March 08 ITS! JEN HILLENGA!
What inspired you to become a photographer?
I fell into photography by accident actually. I was majoring in Fine Art and Graphic Design in college and I took a summer job in a photography studio as a camera room assistant and fell in love with it. Later that year, when i interned in a Public Relations Firm in Chicago, I realized that I had no desire to be entrenched in the commercialism of Graphic Design for the rest of my life. I went back to work for the studio and worked for 3 different studio before starting my own. The experience I got from those 3 studios has been so valuable for me over the years!!
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Veggin Sundays. I sleep in and I don’t really leave my room unless I have to feed!!! I watch cheesy tv marathons all day in bed.
Your Location
Savage, Minnesota
Website address
www.momentoimages.com
Blog?
www.typepad.com/momento
do you have a favorite photographer? (site?)
I have lots of favorite photographers!!! Some of my inspirations are photographer friends, some are randoms sites I have run across. I love www.eccentris.com and www.ashesandsnow.com . I love Annie Leibowitz and the images in Zink Magazine.
Favorite place to shop online
I don’t really shop online.
Are you a nikon/cannon
Canon!!!!
On Location/Studio?
A bit of both. I started on location, but now am primarily studio.
Your niche?
I have a lot of things that I like/do. I think my seniors are probably my niche for the most part, but I do a bit of everything.
Photography Education?
I have a Batchelors degree in Fine Art and Graphic Design as well as my Masters from PPA and will recieve my Craftsman’s degree this year.
What gives you inspiration?
I am inspired by music, by the human experience, by natural irony, by energy and intelligence, by little things of life that often go unseen, by my friends, by people who see life a bit differently.
Your all time fave image (yours)
I think my favorite image that I have ever shot is the first nude I ever did. The images was an emotional statement about the subject and it was the first time I have ever brought a vision in my head to fruition.
Favorite vendors?
WHCC, Larson, Visionart, ProSelect, Creative Motion Design, Denny backgrounds, Bellagraphica, Nik filters.
Kids?
Nope.
Spouse?
Not yet.
Favorite TV show
American Idol and Gray’s Anatomy!!!
Favorite Book
The Reader, the Little Red Book of Selling, The Power of Nice, The Effects of Light, A Movable Feast, and pretty much anything with words on paper….I love reading.
Favorite Song/Group
Imogen Heap, Sarah McLachlan, A Fine Frenzy, Enigma, Sarah Bareilles, Damian Rice.
Your wheels? (what do you drive)
Mercury Mountaineer
Favorite shop (not online)
Target!!!!
Digital/film?
Digital!
Down time? (what do you do)
I don’t have much downtim, but the goal this year is to delegate more and have more time for me. I am a movie-aholic and I LOVE to travel.
in your opinion what makes you a good photog?
I think the one thing that makes me a good photographer is my confidence. I know that in any give photography situation I am able to take control and get what I need. The ability to be spontaneous and shoot in any situation and to shoot from the heart. I try to feel the images instead of just seeing them.
Advice to newbies?
Learn your equipment and get yourself to a level of confidence that eminates from you. Clients are like bees and dogs….they smell fear. Pay cash….don’t get yourself in over your head….buy things as you can. DON’T devalue yourself or your product!!!!
How do you market yourself?
We market by word of mouth, cross-marketing with other venders, and direct mail.
name 3 odd errr.. unique things about you?
I once had a female dog named Bruce, I hate the word Moist, and used to have a half moon birthmark on the second toe of my right foot but it’s gone now.
whats in your camera bag?
Which one??? Ummm… Canon 1D Mark II, Canon 1D Mark III, 2 70-200 L IS, 24-70, 100 macro, 85 1.2, 50 1.2, 16-35, 15, lensbaby.
its 8pm, where would we find you?
Depends on the season and the day. Busy Season, probably still working, slow season, probably at home vegging, weekend…probably at a movie.
chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate!!
favorite drink?
Captain Morgan and Coke
favorite food?
Chipotle, Pasta, or chinese.
favorite place to go out to eat?
New Favorite: Ruth’s Cris
shoes or barefeet?
barefoot or hotty boots.
lefty or righty
righty. But I am LEFT eye dominant.
birthday?
January 3, 1976….small town…I was the Bicentennial New Year’s baby!
What annoys you?
Debbie Downers. People who belittle themselves and other and don’t look at life with a positive outlook.
do you daydream?
All the time….oh look, something shiney!!!
whats your favorite jelly bean?
don’t have one.
nickname?
jenafifi
what time did you wake up this morning?
8:30
Your Zodiac Sign?
Capricorn
Thank you Jen for taking the time to entertain us!
