Resume
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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“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!”
Erica Bastone, Rising Fern Events
More testimonials added soon.