Rising Stars: Meet Jordyn Dryden of Portage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordyn Dryden.

Hi Jordyn , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I photographed my first wedding for a family member when I was 16, so to date myself, 12 years ago now. I continued in photography during high school and college, using the money I earned photographing weddings to help supplement getting through college. After earning my degree in secondary education, I decided photography wasn’t just a passion but it was meant to be my career, and in 2021 I left my teaching job and went full time into photography.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Reflecting on the years, I’d say the biggest struggle has been feeling like an imposter. Coming from a background in education rather than art or business has always left me feeling like I don’t know enough, I’m not a true artist, or I’m missing out on something. Imposter syndrome is the longstanding obstacle I have to continue to overcome. However, after 10 years in the industry, I can say that with time, education, and leaning into who I am as an artist, I believe more and more in my artistic voice. I used to hesitate to call myself an artist or a legitimate “photographer” but now I can say with confidence that I am proud of my work and how it reflects how I see the world.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a wedding photographer that specializes in capturing intimate and tender moments and weddings in a way that feels both effortless and refined. I’d say every artist is first and foremost a unique person with years of experience that has formed how they view the world. Therefore each artist is set apart, but it takes time to learn what it is that truly sets YOU apart. As a person apart from my business, I am rooted in faith, I live a disconnected and slow life as much as possible, and community is at my core. Therefore, I photograph faith-filled weddings with that sacred perspective in mind, I watch families and their nuance connections to the bride and groom, and I move slowly and observantly wherever possible, intrigued and constantly in awe by human connection. All those elements of how I photograph were birthed my daily life as I observed who I am as an artist, what I’m drawn to, and what I love – and they all play a role in how I photograph a wedding.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson (that I’m still learning) is that some things simply take time. It takes time to learn your craft. It takes time to understand who you are as an artist and what work you WANT to create. With that, I’d say another tough lesson to learn is that you don’t have to be like everyone else. You don’t have to re-create the trending poses or live for the next viral high, but should you decide you want to freely be the artist you are, it will take much courage and self-awareness.

Pricing:

• Starting at $8,000.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jordyndryden.com
• Instagram: @jordyndrydenphoto