FilmingLifer PRO | Jennie Pyfferoen
Today we’re pleased to introduce you to Nashville Family & Newborn Filmmaker & Photographer Jennie Pyfferoen. As well as being a valued member of the FilmingLife® community and a talented FilmingLifer, she also runs her family film & family photography business from her base in Nashville, Tennessee.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I am a homeschooling momma of 2 boys - ages 13 & 10. I have been married for 15 years and live just outside of Franklin, Tennessee. I became a photographer in 2010 and have been obsessed with family films since Courtney filmed my family in 2017.
Image Credits: Kailee Riches Nashville Newborn & Family Photography
Tell us about the kind of photography & films you create…
Family films are my primary creation. I also do some birth videography, some moving portraits and photography sessions in a documentary format.
How did you first get started in photography?
I had a small baby and like many, got a cheap DSLR to start shooting and quickly became a photographer.
What made you decide to learn video? What was your motivation?
I see now that films were always there for me. My mother died in 2007 and I last saw her on my wedding day. Videography wasn’t a thing back then. But I would give anything to have that.
I had my 2nd son’s birth videoed in 2012. I felt this dissatisfaction doing posed and lifestyle work and when I found Courtney’s work in 2017, I literally was never the same after.
It still took a few years to find my inner confidence to really chase the dream of being a filmmaker. And I am still in awe of my success!
What was your biggest challenge when you first started learning video and how did you overcome it?
Feeling overwhelmed by so much technical stuff. I hate being technical and that part can be so overwhelming. But refusal to fail is how I overcame it.
I also had to do some inner work on feeling worthy.
Did you find it a challenge to educate clients on the value of films - how were they first received by clients?
This was a huge challenge and took a lot of inner work and patience to find my voice in the wording to gain clients. Honestly, I thought I would get clients to bite just by posting and being affordable. But posting never booked clients and when I finally raised my prices, I booked clients!
Tell us about your favourite film and why it's special to you…
This recent family film is my all time favorite. It means a lot to me because this family was SUCH a chill family - one who genuinely connected with one another and felt at ease in front of the camera. They weren’t worried about perfection and really embraced the whole process. The filming was smooth and editing was easy.
Jennie’s favourite film
What is your best piece of advice for those just getting started with films?
Have balance with sleep and fun right from the get go. Don’t be so obsessed that you’re up late and ruining your hormones.
Creativity comes from a place of peace and love, not obsession and fatigue.
Practice gratitude everyday and it will come.
