ABOUT JEN
I AM AN OBSERVER.
When I was four, my brother was born. I quietly watched as my mother hummed, fed and rocked him to sleep.
Once as a child, while playing in the front yard, I saw my father walk out of the house and turn to kiss my mother goodbye.
I sat at the table in my Grandma Rose’s kitchen, taking notice as she buzzed around, preparing a meal for us with no recipe, just dashes of tenderness.
I observe what love looks like.
Hi! My Name is Jen Martodam.
I'm a dreamer, a seeker of light, and a lover of the Earth. I long to know the story behind almost everything I encounter. There's an invisible pull I feel toward creating.
My home is just outside Minneapolis, MN. Loves of mine include being an auntie (to 4 nieces and a nephew), my dog Zoey and being outdoors. Every night, I watch Wheel of Fortune (of course I have a Wheel Watcher's number!). I've got a thing for Kevin Bacon. You best believe I catch 60 Minutes most Sundays.
My Love Language is acts of service. I'm a volunteer in community organizations, a former teacher and a capturer of a family's season of life. The human connection present between members of a family is unique. My goal is to capture that connection and love, each time.
I’ve been photographing professionally for seventeen years. As a wedding photographer, I've been showcased in Minnesota Bride Magazine and online blog, as well as numerous industry websites. I began adding video services and focusing on families in 2018.
When I’m not busy working on films or photos, I travel. I'm really down for traveling anywhere but mountains are in my soul. The winters of 2023-2024, I moved to Flagstaff, AZ, for 6 months just to be near them. A piece of my heart remains there.
Why Family Videography?
Being a family videographer feeds my nostalgic soul. Old home movies from childhood are gold to me. There’s magic in watching my parents interact with my siblings & me and viewing myself as a child.
Like every Christmas when my family would bundle up and head to my grandparents’ house to celebrate. Two have since passed but hearing their voices and seeing their smiles in videos is a comfort. These links to the past are treasures that I’m grateful to own.
I began photographing in 2007 and ran a successful wedding photography business for 10 years. When the time was right, I transitioned to lifestyle family films and photographs. I’m also a former elementary school teacher who now teaches DSLR photography and videography.
Emerald Rue is all about serving others with heartfelt imagery, films, and valuable content. It’s about gifting nostalgia to others.
BEHIND THE SCENES
WHAT'S YOUR DREAM? LET'S MAKE IT A REALITY.
CONTACT
Based in Minneapolis, MN.
Available for travel worldwide.
EMERALD RUE, FAMILY FILMS & PHOTOGRAPHS | [email protected]
Copyright 2025 Jennifer Martodam Creative, LLC