Welcome!
I feel that this program provides something that is artistic, social and cultural. Big Picture is a safe and fun place for students to express themselves individually and as part of a team. I have been blown away by the work these young artists produce. With a small amount of instruction and basic photo gear, they have made images that stand up to those from the professional world.-Jenny
Jenny Connelly, Founder & Teacher
Jenny has a degree in Psychology from USC and a filmmaking certificate from Maine Media Workshops. She writes screenplays and makes films whenever time allows and has been a professional photographer since 1994. She has a school portrait company, Photo Charm. And you can hire her to capture your event, Jennifer Connelly Photo.
Boston is the star of our program for subject matter in history, coastal vibes, and local culture. Jenny raised her four children here and calls it home. We never get tired of capturing her and her people.
The Art House part of the brand inspires future programming with a venue space, overnight retreats and artist collaborations. The seeds of this were planted when Jenny created Carnival Cafe Productions in Jamaica Plain, 1996. Carnival Cafe produced interactive theatre events with food, music, dance, actors, set design and of course, an intriguing theme (like The Cowboy Warrior Bar on Mars). One goal was to have guests feel like they were entering another time and place, like walking into a movie. The other goal was to bring together artists to collaborate in music, food, design, acting, construction, and more. These goals still shape who we are now.
Do not hesitate to connect (and create) with us!
Photographers/Teachers
Our staff are artist-type free thinkers who, by example, encourage our students to explore the world in like manner.
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Stephanie Espinal - TEACHER & CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Stephanie is the lead teacher, class production manager and social media specialist. She is a professional photographer since 2010 with interests in fashion, fine art and lifestyle portraiture. She is the founder of the media company ‘Espy Creative’. Stephanie has a BA from Salem State University in Fine Art and Movement. She is also a dance instructor and model who has been featured in several music videos and campaigns. In addition to still photo, Stephanie has worked in video media since 2014 and fluent in Spanish. On Instagram.
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Jack Dawson - TEACHER
Jack is the video expert for Big Picture. He is a professional photographer & videographer with a passion in music videos, weddings and portraiture. He is the founder of the photography/video production brand ’Dawson Vision Productions’. He has a BA from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in broadcast media. Jack captures images with his camera, but tells meaningful stories using what he calls, the "purist" art form. On Instagram.
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Mark Manne - TEACHER
Mark has been a professional photographer since 2008. He started in New York CIty photographing headshots for aspiring actors, and has since moved to Boston and pivoted to being a food and product photographer. When he is not in his studio in Hyde Park or photographing delicious dishes in restaurants around town, he is probably in the boxing gym trying to work off all those calories! Website
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Nina
Boston & Overnight Activities Counselor: Nina is a Big Picture alumni and started as a team assistant in 2022.
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Desmond
Overnight Cook: Jenny’ son has been cooking for overnight classes since 2018. Desi is a graduate of Boston Latin School and is currently studying history at UMass Amherst.
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Anna
Overnight Counselor: Anna is a Big Picture alumni and assisted at overnight class in 2020 and 2021. She is currently on break while at college.