Meet Jennifer Marie

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

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.

Risk is an intrinsic part of entrepreneurship and business ownership. For me, taking on this journey meant stepping into uncertainty—there’s no guaranteed income, no paid sick days, and work rarely fits within the bounds of a typical 9-to-5 schedule. As a business owner, you’re on the clock around the clock, yet the rewards far outweigh these challenges. The ability to be my own boss, set the standards for excellence, and create work that not only meets but exceeds client expectations has been incredibly fulfilling.

In my career, risk-taking has been instrumental to growth. I’ve encountered failures and setbacks, but I view each as a valuable lesson, an opportunity to refine my approach, and a stepping stone towards my goals. I use these experiences as motivation to push forward, continually improving and evolving. The impact of my work, seeing the difference it makes for my clients, is the ultimate reward. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: be prepared for failure, embrace it, and let it fuel your journey. Every challenge brings you one step closer to achieving your vision and dreams.

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.
LIV Photography by Jen is a culmination of over 20 years of dedication to capturing the essence of people, brands, and events with artistry and professionalism. My work encompasses a range of services from corporate headshots, branding, and product photography to event coverage. I bring a personalized touch to each session, combining technical expertise with an instinct for creating images that truly connect with people. I’m especially proud of my headshot work, where I use unique lighting tools, like the eyelighter, to create flattering, engaging images. My goal is to consistently exceed client expectations, delivering top-notch images that serve as powerful storytelling tools for each client.

What sets you apart from others?

What truly sets LIV Photography by Jen apart is my experience, versatility, and commitment to my clients. Having started my career in high school developing film in a darkroom, then honing my skills with companies like The Picture People and Lifetouch, I’ve built a foundation that combines technical precision with a creative eye. I believe in crafting a seamless and customized experience for each client, using tools like AI background replacement software to create flawless, tailored images. I’m particularly excited to bring these high-quality techniques to every session, whether working with brands like The Joint Chiropractic, Clayco, or AvAir. My work is a blend of technical mastery and a genuine love for storytelling through images.

What are you most proud of or excited about?

I’m most proud of the impact my work has on clients and how it helps them achieve their goals, whether that’s a business elevating its brand image or an individual stepping confidently into a new role with a fresh headshot. I’m also excited about the recent growth of LIV Photography, hiring a talented team of photographers and videographers in the Phoenix area, which allows us to take on larger projects and reach more clients with the same standard of excellence. The constant evolution and expansion of my business are thrilling, and I’m grateful to be recognized as a trusted name in the Phoenix photography scene.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy?

My journey has been anything but conventional, and certainly not easy. I’ve encountered numerous challenges, from moving across states to rebuild my business to navigating changes in the photography industry. I have focused on building a business and life I’m proud of, and I’m in a place where I’m surrounded by the people I love and doing work that truly fulfills me.

How did you overcome the challenges?

Overcoming challenges has required grit, passion, and a willingness to learn and evolve. When faced with difficulties, I’ve always turned them into motivation. My personal journey, including a focus on self-love, respecting myself, and setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, has made me more resilient both personally and professionally. My experience with the Google algorithm change, for instance, forced me to delve deeper into SEO and re-evaluate my digital strategies, which ultimately led to greater success. Each challenge has been a stepping stone, pushing me to be better, and fueling my commitment to my clients and my craft.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and perseverance. Photography, especially as a business owner, is about embracing challenges, learning continuously, and adapting. I’ve also learned that it’s essential to surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. Lastly, I’ve come to value the process of building a brand authentically, knowing that a deep commitment to quality, integrity, and passion shines through in everything I do.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that LIV Photography by Jen is a brand built on resilience, passion, and a true love for storytelling. This isn’t just a job for me—it’s a calling. I’ve devoted my life to capturing moments and helping clients see themselves and their brands in ways they hadn’t imagined. My journey has been shaped by both personal and professional trials, each one strengthening my commitment to creating exceptional photography that serves as a powerful tool for my clients.

LIV Photography by Jen is here to offer more than just beautiful images; we’re here to provide an experience, a collaboration, and a shared vision. I’m grateful for every client, every challenge, and every step of this journey, and I’m proud to offer photography services that make a genuine difference in people’s lives and businesses.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

If my best friend were visiting, I’d want them to get the full Arizona experience! We’d spend some time at the Desert Botanical Garden, where the unique Sonoran Desert landscape comes alive with stunning plants and a wide range of wildlife, especially birds. Since I’ve recently developed a love for bird photography, it would be the perfect spot to share that hobby and capture Arizona’s incredible winged residents in action.

For something totally unique, I’d introduce them to a HOTWORX infrared sauna workout—a combination of heat, infrared therapy, and intense workout that also works as a detox. Surprisingly, the infrared sessions can help someone handle Arizona’s summer heat more effectively by acclimating the body to higher temperatures, which is a huge plus here!

We’d make time for a lake day at Saguaro Lake. With towering cliffs and saguaros surrounding the water, it’s the perfect place to go wake surfing, paddleboarding, or simply soak in the sun and cool off. For dining, Old Town Scottsdale would be our spot. There are so many incredible restaurants, brunch cafes, and fun bars to explore, and we’d make a day of it, stopping by local shops and galleries between meals.

For a fun night out, we’d head downtown for a comedy show in Phoenix. Phoenix has some fantastic comedy clubs featuring local talent and big-name acts, making it the perfect way to unwind, laugh, and enjoy a bit of the city’s nightlife.

I’d also want to introduce them to some classic Arizona hiking. Camelback Mountain offers a challenge but rewards you with panoramic views of the valley, while Papago Park is a gentler option with beautiful rock formations and ponds that make it feel like another world.

And if we’re up for a bit of a drive, Sedona is an absolute must. The famous red rock formations, spiritual vortex sites, and scenic trails make it one of Arizona’s most magical places. We’d take in the breathtaking views and capture some memorable shots with the red rock backdrop.

This would be the perfect way to introduce them to the Arizona lifestyle—capturing the desert’s beauty, experiencing wellness and adventure, and enjoying great food and fun along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my younger, high school self. The girl struggling through losing her mom to cancer at a young age and who knew the conventional path would never be a part of her story. She was the one who found the resilience to weather storm after storm, and still showed the world her smile, even when her heart was breaking. She believed there was something greater waiting on the other side and embraced hard work with open arms, never shying away from the journey ahead.

To that girl, know that all those efforts, those sacrifices, and that courage to keep going despite everything—it all pays off. Life turns out to be more wonderful than you could have imagined, even after all the storms. This shoutout is to her, the foundation of who I am today, reminding me that strength and hope can carry us through anything.

Website: www.LIVPhotographyAZ.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/livphotographyaz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-marie-3ba4a921b/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/livphotographyaz