This is Jenn.
She believes stories connect us.
As a photographer, podcast host, and creative community-builder, Jenn Bakos has spent years capturing the heart of New England—through portraits, landscapes, meals, and the voices of small business owners. Whether she’s behind a camera or a microphone, Jenn is all about celebrating local resilience, documenting the beauty of craft, and reminding us why community matters.
She’s not in it for clout—she’s in it for connection. Her podcast, Tell Talks Northeast, began with a simple realization: the stories she heard while photographing people were too good not to share. So she hit record—and hasn’t looked back since.
Jenn Bakos is a visual storyteller and the creator of Tell Talks, using photography, conversation, and curiosity to shine a light on New England’s vibrant, gritty, and deeply creative spirit.
Links & notes:
This episode was recorded in Treeline Outfitters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Music provided by Sneaky Miles
Youtube
Episode Summary
What’s your connection to New Hampshire?
I grew up in Bow, a small, mostly residential town. As a kid, I spent so much time outside—playing in the woods, building forts, riding bikes. It was kind of idyllic. My parents took us hiking and camping, so a connection to nature and local community has always been part of me.
How did you first get into photography?
Art was always part of my life—my dad loved to draw and paint, and I inherited that creative spark. I was constantly doodling, especially animals and nature. I got into photography in middle school after realizing someone needed to keep documenting family moments. I picked up the camera and never really put it down.
Did you always think photography would become your career?
Not at first. I didn’t know photography could be a job outside of school pictures. But I ended up attending a one-year program at Hallmark Institute of Photography, which taught both creative and business skills. That changed everything. It made photography feel like a real, sustainable career path.
How do you feel about photography in the age of smartphones and AI?
I think there’s always going to be a place for professional photographers. Phones are great, but experience matters—especially when it comes to lighting, composition, and storytelling. People still crave the human touch. It’s not just about snapping a picture—it’s about creating a whole experience.
What inspired you to start the Tell Talks podcast?
While photographing small businesses, I kept hearing these amazing stories—how people found their way to where they are. So many took winding, unexpected paths. I thought, someone needs to be recording this. That’s where Tell Talks came from: a space to share these local stories.
Where did the original idea for "Tell" come from?
Back in 2012, my friend Ashley and I created Tell: The Essence of Living Locally as a digital magazine. We were inspired by other lifestyle publications that never covered New England. So we made our own, showcasing local makers, farms, and creatives. It was a passion project that evolved over time into the podcast.
Why is local storytelling so important to you?
Because I’m a small business owner too, and I deeply relate to the grit and resilience it takes to keep going—especially during uncertain times. I love sharing stories that inspire others to believe they can do something creative, sustainable, or meaningful in their own communities.
What have you learned about New England through your work?
New Englanders are incredibly loyal—to their region, their communities, and their favorite local spots. We have this shared experience of winter survival that creates a sense of unity. There’s also a deep appreciation for small-scale living, resourcefulness, and connection.
Did you ever consider leaving New England for good?
Totally. As a teen, I dreamed of escaping to California. I even did a photo internship in San Francisco. But ultimately, I missed my roots—my relationships, my community. I realized I didn’t want to give that up. So I came back and started building my life and career here.
How do you support other creatives now?
I try to be the person I wish I had when I was starting out. If a younger photographer reaches out, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned. I don’t believe in gatekeeping. We all benefit when knowledge and encouragement are passed along.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take more creative risks. Stop worrying about what people think. I’ve learned that the most important work is often the most personal, and that it’s okay to experiment—even if nobody sees the final result.
What do you love most about your work today?
The connection. Whether it’s photographing a restaurant or chatting with a guest on the podcast, I love meeting creative people and telling their stories. I get to eat amazing food, visit farms, travel, and be surrounded by inspiration.
Do you explore creativity beyond photography and podcasting?
Absolutely. I’ve been rediscovering my love for painting, embroidery, natural dyeing, and even writing—I'm working on a novel just for fun. I’ve been following The Artist’s Way to reconnect with creativity for its own sake. It’s been a great reminder that art doesn’t have to be for anyone else—it can just be for you.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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