Resume

  • PHOTOGRAPHY | BRAND MESSAGING | SEO | SQUARESPACE DESIGN

    Accomplished creative professional with 15+ years of experience in high-impact visual storytelling (commercial, interior, and food photography) for small and medium-sized enterprises. Leveraging a decade-plus of mastering visual brand aesthetics to now specialize in brand messaging, narrative strategy, and creative copywriting.

    I combine a deep understanding of visual brand positioning with technical skills in Squarespace design, SEO, and strategic narrative to create cohesive, high-conversion brand experiences. I help businesses define their "why" and bring it to life through both compelling language and polished visuals.

    • Photography: Visual Storytelling, Commercial Photography, Food & Hospitality Imaging, Architectural Interiors, Product Photography, Professional Headshots: to enhance marketing visuals that drive brand engagement.

    • Brand Strategy: Identity Development, Mission & Values, Brand Attributes, Strategic Positioning, Value Propositions, Narrative Development, Brand Voice, Brand Copywriting, Brand Messaging Components: to develop narratives that clarify brand consistency across all marketing collateral.

    • Website Design & SEO: Squarespace Design, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), AIO (AI Visibility), User Experience (UX): to elevate digital presence and visibility that supports best-in-class presence.

    • Technical Expertise: Adobe Creative Suite (Lightroom and Photoshop), Traditional Film Photography: to craft polished visual assets that strengthen audience and ideal client trust.

  • Self-Employed | J. Callahan Photography — Asheville, NC

    Commercial Branding Photographer & Brand Messaging Strategist/Developer | 2018 — Present 

    • Produced high-quality commercial, food, and interior photography for a diverse client base, increasing engagement through visual storytelling.

    • Developed comprehensive visual brand identities for hospitality and service-based entities, including website redesigns and messaging.

    • Designed and launched optimized Squarespace websites, improving user experience and SEO rankings for small to medium-sized businesses.

    • Created AI-driven visibility content and AIO strategies to increase website traffic and searchability.

    • Collaborated with clients to define brand voice and develop content strategies that bridged written narratives and brand visuals. 

    Freelance Creative Strategist | Kristen Calhoun • Speech & Voice — Asheville, NC

    Independent Brand Developer | 2025 — Present

    • Executed a complete brand identity, including a Squarespace website, tailored messaging, and branding photography.

    • Implemented SEO strategies to increase online presence and search visibility. 

    Freelance Magazine Photographer | Our State Magazine — North Carolina

    Independent Editorial Photojournalist | 2018 — Present

    • Captured editorial profiles, stories, and events for a statewide audience.

    • Managed tight deadlines and high-pressure assignments to ensure publication-print ready results. 

    Branding Photographer | Rising Fern Events — Asheville, NC

    Professional Identity Portraits | Spring 2024

    • Produced polished visual assets to drive engagement and trust for a top-tier,  service oriented small business.

    Branding Photographer | Battery Park Book Exchange  & Champagne Bar  — Asheville, NC

    Narrative Storyteller | Summer 2023

    • Conceptualized visual story to differentiate and distinguish a small business in a crowded downtown market.

    Interior Photographer | Studio Ø Interiors  — Asheville, NC

    Visual Storyteller  | Fall 2019

    • Executed visuals that served as portfolio-worthy assets to attract ideal clients for a high-end service brand.

    Freelance Photographer | Asheville Bread Festival — Asheville, NC

    Food & Event Photographer | Fall 2019

    • Crafted high-impact visuals that elevated food brands and captured the unscripted dynamics of a seasonal event.

    Food & Beverage Photographer | Haywood Common — Asheville, NC

    Content Creator | Fall 2019

    • Produced thumb-stopping visuals to elevate a West Asheville restaurant’s brand among discerning clientele.

  • Owner/Operator | Beloved Photo Co. | Asheville, NC

    Lead Photographer | 2004 — Present

    • Captured high-resolution, artistic imagery for 300+ weddings, managing lighting, composition, and post-production.

    • Maintained 100% client satisfaction by delivering professional, high-quality galleries within strict deadlines.

    Adjunct Instructor of Photography | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN

    Lecturer | 2000 — 2004

    • Instructed university-level courses on photography principles, traditional darkroom photography and digital techniques.

    • Developed curricula and provided hands-on guidance to students in professional laboratory settings.

    Watkins College of Art and Design | Nashville, TN

    Adjunct Instructor of Photography | 2002 — 2004

    • Lectured on photography fundamentals, ranging from introductory black-and-white courses to special topics classes.

    • Evaluated student work and technical proficiency to foster artistic and professional growth.

  • Master of Fine Arts in Photography | May 2000

    • Washington University, St. Louis, MO

    Bachelor of Science in English and Literature | May 1998 

    • Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 

    • “I am blown away at the level of professionalism, attention to detail, and quality that Jennifer brings to her work! As a planner, I recently had the pleasure of working with her at one of her photography workshops (Union Photography Workshops) and was so impressed with everything she put together to create a whimsical, well-run event. I highly recommend her as a photographer and look forward to recommending her to my clients!”

    • More testimonials added soon.