© Jennifer Curry Wingrove

Meet San Diego-based photographer and director, Jennifer Curry Wingrove. Jennifer was also the Untitled People’s Choice recipient in 2023.

Do you have a favorite podcast? 
I do not. I tend to take online courses of interest rather than listen to podcasts. 

What 3 words best describe your photography style? 
Dynamic, Vibrant, and sometimes Whimsical 

What inspires you? 
Spectacular productions, breathtaking landscapes, expressive dancers, music that speaks to the soul, nature, and a good cup of coffee.

What’s your favorite thing about being a photographic artist?
Bringing joy and awe to my clients and audience alike. Photography also gives me an opportunity to create and express my artistic self, which is important to me as I am a retired dancer and no longer have the ability to express myself through movement. I also get the opportunity to teach and mentor in the photography world, which I love! 

When you aren’t making photographs, what other pastimes do you have?
I love traveling the world! When I am at home, I enjoy Pilates, plants, and my adorable fur babies! 

Who have been your biggest influences?
I will never forget receiving a postcard with an image of 2 dancers on it taken by the incomparable Lois Greenfield, who started her Dance Photography adventures back in the 70’s. I was 12 at the time, and put the black and white postcard on my vanity mirror. I started collecting more of her work, including a book that I recently had signed by Lois herself when I had the opportunity to take a dance photography course from her at a dance photography conference. I was giddy to meet her and learn from her. Other influences include Ken Browar and Deborah Ory, who created the NYC Dance Project, a photography project that combines dance and fashion. Rachel Neville is also in New York creating inspiring and dynamic images of dancers. I had the opportunity to take a few courses from her, and she inspired me to open up my own photography studio. And let’s not forget the iconic Joe McNally, who I had the incredible opportunity to model for. His books are full of valuable information as well as a great sense of humor. 

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out? 
Take risks – push through your vulnerabilities. Every famed artist started at the beginning! 

What are the current challenges that you face as a photographer?
In a world where phone camera technology has developed so incredibly, many people see no need for commercial portrait photography. All of a sudden everyone is a “Photographer”. Keeping a photography studio business alive is a huge challenge these days, and one I am personally trying to overcome. 

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?
So many highlights! Becoming a specialized dance photographer has brought many fun opportunities my way – including a current contract that has me touring worldwide with an organization called Youth America Grand Prix, which has been described as the “Olympics of Ballet”. I photograph the performing dancers from the wings, which is a very comfortable and familiar perspective for me as a retired Ballerina. The tour also includes photographing famous ballet dancers in Gala Performances at the Lincoln Center in NYC as well as stages in Italy, Paris, and Barcelona. Challenges? As stated above, maintaining a brick-and-mortar studio when rent is can be overwhelming. 

What were you doing before you became a photographer?
I was a professional ballet dancer, and even earned the title of “Ballerina” with the California Ballet Company here in San Diego. Ballet was my everything. My mother was the dance photographer for the company for many years, so I had the opportunity to shadow her and learn film photography and processing. I grew up with a darkroom in my garage! Dance photography was a natural transition for me after retirement. 

If you weren’t a Photographer, what would you be doing?
If I was not a photographer (and had an unlimited source of income) I would be Producing and Directing shows!! I have successfully produced, directed, choreographed, and performed in 4 award-winning full length aerial-dance shows, and LOVED it. However, finances (and Covid) resulted in me stepping away from such adventures and further focusing my energies and attention into my photography business. 

What do you do when you get stuck?
I reach out – to mentors, to friends, to community. Others see things differently than I do, and can often offer a different perspective that I may have missed. Also, I go see shows (photography, dance, theater), and those always get my creative juices flowing again. 

What is your best advice for your peers?
To do the same – stay connected to a community that resonates with your craft. See other people’s work. Ask questions. Keep exploring. Keep learning. 

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back 10 years? 20 years?
Stop worrying so much about what other people think.  
Take risks. 
Don’t give up when things don’t go as planned.  
Trust your instincts.  
Find play in work.  
Value friendships and relationships deeply. 

What is a photographer’s role now that technology has made it so much more accessible to the masses? 
To bring creativity and value to the table. To create experiences with their clientele. 

Check out more work from Jennifer Curry Wingrove.