The SMUGS Blog

The Philly SMUG met in Calumet Philadelphia for a Jacklyn Greenberg presentation. 28 members attended the presentation and enjoyed the feelings, energy and emotions that came from this meeting.

Jacklyn has earned degrees in both fine arts and environmental chemistry but decided to follow her passion and ventured into to the photography world.  Since she started JAGstudios 5 years ago, her work has been featured in numerous bridal publications including the first gay wedding in Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine and the cover story in the 2011 issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style New England Magazine.  She’s also been honored with multiple awards in Fearless, Wedcomp, and PDN Top Knot’s Contest. Jacklyn’s edge lies in her unique ability to engage and connect with people on a level that delves beyond the surface and into the deeper realm of energy and emotion.

Jacklyn started the evening with a slideshow of her wonderful wedding and portrait photography.  As each image unfolded, she explained the “why” instead of the “how to.”  Unless specifically asked about technical aspects of the photos, she mainly talked about the emotions that produced the image and the connection between herself, as the photographer, and her clients.  Jacklyn mentioned that when faced with an assignment, she knows she nailed the moment if there is what she called “The holy sh*t moment.”

She also isn’t one to manipulate the image with artificial poses.  Instead, she makes her clients comfortable with her and when they are, they will pose themselves naturally.  Another point mentioned was that what she does isn’t rocket science, it’s just photography.  Work with people, see your environment, and just go for that moment.  Jacklyn stressed, “Don’t be a stranger, be a friend with a camera.”

Jacklyn’s other helpful tips were:

• Get your clients to have fun.  When they do they will more likely be themselves and that will show in the images.
• Everybody looks beautiful when they are smiling.Be yourself.
• The client will know when you are putting up a front and act accordingly.

From start to finish, Jacklyn was energetic, fun, and very knowledgeable. She totally connected with the audience, and it was easy to see how she is so successful in winning over her clients.  The power conveyed in her images is truly a reflection of her emotional connection to the subjects.

A special thanks goes out to Bay Photo, WHCC, Calumet and SmugMug for the fantastic prizes raffled off to our member throughout the night. Also, thank to all the members who came out to listen to Jacklyn and to network.

Submitted by The Philadelphia SMUG Scribe: Joe DiFlorio