Meet Jennifer Jackson | Photographer

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

Hi Jennifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Coffee+ Shots birthed behind my love of photography and coffee. Growing up, I’ve always admired photography and, I’ve always enjoyed the smell of freshly brewed coffee. With both coffee and photography, my love for the two did not develop until my adult years. I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures of friends and family as well as of myself. It wasn’t until I graduated from grad school, my mother purchased a DSLR camera to help with my blogging. From a photography perspective, I had a fascination with taking pictures of still life and creating flat lay photos. I started taking photography more seriously by attending workshops and learning how to properly use my camera. Then one day, it clicked. I realized that I have a natural talent for photography and, I took a chance on myself and created Coffee+ Shots.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never would have thought I would have a career in photography. One thing I can say about my life is that I was born an artist. Art has always been at the root of my life. I remember growing up, I would look at the photos that my grandfather took of his family as he was a practicing photographer. He was good at it! When I was in college, I enrolled in a photography course to coincide with my studies in Graphic Design. I remember on the first day of class, I could not grasp the content of the course and I dropped it. Photography was too technical for me and, I am naturally not a person who loves numbers. I still enjoyed taking photos, but that was it – I just took photos. Fast forward to my years in grad school. I started a blog and, I used my cell phone to take pictures, but I remember when I would attend meet-ups with my local fellow bloggers, they all had professional cameras and content. I told myself that, “I need to step my game up!” so my mother purchased a DSLR camera as a graduation gift. As much as I enjoyed taking pictures with my new camera, I did not know how to properly use the camera. Once I relocated to Atlanta, I joined another blogger’s group and, we would meet up and take pictures of each other for content. As much as the photos turned out amazingly well, I knew at one point I would want to use my camera to its potential. So I enrolled in a few free workshops to learn about my camera. I then began to practice taking photos with fellow bloggers and, I eventually turned it into a business. Coffee+ Shots was born. I decided on the name Coffee+ Shots because of my love of coffee and photography.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would have a fun-filled weekend of good eats, amazing treats, and southern comfort! My best friend and I are both from the Midwest, and there are times where I miss the good food and culture of the Midwest. However, the culture of Atlanta has welcomed me with open arms and I must show her as well! I would begin our day with a nice walk up Stone Mountain to burn some calories and prepare us for the food we will indulge in. As much as I love to explore new places to eat, we would visit Breakfast at Barneys for an amazing breakfast and then head to 5 Church for some amazing bottomless mimosas. We can then walk up to the High Art Museum to look at the exhibits and head over to the Westside Provisions for a nice walk to burn off our breakfast and visit the shops. We will take a mid-day break and head over to Buckhead for dinner at Seven Lamps. The next day, we will have an elegant Sunday brunch at Park 75 at The Four Seasons Hotel. We will then go to Ponce City Market and check out Bar Vegan and then walk the BeltLine. Lastly, we will have dinner at Apt. 4B and end the evening with the picturesque rooftop patio at the St. Julip for drinks!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give a special shoutout to my mother that always supports my endeavors. I know that I drive her crazy sometimes with my out-of-the-box ideas, and she never stops me from going for my dreams. I also would like to shout out all of my family and awesome friends who cheer me on. Lastly, I would like to thank my clients who always support my businesses.

Website: https://jenniferjartistry.com/coffee-shots

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

Image Credits
Shan Roberts Photography: https://shanroberts.com Octavia Elease Photography: https://octaviaelease.com