Member Spotlight - Jenny Callanan Photography
How long has Jenny Callanan Photography been in business?
I have been working as a photographer in Drogheda for about 15 years now. At the start I worked for a photography agency, which was great for experience but about 8/9 years ago I felt it was time to set up on my own. I set up Jenny Matthews Photography at first and last month I changed the business name to Jenny Callanan Photography.
How has the business changed during the Pandemic?
The Covid 19 pandemic greatly affected the business. Events moved online, school photos were cancelled and weddings were mostly cancelled or postponed. Even individual portraits could not happen as with hairdressers closed nobody wanted to avail of the service.
However with most retail moving online and businesses building eCommerce sites I began to get requests for product shots. This was something I had only done occasionally but it became a steady part of my business. Even as events start up again and the schools are fully opened I aim to keep offering quality product photography. The last few month being quiet gave me the time to work with Bammedia on my brand new website showcasing a selection of my work from down through the years https://www.jennycallananphotography.com/.
What do you think has been your biggest achievement with the business?
I love that in my job I get to work with charities and have photographed some great charity events. The Drogheda Daffodil Day Fashion Show is one of these events. A huge amount of work is put into the event by the organisers, models, local businesses, sponsors and volunteers so it is great to get to document all this for them on the night.
What’s next for the business in Drogheda?
I anticipate that when lockdown is lifted, vaccines are fully rolled out, hairdressers are open and events can resume I will be extremely busy. A lot of events that had moved online will hopefully resume in “the real world” and people will be safe and happy to get out and about more.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given
“Your comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.