READING TIME: 3 min 53 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/04/2024
UPDATED: 11/05/2024
In the world of wedding photography, few names stand out as much as Jacqueline Benét. With a career that uniquely blends scientific precision and creative artistry, Jacqueline has become known for her ability to capture moments of pure authenticity and emotion. Her refined editorial style, combined with a passion for meaningful storytelling, has earned her a special place in the hearts of her clients. Let’s dive into Jacqueline’s journey and discover how she transitioned from a career in biomedical sciences to becoming a sought-after wedding and portrait photographer.
Jacqueline’s journey into photography is one of passion and self-discovery. Starting in 2013, what began as a creative outlet quickly turned into a calling. “I started photographing weddings with my husband while living in San Diego,” she shares. At the time, Jacqueline was pursuing her PhD in Biomedical Sciences, but photography provided a creative escape that would soon reshape her life.
“I quickly realized it was where my true passion and heart was,” Jacqueline reflects. “I enjoyed every aspect of working with people, building a business, and everything in between.” What started as a side project during her graduate studies soon became a full-fledged pursuit. Despite her demanding academic career, Jacqueline dedicated every spare moment to honing her skills, learning about photography, and growing her business.
As Jacqueline’s passion for photography grew, so did her desire to make it her primary focus. In 2019, after the birth of her first child, she decided to pivot away from her scientific career. This turning point came with a new perspective on life, one that emphasized family and flexibility. “I wanted to prioritize time with my family more and have more flexibility with my time,” Jacqueline explains. The transition wasn’t immediate, but it was purposeful.
“I slowly, steadily rebuilt my business in this new location,” she says, referring to the move back to her hometown of Seattle. Jacqueline rebranded her business, opened a portrait studio, and was fully committed to her photography career. By 2024, now with two beautiful children, she put her scientific career on hold to pursue photography with full force.
What sets Jacqueline apart is her deep connection to the moments she captures. Specializing in engagements, weddings, and anniversaries, as well as women’s milestones through boudoir, maternity, and motherhood photography, Jacqueline’s portfolio is a testament to her dedication to celebrating life’s most meaningful events.
“I am so passionate about capturing life’s most meaningful moments,” Jacqueline says. Her journey—both personally and professionally—has given her a unique perspective on what it means to truly honor these moments. “It was my own pursuit of what was meaningful to my own life that led me down this path.”
Jacqueline’s photography style is a beautiful blend of refined editorial elegance and authentic, unscripted moments. Her images convey a timeless quality while also capturing the true essence of her subjects. “My style is refined editorial mixed with authentic moments,” she explains. This delicate balance between posed and candid allows Jacqueline to create images that feel both artistic and deeply personal.
When asked what she enjoys most about being a photographer, Jacqueline is quick to mention the creative freedom that comes with the job. “I enjoy all aspects of being a photographer, but my favorite part is being able to think creatively and artistically about how to compose a photo or direct my clients in a way that will uniquely tell their story.”
As both a film and digital photographer, Jacqueline is meticulous about the tools she uses to craft her images. Her equipment list includes a Contax 645 for film photography and a GFX100 II and Nikon Z62 for digital work. This combination allows her to achieve the timeless quality she’s known for while also maintaining the flexibility that digital photography offers.
For post-processing, Jacqueline is equally intentional. “I shoot both film and digital, and have a specific color profile for scanning my film with Richard Photo Lab,” she explains. “Then I will edit my digital files to match using The Archetype Process profiles.” This attention to detail ensures that her final images are cohesive, consistent, and perfectly aligned with her artistic vision.
Working with couples to create their dream wedding photography experience is one of Jacqueline’s strengths. Her collaborative approach ensures that every client feels heard and understood. “Open communication is important for understanding what clients are looking for,” Jacqueline says. By showing a consistent body of work, she helps clients know what to expect, but she also leaves room for creativity and flexibility. “Leaving room for what clients love or are drawn to can also fuel you to think in creative ways and try something new.”
When it comes to customizing photography packages, Jacqueline is more than willing to accommodate. “I work with every couple to customize what they need,” she says. This personalized approach allows her to create a unique and memorable experience for each of her clients, ensuring that their big day is captured in a way that reflects their vision and personalities.
As Jacqueline looks ahead, she’s excited about the future of her business and the balance she’s found between work and family. “I am now able to create the life that I have desired for so long,” she reflects. With a thriving business, a growing family, and a passion for photography that continues to burn bright, Jacqueline is well on her way to capturing countless more meaningful moments.
Jacqueline Benét’s story is one of transformation, passion, and dedication. Her journey from science to storytelling is a testament to the power of following your heart and embracing your true calling. Through her lens, she continues to create timeless images that celebrate life’s most beautiful moments.
