Jen Dera - Mount Clemens Photographer | Capture a Moment

Meet Jen Dera: Mount Clemens' Premier Portrait Photographer

Jen Dera is a passionate professional photographer known for her visually striking and emotionally resonant style. Her work captures not just images, but the genuine moments and connections that make each session unique. Based in Mount Clemens, Michigan, Jen has been creating timeless portraits for families and high school seniors across Macomb County and Metro Detroit since 2010.

Jen's journey into photography began in 2000, shortly after the birth of her first child. What started as a desire to document her own family's milestones quickly evolved into a deep passion for the art form. She fell in love with the way photography could freeze fleeting moments in time—a child's laugh, a senior's confidence, a family's bond. That passion led her to pursue professional training and eventually co-found Capture a Moment Photography, LLC in 2010 with her longtime friend and creative partner, Angela.

Specializing in High School Seniors & Family Photography

After years of collaboration, Angela retired from photography in 2025, and Jen now serves as the sole photographer for Capture a Moment Photography. She specializes in high school senior portraits, children's photography, and family sessions, bringing her signature style to every shoot. Jen's approach is warm, relaxed, and personalized—she takes the time to get to know each client, understand their vision, and create images that reflect their authentic selves.

What sets Jen apart as a Mount Clemens photographer is her commitment to a boutique, stress-free experience. All sessions are scheduled exclusively on weekdays, ensuring clients receive her undivided attention without the weekend rush. This approach allows Jen to maintain her work-life balance while providing an elevated, personalized experience that larger studios simply can't match. Whether shooting in her 2,000-square-foot studio or at iconic Metro Detroit locations like Belle Isle, Eastern Market, or Downtown Mount Clemens, Jen creates stunning images that families proudly display as heirloom wall art.

Passionate Advocate for Foster Care & LGBTQ+ Youth

Beyond her photography work, Jen is deeply committed to advocacy and community involvement. She is a licensed foster parent through Macomb County DHHS, specializing in care for teenage girls. Her foster care advocacy extends to supporting organizations like the Macomb County Foster Closet and Love for a Child, where she regularly donates her time and photography services to help raise awareness and funds for children in need.

Jen is also a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Her studio displays rainbow pride bunting flags near year-round, and she is a regular participant in the Macomb County Pride Festival. Capture a Moment Photography is listed in the Pride Source Media LGBTQ+ Friendly Directory, and Jen is committed to creating a safe, welcoming space for all clients, regardless of background or identity. She believes that every person deserves to feel celebrated and seen—and her photography reflects that inclusive philosophy.

These causes are deeply personal to Jen. She has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by foster youth and LGBTQ+ teens, and she is determined to use her platform and skills to make a difference. Whether photographing adoption hearings, organizing charity events, or simply offering a listening ear, Jen shows up for her community in meaningful ways.

15+ Years of Professional Photography Experience

With over 15 years of professional experience, Jen has photographed hundreds of families and high school seniors from schools across Metro Detroit, including L'Anse Creuse Public Schools, Anchor Bay, Regina High School, Bishop Foley and De La Salle Collegiate. Her technical expertise is matched by her creative vision—she uses professional Canon equipment and prime lenses to achieve her signature natural, warm-toned style that clients love.

But Jen's greatest strength isn't just her technical skill—it's her ability to connect with people. She understands that being in front of the camera can feel vulnerable, especially for teens or families who aren't used to professional photography. That's why she takes the time to build rapport, offer styling guidance, and create a fun, relaxed atmosphere during every session. Her clients often say they forget the camera is even there.

When she's not behind the camera, Jen is a proud mom and was an active leader in her local high school marching band booster program until 2025. She loves spending weekends with her family, exploring new locations around Mount Clemens, and finding creative inspiration in everyday moments. For Jen, photography isn't just a job—it's a calling, a way to celebrate life's most important milestones and help families preserve their legacy for generations to come.