Jodi is a Mother to four precious souls and Wife to a loving mountain man living in beautiful Sonoma County, California, her forever home. She is a Lifestyle Family + Motherhood Photographer and Teacher/Mentor who is passionate about creating living poetry through her imagery and supporting other Artists. She aims to produce meaningful work which shares unique, tangible stories of connection, beauty and absolute truth. Photography has become a powerful way for her to foster and share her gifts with the world and to be genuine with her craft; baring her soul through the way she sees the world. Through this medium she has discovered her own true voice and has found a way to express herself creatively. She loves working with other Artists to support their journeys, helping them tap into their unique why and discover their true authentic gifts with their work. Working with amazing people, bringing their unique stories to life, while providing them with beautiful timeless heirlooms, is pure music to her soul.

You can find two courses from Jodi in the Academy on Creating Living Poetry Through Authentic Connections. Jodi’s passion for connection and teaching are both threaded throughout her courses and we think you are going to love what she has to offer. She is a one of a kind woman, photographer and teacher. The kind of woman we want by our side. Thank you for all your do for Unraveled, Jodi. You are so appreciated.

For more inspiration from Jodi:

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Here is Jodi, Unraveled…

What inspires your Art?

My children are my greatest muses, and all the important, meaningful relationships in my life. For without them, what would I be? I am also incredibly moved and motivated by peoples’ stories; especially ones of redemption, triumph and beauty.  Ones that bring me to my knees yet fill me with incredible hope. I am inspired by light, shadows, nature, music, poetry, dance and God. I grew up a modern + contemporary dancer and feel that highly impacts my desire to create movement and fluidity in my imagery.

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark IV and all prime lenses. My favorite lens’ are the Canon 35 mm 1.4 II, Canon 85 mm 1.2 and Canon 50 mm 1.2. I am very intrigued with mirrorless bodies and want to explore the Sony and Canon mirrorless cameras next. When I shot film in college I shot with a Canon AE-1 and an old nifty fifty which I still have. I would love to begin shooting film more again with my personal work.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

I love to journal and write; I also really enjoy cooking and getting creative with vegan recipes. I think all my relationships with other human beings are creative in their own unique way and extremely important to me. I simply thrive on connection with others;  it helps me relate to that deep part of myself, think outside the box and grow artistically.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

Well, being that we currently have a one year old, and three other children, there is not much time for that. Honestly, most days I am asleep pretty quickly after my childrens’ bedtimes. But, in a perfect world, I would love to do more yoga and journaling and have some quiet time for perspective at the end of the day. I always feel at peace in nature and we love to camp, hike and explore as a family. Since I am an empath and an extroverted introvert, I sincerely need alone time to regroup and center. I don’t get much of that throughout the day with a baby so making quiet time for me is so important to foster my growth, well-being and creativity. I actually love quiet time at my computer editing with a Podcast going, taking baths, going on walks; these quiet self-care habits rejuvenate me and allow me to be imaginative.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

I typically listen to Podcasts while I edit and books through Audible. Currently, I am listening to “Modern Love”, beautiful love stories read by well-known actors and actresses. They are so inspiring and beautifully written, they really help me understand my own humanity.

What is your favorite book?

I love “Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed, a dear friend sent it to me when it first came out and I pick it up often. Reading stories of others hardships, successes and challenges helps me to see the beauty in my own life and show compassion and relate to others wherever they are in their journey. I also LOVE “Big Magic” and feel it is a must read for all Artists; I revisit it often.

Name one movie that inspires you.

I love movies with beautiful cinematography and costume design and am in awe of magical use of light. Some movies and shows that I could watch over and over again to soak in the cinematography and insane use of light are The Life of Pi, A Star is Born, Peaky Blinders and The Greatest Showman.

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

Honestly, I find self doubt and creative slumps absolutely necessary for growth and to overcome obstacles, hurdles or things that may be holding you back. I used to get upset and not understand them, but at this point in my career, I try to listen to these slumps, find the meaning in them, the growth point for me. I aim to use self doubt as a way to catapult me in a new direction and challenge me. I want to continue to grow as an Artist always and never stop learning and blooming. That comfortable space is NEVER where the magic happens.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

Comparison, it truly is a thief and inhibits growth and creativity. I find social media to be a double-edged sword too...on one hand I am so grateful to share my Art with the world and for the exposure, but on the other hand, it makes the world almost too accessible and takes away some of the sacred parts of being an Artist. I worry too that photographers spend too much time trying to be current and stylish, and not enough time exploring that intimate “why” for them.  And if it is not coming from that deep, honest place in you, will you ever be satisfied...will your work ever be enough?

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

Sarah Cornish (My Four Hens Photography), Joy Prouty (Wildflowers Photography), and Kelly Crispin Paulson (Wild Whim) are three photographers I have followed throughout my journey who have truly made an impact on my heart. Their work and words have continually encouraged me to find genuine meaning in my work.. I was incredibly lucky to attend one of Joy Prouty’s workshops and to have formed a beautiful friendship with Sarah Cornish; she is such an incredible, giving and humble soul. I was able to second shoot for Kelly during a wedding a couple of years ago and she captured my own family too which meant the world to me.