I am a professional, photojournalistic-style photographer. I specialize in what I love shooting, families and weddings! I love working with people, primarily families and especially children. I have two young children; son, Kendall and daughter, Helena, which gives me great insight to understanding children and their parents a little better! I realize how unique children are, and how important it is to capture a child’s unique personality through portraiture.

I graduated with a B.F.A. in Photography from Auburn University in 1999 then received a B.S. in Marketing from Auburn University in 2000. After college, I was transferred to Destin, Florida in summer 2000. I worked in various public relations and marketing positions in the hospitality industry for 4 years. I worked as a freelance photographer for 6 years, mostly working weddings and small commercial jobs. In spring 2004, I finally decided to establish a career in what I love, photography. I started Jennifer Small Photography and now work out of my home, allowing me to spend more time with my two beautiful children.

I enjoy outdoor photo shoots along the Emerald Coast because of all the beautiful landscapes and waterscapes we are lucky to call ours. I have found people to be their most comfortable when shooting in natural, casual environments. I recommend all photo shoots to be on location wherever everyone is comfortable; whether this is on the beach or at home in the backyard. Children are at their best, and happiest, when they are acting just like kids! Allow them to goof off and play with themselves, siblings, pets and parents. I encourage this behavior, as it helps us accomplish great smiles for pictures!

Working with families and children can be so uplifting. Children are so carefree, it’s fascinating to watch families interact when they don’t know that I’m watching or shooting. I can appreciate the way a mother feels and what types of photos mothers cherish and what memories we as parents want to save of our children. Capturing family beach portraits for those on vacation is absolutely the best, watching a family while they are enjoying each other’s company in a beautiful relaxed beach setting is so easy to shoot, it’s easy to get great shots here!

Weddings are another wonderful family gathering and perfect time for portraits and candid photography! Weddings are great to photograph because of all the excitement and love surrounding the shoot. Everyone looks fabulous for weddings and the emotions create wonderful moments, and I help create ways to remember them!

Jennifer Small Photography was recently honored as “Best Photographer of the Emerald Coast” by Emerald Coast Magazine. I am a member of the Professional Photographers of America, Destin Chamber of Commerce and Emerald Coast Advertising Federation.