Ten years ago, I sat at the kitchen table with my brother-in-law while he asked me to do something that, honestly, felt a little woo-woo. He wanted me to draw a bubble graph of what I wanted my life to look like. At the time, I was a single registered nurse, unsure how photography could ever be something practical – or stable. But I remember putting it down anyway: photography. Making income from it. Being really good at it. I wrote about wanting a family someday, about being present with my children, about creating something meaningful with my hands while still contributing financially. At the time, I had no idea that nearly every bubble on that page would one day come true. Now here we are celebrating 10 Years of JCrane Photography in Raleigh.
Looking back at year one
When I look back at my first year as a photographer, I feel so much tenderness for that version of myself. I just want to hug her. I was figuring it out as I went – buying online courses, asking too many questions, photographing anyone who’d let me, and saying yes to more free sessions than I can count. But I showed up. I tried. Trusted my curiosity. I was brave. I dove in.
And slowly, I started to figure out what felt like me.
That year planted everything.
What 10 Years of JCrane Photography (and Motherhood) Have Taught Me
Back then, I couldn’t have known just how important photographs would become – not in theory, but in real life.
I’ve captured families who later lost grandparents. Taken what became the last good image of someone’s loved one. I’ve captured my own grandparents, and those portraits are now among some of our most treasured things.
Then I became a mother.
And I got it. Deep in my bones. The way time speeds up. The way newborn phase passes in a haze of both love and exhaustion. How quickly the details slip away. I found myself longing to return to those moments – and I know the fastest way back is through an image I can hold in my hands. The way I craved something tangible to hold onto – to bring me back. That’s when photography stopped being a passion and became something essential.
A Love Letter to My Clients
If this blog is a letter, it’s for the mother who’s doing it all – and who quietly knows she needs help remembering it all.
She doesn’t need convincing that photos matter. She knows. What she needs is trust. She needs to know she’ll be met by someone gentle, welcoming, and understanding. Someone who will make this feel easy.
Over the years, clients often tell me the same things after seeing their images:
“I didn’t realize how beautiful I am.”
“We’ll cherish these forever.”
“That was so much easier than I expected.”
That’s what I hope every session feels like – not just about the images, but about how you feel when you’re with me.
One of the reasons I care so deeply about printed, tangible artwork is personal. My own sister – after fifteen years, four children, multiple phones, SIM cards, moves, and changing technology – has lost years of her family photographs. They simply disappeared.
That loss is heartbreaking.
Printed, tangible artwork is something that won’t vanish with a forgotten password. Something your children can inherit. Because when I look at an old photo of my own mother holding me as a baby, I don’t notice her outfit or her makeup. I see affection. Connection. Love. That’s what lasts.
How JCrane Photography Has Changed in 10 Years – and Why That Matters
As my own life has shifted, so has my business. I no longer offer fast “shoot and burn” sessions or just digital images. This work is my artwork, and working with me is meant to be a full experience. There are plenty of photographers who offer both fast and inexpensive sessions – and that’s okay. But that’s not the experience I want to create.
I’ve become more protective of my time – evenings, weekends, and creative energy – because I want to show up fully for my clients and my family. My work is slower, more intentional, more me. I say no to themed or overly directed sessions because I’ve found my voice and my style.
Photography is a luxury investment, and I refuse to rush it or cut corners. I’m deeply aware of how valuable my clients’ time is – and I’m honored every single time someone trusts me with documenting their life.
And it turns out, that’s the kind of experience my clients want too. If you’re looking for a Raleigh family photographer or someone who offers fine art motherhood photography, my hope is that I’m the right fit for your season.
How My Sessions Are Meant to Feel
Within the first few minutes of a session, I want a mother’s nervous system to settle.
I want her to breathe deeper. I want her to feel cared for, and know that everything is taken care of.
My sessions are meant to feel: intentional, relaxed, guided, comfortable, and unrushed.
Because years from now, I hope these images bring you back not just to what you looked like, but how you felt. They’ll offer emotional memory. A feeling of both joy and connection that can be revisited again and again.
What 2025 Gave Me
This year taught me how important it is to slow down. It taught me trust. In myself. My growth. And my ability to set goals and reach them. Ands it taught me to simplify. And it redefined success.
Success isn’t monetary alone. Success is balance. It’s feeling grounded enough to show up as a happy, present version of myself – especially as a mom.
One of the highlights of this year was opening a new side of my Raleigh Portrait studio. The light pours in beautifully, and my milestone sessions there have felt especially meaningful. I also let go of doing too much. Fewer outfits. Fewer settings. Less production. Simplifying has given me my best work.
Looking Ahead – The Next 10 Years of JCrane Photography
For 2026, I’m calling in mothers who want continuity – mothers who want to document more than one milestone, children who grow up knowing their photographer. Someone who grows alongside them.
If the right client finds this post, I hope she thinks: This photographer would be perfect for me. If that sounds like you, I’d love to meet you.
The promise I can confidently make is this: I will always deliver. Rain or shine. Reschedules. Big emotions. Off days. Whatever comes up – I’ll be there with a calm presence and a plan. Because this is more than just a job. This is personal.
My goal is for every client to rave not just about their images, but about how they felt being here.
Thank you to every family who has trusted me over the last ten years.
This work has changed my life – and I don’t take that lightly.
With so much gratitude,
Jenna
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