Meet Jen Sampson | business woman

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

Hi Jen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Thank you so much for inviting me to share about my work! When I started Sampson Photography, Inc. in 2009 I just wanted to photograph families. I figured it could be supplemental income as I was in healthcare at the time. As time went on and my days were now spent working as the editor and photographer of a dining guide for the Treasure Coast, my photography skills improved and additionally my business acumen/entrepreneurial spirit evolved. I ventured into the wedding photography market. Weddings and events proved to be a great fit. They require a mix of compassion, confidence, time management and of course the ability to create timeless art while capturing a couple’s most precious day. The past few years I have entered into commercial photography and I feel like I have found an incredible balance. I didn’t expect to become a leading food photographer for the South Florida market but it makes perfect sense looking back at my journey. I believe my time with the magazine (8 years) gave me an understanding of the restaurant industry’s unique needs. Photographing beautiful plates of food and pretty cocktails sounds fun (and it is!) but also requires planning and strategy. I develop relationships with my clients, we become a team and I aim to capture their distinctive vibe. Partnering with some of the best restaurants has become rewarding in so many ways. Society consumes content. You want your restaurant’s content to be the most appealing and that’s what I bring to the table.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I grew up poor and often without a roof over my head during my childhood in West Palm Beach FL. My parents really struggled. To grow up with such instability was obviously challenging. I feel especially proud today because I didn’t know that success was possible for someone like me for over three decades of my life. While I’m proud of my business success I am most proud of rearing an exceptional daughter. I wanted to give her everything I craved as a child. Savannah is so well rounded, capable, accomplished, compassionate and hilarious. She is a joyful, nurturing and intuitive mother to her daughter Ava June and incredible partner to Hunter.

For me, photography is a relationship based business. It’s heart centered for me. 13 years in and I only want to work with people when I know it’s a wonderful fit for both sides. Chemistry, good energy, and both sides feeling valued – that’s my starting point with any client. When those things are present I know that I will meet or exceed the client’s goals. Steven Martine instilled much of this attitude in me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh I have so many favorites! If we are in Stuart, I’d choose Chef’s Table. What makes them special is they cater to dietary restrictions without making you feel like you have any restrictions. Warm, inviting, intimate and of course outstanding gourmet fare by Chef Paolo and his team. If we are going for coffee, I’d choose Gilbert’s Coffee Bar as the location can’t be beat (nestled in a marina and the interior design is just ::chefskiss::!). If we are going for cocktails/apps, I love the vibe at Spritz City Bistro in historic downtown Stuart. Another hot spot I’m looking forward to is The Jupiter Grill in Harborside. Some of their food is featured here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love that I have the opportunity to shout out one of my biggest mentors. Steven Martine is an accomplished commercial photographer with decades of experience. His client list is miles long and super impressive. His unwavering support for the last 13 years still warms my heart. I call him to decompress, when I have a technical question, when I need to borrow additional gear, when I’m feeling defeated and the best…when I have big career wins! Few are cheering louder for me. His guidance and friendship is likely one of the best things that’s happened to me both personally and professionally. We’ve collaborated, we’ve commiserated, we’ve celebrated…I’m honored to call him a colleague and dear friend. Sampson Photography would not be where it is today without Steve.

Instagram: jenniferjsampson and sampson.photo.and.films

Facebook: Sampson Photography Stuart FL and Beyond

Other: jennifer@sampsonphotography.com, jensampson.com

Website:  Www.sampsonphotography.com