Hey friends,

Have you ever been on a trip, camera in hand, feeling the pressure to capture the perfect photo? The pressure of the feeling that this is your one chance to get it right?

Last week, during the Saltwater Retreat, we did a deep dive into that feeling. We talked about how that pressure stifles our creativity, and how the secret to creating images that truly speak from the heart isn’t found in those big, high-stakes moments. It’s discovered in the small, quiet acts of practice that build a comfortable, easy relationship with our cameras. It’s in making photography part of our ordinary days, so that when the extraordinary arrives, we’re ready to capture the feeling, not just the view.

Part of this practice is also letting go of the feeling that every images needs to be a portfolio piece. Think of it like beachcombing, every shell you find won’t be the perfect treasure. The joy is in the hunt- the practice of collecting simple, imperfect shells is what leads you to eventually find the beautiful keeper. The practice of creating images that are just okay is what builds the skill and intuition you need for the one that truly takes your breath away.

Today, I’m inviting you to join me in a few small, actionable steps to build that comfort:

• Think photographically everyday: This is about shifting your perspective. As you go about your day, notice how the morning light streams through a window. Look for interesting shadows on your walk, or the unexpected texture of a weathered fence. It's about training your eye to see the world in compositions, light, and color, even without a camera to your eye.

• Carry your camera: Take your camera with you on a routine errand— remember, your phone is a powerful camera, too! Look for one interesting shadow, reflection, or pop of color.

• Forget perfection: Take one photo this week with the simple goal of capturing a feeling, not a technically perfect image. Let it be blurry, let it be imperfect, let it be yours.

I'd love to see your "imperfect" photo from this invitation. Just hit reply and send it over. I would love to see the feeling you captured.

Thank you for being here and for making space in your life for beauty and creativity. I'm always so honored to share this journey with you.

With warmth and light,

Jenny

A few things I’m leaning into this month:

• Seeing home through new eyes: It’s a gift to host the Saltwater Retreat on Hatteras Island and watch women connect with this landscape, noticing things I’ve overlooked. It’s a powerful reminder that there's always a fresh perspective to be found, even in the most familiar places.

• Embracing imperfect weather: Instead of wishing for 'perfect' light, I'm finding inspiration in the moody, atmospheric moments that truly capture the wild energy of the coast.

• Listening to the quiet: I'm tuning into the subtle sounds of nature here—the whisper of the sea oats, the distant call of a shorebird, the gentle rhythm of the waves. There's so much peace to be found when we just stop and listen.

A few things I’m loving this month:

• Tyler Loves to Draw - Tyler is a 10 year old wildlife photographer and artist sharing his beautiful creations in short videos. He is a breath of fresh air on days that feel too heavy.

• Art Work: On the Creative Life by Sally Mann - Reading Sally Mann's new book feels like settling in with a bottle of wine and your most trusted creative friends. Even in the first few pages, it’s an honest, candid conversation about the beautiful, messy reality of choosing to live a life in art. Let me know if you pick up a copy and we can share our favorite lines.

• On repeat- Grain of Salt by Claire Wright - A catchy, upbeat tune that feels like the perfect anthem—a reminder to trust our own creative voice and take any self-doubt with— a grain of salt.

P.S. An idea for the New Year...

The crisp air and the golden light of fall invite us to see things differently—to look more deeply at the stories we tell through our photographs.

This feeling of reflection has inspired a new, intimate group journey I'll be guiding starting in January. It will be for a small circle of us, dedicated to going deeper with our photography—beyond the single image, to uncover the quiet stories our work is waiting to tell.

I wanted to share this with you first. If the idea of beginning the new year with this kind of creative focus resonates with you, could you simply hit reply and let me know? Hearing from you now would help as I finalize the details.