We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenae Hirsch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenae, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are” by Joseph Campbell. I love this quote because it reminds me how lucky I am to be able to do what I love every day. Being able to create art is something I try to never take for granted. I even put this quote on my graduation cap!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think that what sets my art apart, particularly my work in theatre and acting, is my focus on mental health. For my college thesis, I interviewed twelve people about mental health and created a full length play using their words. Raising awareness around mental health and supporting those who are currently struggling is a central theme of my work. My journey in photography and theatre has never been easy, but hard work is always worth it in the end!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them to First Friday. I think a local art fair is the best way to learn about a new city that you’ve never been to before. I love Changing Hands as well, they are the best for secondhand books and local art. And of course you have to stop at Dutch Bros!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who helped me get to where I am today! My parents, my friends, and my boyfriend have always supported me in everything I do. I wouldn’t be here without my professors at Arizona State University, who taught me so much. I’d also like to thank the students who organized Third Thursday, a student art fair on campus. Third Thursday gave me the confidence to show my photography to others and start my business. Lastly, First Friday in Phoenix and Second Friday in Mesa are amazing for local artists!

Website: https://www.jenaehirschphotography.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenaehirsch/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCppX7U5zsPjkf6Zb7aGVTlQ
Other: https://www.jenaehirsch.com

Image Credits
1. Kayla Dewees (Cerulean Magazine) 2. Alexis Robison 3. Tippi Hart (Dragonfly Studio) 4. Dave Hirsch 5. James Pohaku