Jennifer Studanski never set out to build an award-winning photography business. She didn’t imagine her photos would one day hang in homes across the Omaha metro, or that she would become such a beloved part of the community.
But after 30 years in business, her work speaks for itself. What makes Studanski’s photography special is the heart and soul she pours into every session and every shot.
Early Beginnings
It all started with a Minolta. In the early 1990s, Studanski was a stay-at-home mom looking for an affordable way to capture special moments. The answer came in the form of a vintage camera her father gave her one morning.
Retelling the story, Studanski laughs. “My father had this film camera that was so old. Mind you, he didn’t get an answering machine until 2012, so he couldn’t figure it out and didn’t want to. So he handed it over to me,” she says. “The rest is history.”
Learning that camera set her up for success, though the process was tough at first. “The first few rolls of film were atrocious,” she says.
“I am a very visual learner. Every time I took a picture, I would make a mental note of where I was, the lighting, and how my camera was set,” Studanski says. “The hardest part is that with film, you don’t know what the picture will look like until it’s processed. It took me about six months before my photos were even identifiable, and a few more before I got a shot I thought was good.” She adds, “From then on, I had hope and motivation to keep going.”
Transition to a Professional Career
Studanski’s children were her first subjects. As a mother of four, photography became a way to capture important milestones. While family was her priority, she also had another reason to hone her skills: her middle daughter’s autism.
“With Ashley’s diagnosis, it was incredibly challenging to take her somewhere unfamiliar and expect her to sit for photos,” she says. “Photography gave me a way to capture my family in a setting comfortable for her.”
Word spread that Studanski had a talent for photography, and requests soon began coming in.
“A lot of the work I did for free at first,” she recalls. “Eventually, I started getting referrals from people I didn’t know. It was gradual, and I took things slow.”
In 2019, she resigned from her accounting position and launched her photography business full time.
“My kids were older and mostly out of the house, and it felt like the right time to be brave and jump in,” she says.
Faith and Philosophy
Studanski’s faith plays a central role in how she approaches her work.
“I have a lot of faith. It’s my foundation,” she says. “It was scary knowing I wouldn’t have a consistent paycheck at first. But the promise I have in God is that He will always be with me.”
She credits her faith with inspiring her to find beauty in everyday moments.
“You see that beauty, you capture it, then present it. It becomes something to marvel at later,” she says.
One of her favorite parts of the job is scouting locations others might dismiss. Recently, she took a senior client to a dilapidated barn near her property. The client was unsure at first but thrilled with the results.
“She kept thanking me for the idea because the photos turned out so great,” Studanski says.
Her talent extends to photographing people. “There’s a way to pose people to capture their best,” she says. “I’ve learned how to have a woman sit, stand, and place her arms.”
Hearing from brides who are surprised by how beautiful they look remains a highlight. “Each bride deserves to look her best,” Studanski says.
Conclusion
Meraki is a Greek word that means doing something with soul, creativity and love—putting everything you have into your work.
It’s no surprise that this word defines Jennifer Studanski’s philosophy.
With deep intention, Studanski pours her heart and soul into her photography. That is what truly sets her apart. The results speak for themselves. From lighting to angles to finishing touches, it is clear she is guided by something greater. That force has led her to unforgettable moments and given her the ability to see and capture beauty in a way entirely her own.
“You see that beauty, you capture it, then present it. It becomes something to marvel at later.”
Jennifer Studanski is passionate about capturing all of life's authentic moments. From weddings, engagements and intimate elopements to senior portraits, headshots or lifestyle sessions, Jennifer is available to shoot on-site, or in studio. Or, better yet, let her show you some of the best hidden gems around the Omaha metro. Visit jenniferstudanskiphotography.com to learn more.