Carlisle woman embraces photography business after retirement

Jean Martin

Business Name: PBJ Photography by Jean LLC

Years in business: 3 years

Location: Carlisle

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was a child, and it just slowly progressed over the years. Now that I retired from working for someone else, I can focus on my passion at my own pace.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: When my daughters were in school doing their sports, I picked up the camera again to capture those moments in time. That was still the darkroom ages. How I loved developing film, watching the images come up on the paper like magic. The advent of digital photography was new, and I got on the bandwagon fast. Then just like many photographers, people started asking me to take their family photos. It just kind of went on from there.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: I create clean, crisp images for your professional visions and heart-felt moments for you to treasure. From business owner to family, children and graduating seniors, I strive to capture you. Empowering women-owned personal business and small business through spectacular imagery is my superpower.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: January and February are historically slow season for photographers. It’s very easy to get discouraged. I stay busy by taking courses to help keep up with all of the software updates for editing, especially Al. I also stay busy by helping Domestic Violence Services Cumberland Perry Counties and West Shore Photography Club Trips Committee.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: One of my fondest memories as a child was my grandparents taking me to Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs. We would of course feed the ducks, and my grandparents would fill those collapsible aluminum cups with ice cold spring water for us to drink when my brother and I would get thirsty. Then my mom would take my daughters there to feed the ducks when they were children. My youngest was proposed to there by her husband. I take my grandchildren there; it’s kind of cool knowing they are the third generation to feed the ducks. Children’s Lake is my favorite family session location and my returning families request their sessions be held there; they love being with the ducks, lake and nature.