Local photographer Jenn Ocken’s exhibit “documentingBlues” is currently on display in the LSU Student Union Art Gallery.
Ocken said her goal for “documentingBlues” is “to capture the emotions that flow from her subjects during their blues performances and in their interactions with fans and other musicians.”
As a huge blues fan, Ocken relishes her ability to capture the emotions she sees in musicians performing.
“I love the experience I have when I watch a musician perform with their whole heart,”she said. “My photos are a direct expression of the feelings I have for these artists as they play.”
She said she finds inspiration in seeing the musicians’ love for their music and how they interact with the people who appreciate it just as much. Ocken said love is always available and always has a beautiful story to tell.
“I strive to capture the emotions they have to give their fans as they are on stage performing for us,” she said. “It is so powerful to think that as a musician they truly give their life to us. I am so thankful to be one of those fans that understand the beauty of their art.”
Ocken also published a book of photos called “Blues on Beale Street: Memoirs of The International Blues Challenge.”
The book is a story told in photographs, written experiences, short stories, song lyrics and thoughts from attendees and participants in the International Blues Challenge, an annual event sponsored by The Blues Foundation in Memphis, according to an excerpt on the “documentingBlues” website.
Ockenhas been taking photos of the event for over a decade, with the goal of emphasizing the emotions of the musicians and fans at the event.
Ocken and her team are proud of their abilities to capture the emotions of the subjects in the photos the take. They use their cameras to not only capture a moment, but also a memory. It can be breathtaking for people to look back at photos and remember how they felt in that moment; Ocken helps people reach this feeling.
Ocken, an Indiana native, moved to Baton Rouge in 2007. She discovered her love of photography when she was a high school sophomore and pursued her passion throughout her college career at Ball State University. She earned a degree in graphic arts with an emphasis on business management.
After college, she began putting together a group of photographers, office managers, editors and assistants, who she now calls the JOP — Jenn Ocken Photography — team. JOP’s two lead photographers are Josh Mottand and University alumnus James Peck. Many of Ocken’s team members and interns are University students and alumni.
“documentingBlues” is a free exhibit open to everyone. The exhibit will be on view until April 1.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Augustus Stark

The Jenn Ocken Photography Exhibit takes place from March 13th until April 1st in the LSU Student Union Art Gallery.