Q & A with Jennifer McGee

Owner/Photographer
How long have you been a photographer?
I officially opened Exposures shortly after graduating college in 2003. It was a side gig while I worked at The Sacramento Bee in the Educational Services Department. I got the best of both worlds this way...I was able to use my creative, artistic side with photography and still utilize my marketing/ public relations education at the newspaper.
How did you learn about photography?
My love affair with photography began freshman year in high school. I had a wonderful teacher that encouraged my creativity. After graduation, I worked in the industry; photographing children for a national school portrait company and then later as a studio manager for an established local family portrait studio. All of this experience not only helped me hone my skills, but also surrounded me with people who are just as passionate about the art of photography as I am.
When you aren't taking pictures, where would we find you? What are you into?
I love to shop! Shopping for anything...the house, garden, clothes, etc. I love anything vintage. (I'm addicted to the show Mad Men...such great representation!) In particular, I adore vintage fashion and I've even started a collection of vintage cameras. I'm also a HUGE fan of Audrey Hepburn...I've probably seen Breakfast at Tiffany's at least a hundred times. When I get a quiet moment, I'm a big reader. A few of my favorite authors are Anne Rice, Charlaine Harris, and Sophie Kinsella.
If you weren't a photographer, what would you do?
I graduated CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies. I thought I was going to go into Public Relations or Marketing. Great marketing campaigns always get me. I especially love the Mac ads.
What inspires you as a photographer?
Light. Color. Emotion.
I am a light seeker! Reading the light is so important in what I do. It can evoke emotion. I love the way light dances on tree leaves or the warmth of a rosy sunset. Color is a huge inspiration! I love the classic beauty of black and white, but colors that pop just speak to me.
What photographers inspire you?
I have lots of favorite photographers!!! Some of my inspirations are previous teachers and mentors, as well as photographer friends. I love the work of Bambi Cantrell, Annie Leibowitz, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Helmut Newton.
What's your favorite part about shooting portraits?
Life's moments, both big and small, and the relationships in them are so beautiful to see.
What's your favorite part about shooting weddings?
The emotion of the couple. My favorite part is when everyone stands up to look at the bride's entrance...I love to look at the groom's face when he sees her for the first time. It just lights up!
What's in your camera bag?
Canon 40D
Canon 20D
18-55mm/ f3.5-5.6
50mm/f1.4
70-200mm/f2.8
What is your style?
I would define my style as an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary while maintaining a certain level of photojournalism. I like to keep it real...not over-posed or over-styled, and definitely always have fun with it. I think that makes my clients feel comfortable. I love the artsy, obscure stuff, but I think that you still need a dose of traditional pictures that grandma will enjoy, too.
Where do you shoot your portraits?
Because I'm an on-location photographer, I go anywhere! I bring the studio to you. I love working with natural light, and a lot of my clients want a portrait that is more relaxed and casual, so photographing them at the local park or even their backyard is ideal. I can also set up studio lights in your home or office to create an indoor setting.
How far are you willing to travel?
I mostly service clients in the Greater Sacramento area, including Sacramento County, Placer County, and El Dorado County. But, I'm willing to go where ever you may need me (mileage fees may apply, of course).
I've been almost everywhere around Northern CA though, including: Amador County, Calaveras County, Nevada County, San Joaquin County, Stanislaus County, Sutter County, Yolo County, and Yuba County. Maybe you're planning a destination wedding? I have my passport ready to go if you want me to travel worldwide.
Do you have any affiliations?
I am a proud member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America), WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International), and LeTip of El Dorado County.