Meet Jackie Sterna: Photographer

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

Hi Jackie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I’ve always had a passion for fashion, adventure, and freedom of expression. Although family and friends often asked why not do traditional weddings, real estate, or traditional headshot photography, I knew that I wanted something else that would allow me to explore my passions. It is so rewarding to put in all the time with a client to discover what they are about, to plan with them in great detail the images they want captured. I think sticking with my gut and following my passion is the most important factor behind my brand, because without it my brand wouldn’t exist and I would be in a completely different industry. 

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 am a Commercial Lifestyle and Fashion Editorial Photographer and have recently been bringing that into Personal Branding shoots for female entrepreneurs who are over looking like everyone else in their shoots. I am known for pushing societal boundaries and producing bold and provocative work. I , and many others, are tired of the box professionals have been put in creatively and really want to create a shift from “boring headshots” to fun photos that really showcase each individual’s personality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would have my best friends first stop be Tucson, pending we’re not in a global pandemic, I would take them to Red Garter Bar & Grill for some lunch/dinner, stop by The Downtown Clifton for a drink or two, and then head over to St. Charles Tavern for some outdoor live music, pool, and drinks with good people! We would definitely hit up Mount Lemmon the next day for some exploring, and weather permitting set up camp for a night. We’d enjoy a lazy morning cooking breakfast around the campfire, head down to 4th Avenue for some exploring and grab a Bloody Mary at Che’s Lounge. While in that part of town, we always swing by Swindlers, a retail store that carries both new and vintage looks, on University Blvd. Next on the itinerary would be my happy place — Bisbee, Arizona! We’d probably get a room at The Bisbee Grand and go shopping in all the unique stores along the strip, of course stopping into Classic Rock Couture. After we have done an ample amount of wandering and satisfied our bar hopping needs we would end the night at St. Elmos. Before heading back to Tucson we’d grab breakfast at Dot’s Diner which is located at The Shady Dell, a vintage trailer court ! We would walk off our breakfast by visiting Sabino Canyon or Tanque Verde Falls depending on how physically ambitious we’re feeling and then have a relaxing night and catch a movie at The Loft Cinema. Whether in Tucson or Bisbee, you can find a plethora of good food and beautiful scenery that will satisfy your needs. My personal favorite parts of this itinerary are St. Charles Tavern and just being in Bisbee in general as you can feel the energy shift and all your worries melt away!

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?
Throughout the years different people have come in and out and supported me in different ways, right now at the top of my mind I’m thinking about Becca Lewis who has been my rock since we were kids and Alex Krahling (Founder of High Moon Studio and host of Dream Smarter podcast) who has been changing my life ever since we met!

Website: jackiesterna.com
Instagram: @jackiesterna.photo
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-sterna-983097a6/
Facebook: facebook.com/jackiesternaphoto

Image Credits
(Photo of me by Vera Maslieva, other photos are my work)