Let's Chat: Talking with Indy Wedding Photographer Jenifer Siebert

If you’re a regular around here, you’ve probably noticed a lot of beautiful Indianapolis weddings featured on our website. Jenifer of Jenifer D. Imagery has partnered with IndyBride2B so that we can show you some of her INCREDIBLE work! If you’re looking to book a wedding photographer, keep reading because today we’re introducing you to one of our favorites in the game.

Jen is a full time traveling photographer who specializes in natural-lit outdoor weddings, elopements, and couples. Based out of the Midwest in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jen spends her days capturing meaningful moments that couples will cherish for a lifetime!

In her spare time Jen told us, “I love to spend time with my sweet husband, Josh! He is my biggest supporter and partner in my business.” Jenifer and Josh actually just celebrated their two year anniversary this week! Congrats!

We also asked Jen if she could share with us some of her best fun facts so that our viewers could get to know her more. “Some fun facts about me? You got it! I was originally born in South Africa and moved to the United States when I was 7. You wouldn’t guess it because I learned English here and speak English like a true American! I also have my Bachelors Degree in Phycology with a minor in Photography, love to paint, sing, and have been photographing love stories and portraits for about 9 years!”

Let’s get into our Q&A with Jenifer!

What got you started in photography?

“I have always loved the arts. In school, I wasn’t very athletic and always was drawn to anything creative. Since I was little I loved to draw, paint, sing, and act. It was my sophomore year of high school when my dad purchased a DSLR camera for our vacations, and I became curious on how to use it. I began sneaking the camera outside during the summer while dad was at work and taking photos of friends and nature and fell in love! Ever since that day, I was in love with capturing photos, the interactions with the people I captured, and the stories I could tell through the art. My dad eventually bought me my own little Canon Rebel T3I, a very basic camera haha, and I started doing shoots for friends and family! I took all of the classes I could from dark room photography to digital photography to learn all the basics in High School and eventually into college. I then began to photograph events at my church, seniors, and families. I eventually booked my first wedding my freshmen year of college in 2013!”

How long have you been in business?

“Like I said, I started shooting when I was 14 years old. I created my official brand when I was in college! That was about 6 years ago. I did photography part time during school from 2013-2017 and officially went full time with Jenifer D. Imagery in 2018!”

How would you describe your style?

“I love this question! I think every photographer has his or her own unique feel and style and I can always see a photo and immediately know who the photographer is without seeing the name.  I think I finally found my style in 2017 after years of practice. I describe my style as colorful, creamy, and romantic. It’s not quite airy and it’s not quite moody, it’s the colorful middle of the two styles! I also say my style is a lot of aspects of documentary photography because I truly try to capture my couples’ true personality in the moment rather then trying to orchestrate every moment perfectly.” 

What does your creative process look like?

“When I’m shooting with a couple, whether it’s for a wedding or couple shoots, I always want to get to know them first! This is so important in documenting them authentically. If I know them, their personalities, and what makes them laugh, I can bring out their true selves so much easier. So I love to at least take a few minutes before a wedding day or shoot to talk to them a bit. During the shooting process, I love to make my client’s laugh and feel comfortable by giving them prompts or little actions to do together to soak each other in. This brings out really authentic interaction between the two of them! It’s all about having fun, capturing the moment, and being comfortable and familiar with my couples so they remember how the session made them feel and get to relive it in the photos later on! Obviously, after shooting, I spend hours editing and perfecting the images to my specific style! It takes time, but it is so worth it to hear my client’s reactions and share such sweet memories with them!” 

Where have you traveled to shoot?

“Another great question! I love to travel to shoot for elopements, destination weddings, and even engagement shoots! In the last year I traveled all over the Midwest but also have gone to Colorado, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco! This year I am looking at shooting some more in California, New York, and Oregon. I am so excited!” 

What is the one thing you wish you would’ve known when your first started?

“There’s a lot of things. A huge tip I would have given myself at the beginning is don’t compare yourself to other people’s styles and focus on what your eye is drawn to when it comes to shooting and editing. I would tell myself to pour into finding my own style and educating myself on how to do that! Practice, practice, practice!  I would also tell myself to not be afraid to shadow other incredible photographers! The photography community is so encouraging and such a huge support in doing a job likes this. In photography, you’re always growing and learning and that’s completely normal! Embrace it. “

What makes a memorable wedding photo?

“Some of my most memorable wedding photos are when my couples are being completely themselves! Whether it is laughing at something the other did, dancing like crazy, holding each other and soaking up the day, or looking into each others eyes and telling each other how much they love each other. It comes down to taking in the moment and being who they are and almost even forgetting I’m there. Those in between moments when the groom is helping with the bride’s dress, the after ceremony celebration hug, or grabbing each other’s hand out of joy.  Those are the photos I fall in love with, and I know they do too because it’s like they are re-living the moment and it happened naturally.” 

 What has been one of your favorite weddings to shoot and why?

“There was a garden wedding I did last year that I was in love with. Not just because it was a beautiful space, but because the couple was just so In love and joyful the whole day. When my couples soak up every moment and shed tears of joy, I can’t help but cry too. Those are the weddings I will always remember. “

Do you have any exciting projects or weddings coming up that you’d like to tell us about?

“All my weddings make me so excited! I am very excited to be shooting at some unique   venues that are a little different then my typical wedding! I feel like those weddings always teach me something new and I love to learn! I am also excited about some possible travels to the west coast to shoot in Oregon and Hawaii!”

Why do you do what you do?

“I do what I do because I being relational and I love making art. Photography is the perfect mixture of both. I get to know and make friends with incredible people. I love the relationships I create with my clients and love to capture creative and sweet memories for them to cherish for a lifetime. It the greatest honor I could possibly ever have. I am so grateful for what I do and the people who I meet along the way.”