The Power Of The Perfect Moment
Jennifer J. Fondrevay's take on the transformative power of photography at the Icon Experience
Jennifer J. Fondrevay's recent professional journey serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of meaningful engagements in one's career. Here, Jennifer shares her thoughts and experiences from a particularly impactful speaking engagement, offering insights that resonate with professionals across industries.
What got you interested in doing The Icon experience?
Well, I had both positive and negative thoughts. There was part of me that thought this is a very self-indulgent use of my marketing budget. There's a headshot of me floating throughout the internet that I had used for years, from 2007. It is when I worked at NAVTEQ and I'm on the rooftop of our Paris office.
I typically hate my headshots. But I love that one. I look sleek. I look French. I look confident, yet approachable.. I kept using that older shot because I had done so many of those free headshots they offer at events and they all looked terrible! Then I met you and really started to contemplate investing in new shots.
Why did you think those free headshots looked terrible?
The lighting was always so harsh! The photographer was more about speed and efficiency to get more people through the line than about what the best lighting was. Harsh and bad lighting was always the issue and you just don't glow. In your hands I look so much better. My mother, who was a fashion model, always talked about the importance of lighting. Once I met you, I recognized I was in the hands of someone who knows what he's doing, who respects the process.
Photography is such a touchy thing, such a deep thing, and tends to bring up so much deep emotion.
Yes! As you know that is why I was nervous to do this in the first place. I kept thinking “I'm the daughter of a fashion model, I should know how to do this” and yet I didn't. I always think I look terrible, I feel I look posed but your team was super in helping me get over that.
So let's talk about the next step in the process. When we started the process we did a brand questionnaire and a mood board. What was that like for you?
Oh I love doing the mood board, that was fun! When creating the mood board I chose images with Cate Blanchett and Julia Roberts - they just looked powerful, like they're ready to take on the world or in the case of some of the shots like approachable. That's the look I wanted.
It was fun to look at photos that I hadn't really studied before. There's a process to this, there's a way that you convey those feelings but you have to be intentional and thoughtful. You have to have the right photographer who will help you. .
I also had pictures of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. I'm old school that way and just think those women are two of the most beautiful women in the world. Audrey Hepburn has a playfulness in her pictures and I thought if I could create photos that were confident, approachable and allow my playful side to come through that would be a win!
I remember you talking a lot about your fierce side and how you want it back.
I don't want to make it sound like it's been a burden, you know being the daughter of a fashion model. I thought there would be expectations that I could just do this easy breezy no problem. I am just the type of person who just puts that much more extra pressure on myself thinking that other people are gonna evaluate it based on that - when in reality no one will do any of that. It's just me but you know you get into your head. I'm thankful you have such an amazing process that allows so many of us to work through these things and encourage one another and give advice about our shoots.
You told me once at some point, how this was the first time you understood what your mother did in her job..
Make it stand out
Jennifer’s mother was a professional model. As a child, Jennifer often accompanied her to photo shoots. She writes about the experience here, along with how her own relationship to photos has evolved..
Yeah, as a kid I was going with her to these shoots, (majority of that period was in the seventies) and I just remember long days, my mom changing into various clothes, people running around, I remember thinking the huge studios had so many different looks and backgrounds, it was similar to the studio where we shot, but even bigger, and I just remember what it felt like being there. .It was such a cool experience back then but I don’t think I appreciated it until doing the work with you.
Amazing! So after all of this prep, the day of the shoot came around and we had your individual 1:1 branding session. Tell me a little about that experience.
I'm really thankful you had a team there. I tend to get way too in my head about stuff and I think so much about everything. I'm very intentional and it's not always a bad thing. But I remember thinking halfway through some of the shots “oh I shouldn't have gone with those fake eyelashes” because in my head my mom was saying you know you're beautiful naturally Jennifer let people see your face. Oh, God. She's gonna hate the fake eyelashes.
All of this dialogue was going on in my head. So it was nice to have your team there to help me get out of my head and be more present during the shoot. I feel like we got such a great variety of shots in such a short period of time.
You mentioned that something you wanted was to make sure your photos were something your mom would be proud of. Did you feel like you did that?
Yes - I honestly feel that I can say without hesitation she would be. I sent the photo gallery to my aunt ( my mom's sister) who was with my mom on several photoshoots and she was so complimentary of the photos. So, even without her saying it, I know my mom would think Finally, you've embraced the power of photography. I have no doubt that she would be proud. I think she was happy that I did the day, and saw it as a legitimate part of my business.
How did you feel looking at the photos for the first time?
Well, first, I breathed a sigh of relief that I didn't look like an idiot with the fake eyelashes! Haha I was surprised that there were several photos that I really liked. I'm just so used to not loving the lighting or my smile and I didnt have that reaction this time. The images truly capture what I wanted them to and I am so thankful how they came back.
Amazing! Let’s talk about the stage day. How was that for you?
That was fun! Some of my favorite shots were of the panels, the faux panel. They look like we're just having so much fun up there! But the best part was really it was just supporting each other - I know it would have been a great experience doing this with Raj solo, but doing it with other HPS (Heroic Public Speaking) women cheering each other on was a ton of fun.
I love to hear that! So last question - Would you recommend this event to a friend or colleague? If so, what would you tell them?
Short answer YES! I would absolutely recommend it! The experience was transformational.
It wasn’t just a photo shoot It wasn't just a headshot. It was me acknowledging my past - the time with my mom, the importance of photography and what it does for not only your marketing but how you, how you are seen and how you see yourself. I certainly didn't expect that going into the photoshoot, but those are all the things that came to me as part of it and it was transformative in ways that I hadn't expected.
Jennifer Fondrevay's heartfelt chat about the power of a good photoshoot goes beyond professional perks—it touches on deep personal growth and the emotional ties to her past, especially the influence of her fashion-forward mother. Her experience beautifully illustrates how updating your professional photos can also be a journey into your personal story, shedding light on who you are and where you come from. So, if you're thinking about stepping in front of a professional camera, Jennifer’s story is a powerful reminder of the magic that can happen when you do.
Want to keep up with Jennifer? Check her out on LinkedIn or swing by her website.
