What makes Petrova Jones with Photography by Petrova a good neighbor?

The Good Neighbor Podcast recently featured an extraordinary local talent who exemplifies the intersection of art, adventure, and entrepreneurship. Petrova Jones, owner of Photography by Petrova, shared her remarkable journey as a photographer who specializes in both intimate local portrait sessions and global conservation photography expeditions. Her unique approach to photography stems from extensive experience in some of the world's most remote locations, including seven expeditions to the Arctic and work documenting the coral bleaching effects on the Great Barrier Reef.

What sets Petrova apart in the photography business is her commitment to customization. Unlike traditional photographers who sell packages with limited images, she provides clients with all quality photos from their sessions. "If you have 50 images that are beautiful, what are you going to do with them?" she questioned during the interview, highlighting her belief that photographers should work better with consumers instead of "nickel and diming" them. This philosophy reflects her broader approach to photography as an art form meant to capture authentic moments rather than posed, artificial scenes. Her background as a teacher gives her special insight into working with children during portrait sessions, helping families capture natural expressions instead of awkward posed grins.

Petrova's journey into photography began in Europe, where she was influenced by her architect brother who specialized in architectural photography. Though architecture wasn't her primary interest, she developed a passion for composition and capturing moments in time. This early exposure also instilled in her a love for travel that would later define her professional path. Tragically, Petrova lost her brother to lymphoma about twelve years ago, a life-changing event that occurred shortly after the birth of her son. This profound loss prompted her to reevaluate her priorities and commit more fully to her passions for photography and music, despite already having a full-time teaching career.

Throughout the interview, Petrova addressed important misconceptions in the photography industry, particularly regarding gender barriers. "I don't see a lot of women in the field," she noted, especially in expedition-style photography. She recounted experiences of arriving at overseas jobs only to be asked, "Where is the male photographer?" due to expectations about the rugged nature of the work. Despite these challenges, she encourages her students, particularly young women, to pursue photography, emphasizing that it's "absolutely a career and a field that anyone can get into." Her conservation work with indigenous communities like the Sami reindeer herders in the Arctic demonstrates her commitment to using photography as a tool for awareness and advocacy.

Beyond her remarkable photography career, Petrova revealed herself to be a multi-talented individual with diverse interests. She plays numerous instruments including piano, guitar, cello, violin, viola, bass, drums, ukulele, and banjo, in addition to singing. When not traveling for photography expeditions or teaching, she finds joy in gardening and spending time outdoors. This balance between global adventures and local roots seems to fuel her creative approach to both life and photography. As she put it, her travels allow her to "clear my head and to come back fresh and better for everybody—better as a teacher, better as a mom, better as a wife, better as a friend."

To learn more about Petrova Jones Photography go to:

https://www.photographybypetrova.com/about-me

Petrova Jones Photography

(772) 370-4676