Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Dera.
Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Photography started for me in 2000, right after my first child was born. I wanted to capture everything—those little moments you don’t realize you’ll miss until they’re gone. What began as “I just want better photos” turned into a genuine passion for storytelling and connection.
In 2010, I co-founded Capture a Moment Photography because I wanted to offer something different from the rushed, chaotic studio experience so many families were used to. I built the business around making people feel comfortable, guided, and genuinely seen—whether it’s a high school senior who needs a confidence boost or a family that just wants to remember this season of life.
Over the years, the studio has grown into a boutique space in Mount Clemens where I can create everything from beautiful portraits to finished wall art and albums. Now I run the business solo, and I’m proud that it’s still rooted in the same goal: a personalized experience and artwork that feels like them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a perfectly smooth road. Like most small businesses, there have been seasons of momentum and seasons where I had to dig in and problem-solve. One of the biggest challenges has been educating people on the difference between “getting photos taken” and investing in professional portrait artwork—helping clients understand the value, the quality, and the experience compared to quick, cheap options.
Another challenge has been wearing every hat. When you’re a one-person business, you’re the photographer, editor, scheduler, marketer, and customer service department all at once. Staying consistent with marketing—especially during busy seasons—has been a learning curve. And of course, the industry has changed a lot over the years, so I’ve had to keep evolving while still staying true to the kind of boutique, personal experience I want clients to have.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Capture a Moment Photography is a boutique portrait studio in downtown Mount Clemens, and I specialize in high school seniors, families, and professional headshots. I’m known for creating a relaxed, guided experience—and one of the things I hear most often is clients thanking me for how easy and stress-free I make the entire process. From the first conversation, I help with planning outfits and locations, walk people through posing and expression, and make sure they feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
I’m also known for turning portraits into finished artwork—wall art, albums, and heirloom-quality prints—so the images don’t just live on a phone. I love helping clients visualize what their portraits could look like in their home and creating pieces they’re proud to display.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me and the reputation I’ve built for quality, consistency, and a truly personal experience. I’m hands-on every step of the way, and because I’m a boutique studio, clients aren’t just picking a package—they’re getting something tailored to them and their season of life.
Community is a big part of who I am, too. I’m proud to be rooted in downtown Mount Clemens and to show up for local events and causes that matter to me, especially foster care advocacy and supporting LGBTQ+ families. That sense of connection and care is a big part of what I bring into my work—people aren’t just coming in for photos, they’re coming in to feel seen, supported, and taken care of.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
A big mix of practical tools and ongoing learning helps me do my best—both at work and personally. On the studio side, I rely on Lightroom and Photoshop for editing, and ProSelect is a huge part of my client experience because it helps families visualize wall art in their own homes, which makes the decision process feel easy and stress-free.
On the business side, my life honestly revolves around a pretty intense, color-coded Google Calendar—it’s how I keep sessions, consultations, editing, ordering, and life organized. I’m also about to graduate from the Velocity and Operations School small business program through Macomb County, and it’s been really valuable for strengthening the behind-the-scenes systems that keep the business running smoothly.
Personally, I’m really intentional about staying grounded and being my best because I’m also a foster parent and spend a lot of my time caring for foster youth. For me, “doing my best” isn’t just about being creative or productive—it’s about having the structure, patience, and emotional bandwidth to show up consistently for the kids who need stability and support. So a lot of the resources I lean on are the ones that help me stay organized, keep my priorities clear, and protect time for what matters most.
Pricing:
- Family Session: $199 (45 minutes, in-studio or on location)
- High School Senior Study Hall Session: $245 (45 minutes, studio, unlimited outfits)
- High School Senior Lunch Hour Session: $349 (90 minutes, studio or outdoor, unlimited outfits/locations, optional family session) + $500 minimum portrait investment
- High School Senior Spring Break: $495 (2.5 hours, studio + outdoor, unlimited outfits/locations, optional family session) + $500 minimum portrait investment
- Professional Headshots: $245 (includes up to 3 high-resolution, fully edited digital images)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.captureamomentphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captureamomentphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/captureamomentphoto/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cmomentphoto
