At Jennifer Henson Photography, portrait sessions are more than just a photoshoot – they’re an empowering experience rooted in confidence, authenticity, and connection. Based in Asheville, Jennifer specializes in professional headshots, personal branding, high school senior portraits, and her powerful 40 Over 40 campaign, which celebrates the strength and beauty of women over 40. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help clients feel seen, celebrated, and confident in front of the camera. Through personalized consultations, expert posing, and professional makeup artistry, Jennifer creates an uplifting and transformative environment for every session.
What sets Jennifer apart is her ability to make even the most camera-shy individuals feel at ease. Her process is collaborative and customized – clients select only the images they truly love, ensuring their final portraits reflect their best selves. As a self-taught photographer whose journey began by photographing her children, Jennifer now runs a thriving business built on trust, personal connection, and a deep love for helping people see their own beauty. Whether she’s working with business professionals, high school seniors, or women embracing a new chapter in life, Jennifer captures more than images – she captures confidence.
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
I’m the owner and photographer behind Jennifer Henson Photography, where I specialize in creating empowering portrait experiences. I focus on professional headshots, personal branding portraits, high school senior sessions, and my signature 40 Over 40 campaign, which celebrates the beauty and resilience of women over 40.
My mission is to help people feel confident and beautiful through photography. I guide each client through expert posing, bring in professional makeup artistry, and personalize every step of the process so the final images reflect who they truly are. I began my photography journey capturing my own children, and in 2019, I transitioned fully into portrait photography to help others see themselves in a new, positive light.
How did you come up with your business idea and name?
My love for photography started with my kids. I saw how powerful it was to freeze a moment and tell a story through a single image. As I began photographing others, I noticed how many people – especially women – struggled to see their own beauty. That inspired me to create a photography experience that’s uplifting and confidence-building.
Using my name, Jennifer Henson Photography, felt like the most natural and authentic choice. My business is built on trust and personal connection, so I wanted people to feel like they were working with someone they knew, not just a faceless brand.
What makes your business unique?
I specialize in making people feel comfortable in front of the camera – even those who swear they’re “not photogenic.” I love proving them wrong. With the right lighting, posing, and encouragement, anyone can look and feel amazing.
Another thing that sets me apart is my image selection process. Clients only purchase the photos they absolutely love. There’s no pressure, no wasted images – just the ones that make them feel proud, beautiful, and confident.
Do you have any employees? What do you look for in a team?
I run most of the business myself, but I do collaborate with a professional makeup artist to help clients look and feel their best. If I were to expand, I’d look for someone who’s warm, friendly, and detail-oriented, with a genuine passion for empowering people and delivering top-notch customer service.
What was the greatest lesson you learned in your first year?
Running a business solo taught me how much goes into being a solopreneur. I had to wear every hat—photographer, marketer, editor, scheduler, bookkeeper – and learn to juggle them all while keeping the client experience front and center.
As my business grew, I learned to refine my systems, set boundaries, and focus my energy on what mattered most. Narrowing my niche and finding alignment with my personal and professional goals helped me grow in a sustainable way.
Where do you see your business in the next year? The next five?
In the next year, I plan to grow my 40 Over 40 campaign and continue expanding Headshot Marathon Days for Asheville professionals.
Looking ahead five years, I dream of creating a coffee table book or magazine featuring inspiring stories from the women I photograph. I also want to combine my love of travel with empowering women through photography – something I’m really excited to explore.
Why did you join the Asheville Chamber?
I joined the Chamber to connect with other business owners and build meaningful relationships. Trust and referrals are so important in my line of work, and being part of the Chamber has allowed me to support other local businesses while growing my own. I joined last year and quickly became active in a PNG group, and I haven’t looked back since.
What’s your favorite part about doing business in Asheville?
The diversity of people I meet! Asheville is such a vibrant mix of individuals from all walks of life, and I love hearing their stories and capturing their personalities. Every session is different, and I feel lucky to be part of such a welcoming and dynamic community.
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To learn more about Jennifer’s work or to schedule a session, visit www.AshevillePortrait.com. You can also follow her on Instagram at @jenniferhensonphotography