Photographer Feature: Q&A with Jacqueline Mancini

Photographer Feature: Jacqueline Mancini

Hey, I’m Jackie! I’ve been married to my high school summer camp crush, Mike, for 12 years, and we have three amazing kiddos—Luca (10), Leo (8), and Mia (3)—plus our wild but lovable boxer, Luna. I was a teacher for 12 years, but after having Mia, I knew I wanted to be home with my littles. I tried working as an office manager from home, but it just wasn’t filling my cup.

Photography had always been a passion—I was that girl constantly taking pictures (sometimes to the point of annoying my friends and family 😅). With a little nudge from one of my favorite photographers and friends, I finally decided to turn that passion into something more. I dove into online courses, mentored with photographers whose work I admired, and learned everything I could from YouTube and trial and error. Now here I am—doing something I absolutely love, with my husband (aka my unofficial “office manager”) helping me behind the scenes.

I’m a year-round cold brew girl, love to shop, and you can usually find me either at home with my crew or wandering Target with a coffee in hand. Fall is hands-down my favorite season. I used to teach Zumba, and love to dance! Love me some 2000’s hip hop. I’m not much of a baker, but I fell down the sourdough rabbit hole last year and haven’t looked back. Most Friday nights, you’ll catch us making homemade pizza, playing board games, or snuggling up watching a movie as a family—and honestly, that’s my kind of perfect. I love family and newborn sessions most. I love natural light, sun chasing and candid photography. I love capturing families as they are in that very moment. Chaos and all. I call it those perfectly, imperfect moments.

Photographer Feature: Jacqueline Mancini

What’s your favorite thing to photograph?

My favorite thing to photograph is family and newborn in-home lifestyle sessions. I love natural light, especially golden hour. I love capturing more candid and unprompted, rather than overly posed.

What is a mistake (or mistakes) you’ve learned from?

Hmm… Probably buying too many presets. I have bought wayyy too many and I’ve learned there are so many factors that make a photo beautiful and 9/10 times it is not the presets! So my advice is stick to one preset and tweak the heck out of it, or, create your own!

Photographer Feature: Jacqueline Mancini

Why did you become a photographer? Tell the story of what brought you here.

Honestly, I always dreamt of being a photographer. My mom took photography courses when I was a kid. I never thought I would be able to pursue it as a mom and a teacher. Having my third baby really encouraged me to take the leap. I knew I did not want to go back to teaching and I knew I was meant to do something else. I wanted to keep using my creative and crafty side and photography seemed like the perfect fit and all the stars aligned.

What photography task do you hate the most?

Posting to social media. I love posting from my sessions, but those in between moments where I just run out of ideas for posting just seem daunting sometimes and I don’t love to be constantly on my phone.

What is the hardest thing about being a photographer, and what is the best thing?

The hardest thing about being a photographer is the editing! I am Type A and a bit of a perfectionist. I am still learning. The best thing about it is the ability to create my own schedule and to be able to freeze time for families and have them come back as they continue to grow for more sessions! Also, LIGHTING! OMG! It is so tricky. Even when you think you know your camera settings well…here come all different types of light! I am still learning light!

What is a hidden talent or surprising fact about you?

I think a hidden talent of mine is helping families feel comfortable and at ease during sessions and being able to capture the connection they share. I also am pretty good with littles because of my teaching background and being a mama of 3.

If you could share one piece of advice with a new photographer, what would you say?

Find a community, because it can be overwhelming. Connect with other photographers in your area. Set up editing parties and work days together. Community over competition.

If you could go back in time and share one piece of advice with yourself as you were beginning photography, what would you say?

I would have told myself to start sooner. My only regret is wishing I hadn’t waited so long before pursuing this dream.

Photographer Feature: Jacqueline Mancini

Untethered Family Photography Publication | Q&A with Jacqueline Mancini | Education and encouragement for family and newborn photographers

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Photographer Feature: Jacqueline Mancini