Rising Stars: Meet Molly Jensen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Jensen.

Molly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey with Molly Mae’s Photography as an outlet from the world of nursing.

I worked during the COVID pandemic as a registered nurse. I worked all over the hospital with covid patients, from Med/Surg to ICU departments, but let’s face it, most of the patients admitted became ICU patients.

After enduring the losses and traumas from nursing, I needed an outlet. I needed to do something to feel joy again and peace. I have always enjoyed all forms of Art. I spoke with a therapist, who suggested something involving creativity that differed from drawing and painting. So, I ordered my first camera in 2021. I didn’t do much with it at first because I was working at the hospital or trying to pull myself together enough to be a mother and wife on my off days.

Then one day, it hit me, I have to do something for myself. So, I picked up my camera and dusted it off; now the rest is history. I have been doing photography since March of 2022. This journey has honestly saved my mental health. It has helped me find “Molly” again. I can now truly enjoy time with my son and husband again. Photography is not just capturing memories and clicking a button; it is telling a story.

Photography is captivating the moment and freezing it, so one day, when my clients look back at that photograph, they can still feel the emotions of that day without ever saying a word.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in life is ever a smooth road. My mental health has been a huge struggle. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder since working during the COVID pandemic. I still hear code alarms, family members screaming, and patients struggling to breathe during the quiet parts of the day and in my sleep. Dealing with mental health has made finding confidence in my photography difficult.

The reason is that I lost confidence in myself as a person. I lost who I was as a mother and wife; my purpose became cloudy to the point I did not recognize myself in the mirror. Confidence is vital in this field. But I keep pushing myself and challenging myself to photograph everything I can to continue to improve and grow.

As I grow in this field, I am becoming more confident than when I first began, and I notice my anxiety is decreasing with the growth. Photography has become my journey back to finding my purpose and myself again. It has not been easy, but beautiful at the same time. I have found new strength and perseverance I did not know was there before.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I get the honor of capturing stories that will last a lifetime. I have not found a specialization in photography because I love to photograph everything or at least try it. I have been able to photograph weddings, engagements, headshots, pets, families, sports, high school seniors, and just because of photographs.

That sets me apart from other photographers because most specialize in one or two subjects, but I can be versatile and capture all moments for my clients. Being able to do this for my clients helps me challenge myself to grow and learn all aspects of photography instead of just focusing on one or two. With this, one of my goals is to be able to photograph concerts and events for music artists one day.

I found a passion for concert photography during the YelaWolf concert at The Ryman. I was not able to take my professional camera but was able to use my iPhone ever since I wanted to attempt a concert for someone. So, maybe one day, luck will throw it my way, and I can do this for someone.

How do you think about luck?
I feel like that “luck” depends on an individual’s definition of the term. Within my life and photography business, I would say I have been blessed.

I have been blessed with an amazing supportive husband and a wonderful son. My photography business has been such a blessing to me for my Mental Health. It has helped me find myself again.

Pricing:

• Family Packages start at $75
• Graduation Packages start at $150
• Engagement Packages start at $150
• Wedding Packages start at $650

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/molly_maes_photography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mollymaesphotography
• Other: mollymaesphotography.pixieset.com