Jordann Wood
Portrait · Photographer
On Finding Beauty in Simplicity and the Art of Visual Storytelling
Jordann Wood welcomed us into her home for a cozy conversation and some delicious snacks that she served on her handmade pottery—a testament to her creativity that extends beyond photography. As a photographer, Jordann has developed a unique style that blends raw emotion with minimalistic elegance. Her work has caught the attention of notable clients like St. Agni, The Slow Label, and Vogue, who appreciate her ability to create images that feel both intimate and refined. Jordann's photography often reflects a minimalistic approach, where each image is thoughtfully curated to communicate its essence. Her Instagram feed is a testament to this philosophy, showcasing a seamless blend of editorial work and personal projects, all characterized by an understated elegance and a keen eye for detail.
In this interview, Jordann shares her journey from passion to profession, discusses the challenges of creative life, and offers insights into her artistic process.
When did it become clear to you that you wanted to do photography as your job and not just a passion?
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I think it was around age 17 or 18 when I started realizing that this could actually be something people would pay me for. People kept telling me, "Hey, you’re really good at this." That’s when I began to think that I could just continue doing it—I never really overthought it. I love the idea that you discover more about yourself by being around others. That’s why I prioritize friendships with deep conversations and encouragement. I believe that pointing out people's strengths helps solidify those traits in their minds and can lead them down certain paths in life.
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Did you grow up in an artistic family? Did they support your decision to become a photographer?
Yes and no. My mother and father aren’t what you’d call 'artistic' in the traditional sense. My mom is a big problem solver and loves working with her hands, and my dad is incredible with people and asking questions—both of which I consider forms of art. My grandfather was highly intelligent and creative, a blend of both worlds. So, I definitely had some good traits passed down.
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Did you always know what style you were going for, or did it take time to discover what resonates with you?
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I wouldn’t say I go for a specific style, but I always have a feeling in mind that I want to convey for a project or image. It’s like problem-solving an image until it finally feels right to me. It's similar to getting dressed—there's always been a common thread throughout my work, even from the very beginning. I can't quite put it into words, which is why I take pictures instead of writing for a living.
As with most things, your style evolves as you grow. There are still things I haven't yet achieved or created that I would love to add to that evolution.
What challenges have you experienced by turning your passion into your job?
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There are so many joys in turning my passion into my job, especially now that I get to work with clients whose campaigns and projects resonate with the work I want to produce. The challenge is that personal projects don’t happen as often, and when they do, they often lack deadlines. Without a deadline or some pressure, they may never get finished.
I learned a while back that I work well with client feedback and deadlines—it helps create the structure I need to complete a project. Without that structure, I could go in a thousand different directions and never reach the end.
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Was there any good advice you received that helped you along the way?
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Don’t look to the right or left.
There is always enough work, clients, and jobs for everyone. Keep an open hand.
Kindness is key.
Ask questions to people who know more than you. Experiment.
Trust your intuition.
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What qualities of yours do you think were helpful in becoming successful?
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Problem-solving, open-mindedness, and drive.
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What do you struggle with the most as a full-time creative?
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Being a perfectionist—I spend way more time on things than I should, and it drives me crazy. It sometimes feels like there's a never-ending to-do list. If it's not the actual creative work, then there are admin or business tasks. I don’t work a typical 9-to-5; everything is mixed, which I enjoy, but it means my mind doesn’t always shut off.
What is real success to you?
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To continue growing in your craft and being personally proud of what you are producing.
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Which role does focus and reduction play in your life and work?
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Focus and reduction are major parts of my work. To me, reduction means curation. Shooting a whole campaign and then reducing it to the essence of what you want to communicate is something that takes time to learn, and I'm still learning. It's one of the most important parts of being a good photographer—knowing how to refine your imagery, editing, and storytelling so the images do their intended job and are digestible. Focus is key if you're going to be a freelancer of any kind. You have to know how to sit down and get the work done.
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What is your relationship with Instagram as a professional? Do you feel like you have to adapt to the new algorithm, or do you keep it the way you like it?
It's a give-and-take relationship. Sometimes you know what you need to give to make it work in your favor, but mostly I get frustrated by how much time it takes and how much I overthink things. Keeping up with the algorithm feels like a never-ending process that I’m not sure I have the patience or understanding for. I don’t think I’ll be creating outfit reels or meme pages anytime soon.
That said, I give Instagram a lot of credit for connecting me with a beautiful community and new clients. It's probably the first place people come across my work, so even though I don't love spending so much time planning posts, I do it because it's important for the success and continuation of my work.
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Do you have any spiritual practices or daily routines?
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I believe everything we do is interconnected with God. This affects my interactions with others, my creativity, my priorities, and my focus. My biggest daily routines are probably my skincare routine and a nightly warm shower to rinse off the day.
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What does well-being mean to you?
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Not always looking to satisfy surface desires but the deeper desires.
Being present, breathing, and asking yourself what will make you feel like the best version of yourself—and making decisions based on that.
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And lastly, can you share with us an inspiring film?
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I would love to say something obscure and niche, but a few months ago, I watched the limited series Baby Reindeer on Netflix. It was so moving and beautiful to me in ways I can't even describe. The guy who wrote it also starred as the main character, and the story was about his life. I didn’t know that until the end. It was so tragic, real, honest, and beautiful. I highly recommend watching it, but it is very intense, just as a warning.
