspiring.

What do I want the world to know about me and my brand? My business is built on a foundation of love, connection, and storytelling. It’s about celebrating the everyday magic, the big milestones, and the quiet moments in between. I believe that every family has a story worth telling, and every love story is a grand adventure. I want to capture those stories with a lens that sees beyond the surface, that captures the heart and soul of the moments we hold dear.

My brand is a reflection of my values – authenticity, joy, and a deep appreciation for life’s precious moments. It’s a space where clients are more than just clients; they are part of a larger story, one that we create together. My journey has been one of growth, learning, and above all, love – for my craft, for my clients, and for the beautiful chaos that makes life so wonderfully unpredictable.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh gosh, I love this question! My husband and I have such a sweet story that started back in 2019 on Hinge. At the time, he was living on the south side of Atlanta, while I was on the north side, so Atlanta became our special “meet in the middle” spot. The city is sprinkled with memories from our dating days, and it’s filled with our absolute favorites.

I have a particular fondness for the Westside, but truly, Atlanta has so many gems. Here are some of my all-time favorite spots:

– West Egg Café: This place is a brunch lover’s dream. Their creamy pimento cheese grits and banana bread are worth every calorie!

– Jeni’s Ice Cream: I mean, does this one even need an explanation? If you haven’t had a scoop of their gooey butter cake or brambleberry crisp, you’re seriously missing out.

– Venkman’s: This place has a special spot in my heart because it’s where we had our first date, swaying to a Dave Matthews cover band. The vibes here are always incredible – great music, great food, and all the feels.

– Ton Ton Ramen & Yakitori at Ponce City Market: Whenever we’re at Ponce, I make a beeline for this spot. Their Dan Dan and seaweed salad are my go-to comfort dishes. It’s a little slice of ramen heaven.

When we venture to the north side, these are my top picks:

– Valor Coffee in Downtown Alpharetta: I am completely obsessed with this place. Their coffee is perfection, and the ambiance is just right for a cozy catch-up or some solo time.

– Fellows Café in Roswell: This one’s a bit of a drive for us down in Newnan, but it’s worth every mile. I always make a reservation to sit in the garden. Their Everything Bagel sandwich with a side of sweet potatoes is my happy place. Seriously, nothing compares.

And back home in Newnan, right on the square where we live, we have some fantastic spots that I adore:

– Leaf & Bean: Our local coffee shop with the coziest vibe and the friendliest baristas. I can’t get enough of their seasonal lattes.

– Brown Street Bodega: A new favorite on our family walks. Their cortados and chocolate chip cookies are simply incredible.

– Meat N Greet: This place is burger heaven with a side of fun cocktails. Their French fries? Absolute perfection.

– Rock Salt Milk Bar: Hands down, some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had. Their inventive flavors are a delicious treat that I can never resist.

– The Pharmacy: If you’re up for a little adventure, this speakeasy-type bar is located behind the Mad Mexican. It’s literally down a back alley, and it’s such a fun, secret spot!

– Newnan Mercantile: And for a little shopping spree, this place never disappoints. Cute clothes, adorable home decor, and the best trinkets – it’s a little treasure trove right in town.

Talking about all these places makes me realize how lucky I am to live where I do. And yes, now I’m totally craving a foodie adventure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am SO inspired by Brittany Stalnaker with Wannabe Chartcuterie out of Newnan, Georgia. Not only does she craft incredible boards and experiences for her clients, but I have the privilege of knowing her as a friend, fellow mom entrepreneur, professor, AND real estate agent. I’m in awe of how she does it all, and she has been someone who has cheered me on in my business from the moment I moved to Newnan a few years ago. I’ve had the privilege of taking her brand photos and her family photos, and it is such a joy to learn from her and grow with her as an entrepreneur.

Website: https://jennaelrod.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jennaelrodphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaelrod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennaelrodphoto

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jennaelrodphoto/

Image Credits
Brand Photo (1st image) – Fellows Creative Co., all other images belong to Jenna Elrod Photo