family photo of jen peterson at little bear creek ranch
jen peterson wedding photographer wearing army green dress and brown belt

The Girl Behind the Camera

Hello there! I’m so glad you found my website. I’m Jen; a fun, loving, coffee drinking, bread making, country girl, located in the heart of Northern California. We are surrounded by gorgeous mountains and epic locations, which is a photographer’s dream! I’m excited to share more about my photography journey and more about my family below. My utmost goal in my business is to serve my clients well and deliver radiant, joyful, and everlasting photos!

photographer holding wedding veil and photographing married couple in large open field in montgomery creek california

Photography Journey

My photography story started back in 2010 when I received my first DSLR for Christmas. I'm always intrigued how one image, when captured just right, can tell us such a spectacular story and bring joy to ones heart! I’m so thankful for the educators and mentors that have inspired me to go after my photography dream. Those “thank you’s” go to Katelyn James, Amy and Jordan Demos, Dianna Sanders and many other great photographers! I wish I could list them all.

I am a natural light photographer, which means I am always on the look out for naturally epic lighting from the sun. My family often here this in the car “Oooo would you look at that light over there!!! GORGEOUS!” Haha!

I have photographed hundreds of families over the years along with numerous weddings, engagements, elopements, newborns, high school seniors, headshots, and even some events. I absolutely love what I do!

my family

I was born and raised in the little town of Cottonwood, California. My childhood memories involve lots of horseback riding adventures, homeschooling and church activities. My parents are amazing people and I sure wouldn't be where I'm at today without them! My sister, Sarah, has turned into my best friend (we used to hate each other when we were younger...). We share so many crazy memories! Like the time I bit her nose (It was an accident! I promise!), or the time she started bawling because she just wanted dad to stop the car pronto and get her some water! She has grown up into such an amazing woman! Her and her husband, Raul, have an adorable son: Wayne Louis. You will see lots of images of him on my blog! And now they also have a sweet little daughter: Lillian Corinne!

I first married in 2007, and I will only say that God obviously had different plans for me that I didn't know about at the time. But during that section of my life my beautiful son was born in 2012! Jared Michael. He has brought me such joy and heartache at the same time. Ha! In 2014, while only 1-1/2 years old, he had to undergo surgery at UC Davis due to his enlarged tonsils and NUMEROUS infections because of them. The surgery was successful but going through it was painful to me as a mom. It was so hard to watch your baby be wheeled into the operating room and you just stand there hoping and praying it goes well. But God sure knew what he was doing though, Jared hasn't had any breathing issues or infections since the surgery! He's now in school and doing amazing! I am one proud momma!

My story with Matt begins in 2017. A new beginning for both of us and for our kids. One thing I have learned in life is that you just have to let go, trust God and let "God Unfold the Rose". When hard times come, just hold on to your faith in God, because He will see you through. And He always keeps His promise to take care of us as long as we follow Him. That is the commitment Matt and I have made. We are committed to God and to each other. And we are committed to raising our kids up on the right path. Blended together we have Emily, Mandy, Megan and Jared! Four amazing children, full of energy, eager to learn and explore what God has for us! These kids are strong, they are smart and they have endurance. Words can't express how proud I am of them and how privileged I am to be their mom/stepmom.

My Faith

God is number one in my life. No matter what comes my way, I want to always look to Him. My Christian journey started when I was fairly young. My mom took us girls to church since I was 3 years old. I received the gift of the Holy Ghost, just like Peter preached in the book of Acts, when I was 8 years old. But it wasn't until I was 12 that I really put it in my heart to stay committed to God. And since then, He has always been right there holding my hand throughout this journey called "life". I attend Church on the Rock in Anderson, California. An amazing place of worship, and place to hear the truth preached just like it was in the book of Acts. You’re always welcome to come join me for service!