Exploring Life & Business with Jennie Akins of Jennie Wren Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennie Akins.

Hi Jennie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Jennie Wren Photography began with a simple goal: to learn photography as a skill for a future career in forensic investigations. In 2014, once my youngest started preschool, I returned to college to pursue a degree in criminal justice. Knowing photography would give me a competitive edge, I bought a used DSLR and a “nifty fifty” lens, and dove headfirst into learning everything I could. I spent the next few years photographing dozens of free sessions in my small town, and along the way, I fell deeply in love with capturing real moments and the beauty of everyday life.
In 2017, our family relocated to Michigan, and for the first time, I had access to a dedicated studio space. That move gave me the opportunity to focus on what had truly captured my heart—newborn photography. I offered free model sessions for about a year as I built my portfolio and client base. By the time I completed my degree in 2018, photography had grown from a skill into a thriving business, and Jennie Wren Photography, LLC officially took flight.
The name is a tribute to my grandmother, who lovingly called me “Jennie Wren” throughout my childhood. Today, I specialize in newborn photography and feel incredibly honored to have photographed countless babies for families throughout Mason County and beyond.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating the ever-changing social and economic landscape has brought its share of challenges. When COVID-19 first hit, I was surprised to see little to no disruption in client bookings, thanks in part to the implementation of studio safety measures like masking and sanitization. However, the real impact came later. About two years after restrictions were lifted, I saw a significant decline in bookings—a trend that affected many luxury service industries, including photography. By 2024, I made the difficult decision to close my dedicated studio space in town.
Since then, I’ve adapted by utilizing alternative studio locations, offering more in-home newborn sessions, and expanding my focus to include more outdoor shoots. While I look forward to re-establishing a dedicated studio space in 2025, I remain committed to evolving my business to best serve my clients’ needs—wherever that may be.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While I have experience in a wide range of photography—from commercial and forensic work to nearly every type of portrait—my true passion lies in posed newborn sessions. That’s where my heart is, and it’s the niche I’ve been drawn to time and time again. I’m committed to continually refining my craft and growing as both an artist and a professional in this specialized area.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
What many people don’t know about me is that in addition to photography, I also work as a medicolegal death investigator. I reached my educational goal in 2019, and since then, I’ve worked alongside law enforcement to investigate unattended and unexpected deaths. I’m employed by Western Michigan University’s School of Medicine, and our medical examiner’s office covers thirteen counties across Michigan. In a way, I document both the beginning and the end of life—an honor and responsibility I never take for granted. I’m currently writing a book about my experiences in both roles, and how they sometimes intersect. I hope it offers readers a meaningful glimpse into two very different, yet deeply human, aspects of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenniewrenphotography.com
• Instagram: @jenniewrenphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photographybyJAkins