Podcast Summary:

Adorama Narrated
Episode: Printique Winner Jen Mullowney Reflects on Her Women’s March Portfolio
Date: March 1, 2026
Written by: Jacqueline Tobin (original blog post)
Read by: Nikki Haller

Overview

This episode narrates a reflective journey with photographer Jen Mullowney, the Printique Portfolio Contest winner, as she looks back on her influential experience documenting the 2017 Women’s March in New York City. Through vivid recollections and insights, Mullowney discusses how the event shaped her artistic vision, her career milestones, and the significance of print photography—especially during Women’s History Month.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Morning of the Women’s March ([00:24])

• Jen Mullowney describes her spontaneous decision to attend the Women’s March on January 21, 2017, feeling an “undeniable pull” despite other commitments.
• Prepared with minimalist gear—just her Nikon D750, a 50mm lens, and her son’s kindergarten backpack—she set out to document the historic protest.

Quote:
“When I woke up that morning, I felt an undeniable pull to be there… I grabbed my Nikon D751 lens, a 50mm, and my son’s kindergarten backpack… and I was on my way. That split-second decision paid off in ways I never could have predicted.”
— Jen Mullowney ([01:00])

2. Capturing Stories, Not Just Images ([01:40])

• Initially intending to photograph women, Mullowney quickly realized the importance of capturing the diverse voices present at the march.
• She reframed her goal: to reflect genuine human moments and preserve fleeting feelings for others.

Quote:
“I didn’t go to the march as a professional street photographer. I went as someone who just wanted to capture stories… My real gift as a photographer is the ability to reflect human moments, to capture something fleeting for someone else and freeze it forever.”
— Jen Mullowney ([02:00])

3. Winning the Printique Portfolio Contest ([03:10])

• Mullowney’s coverage of the march led to her winning Adorama’s Printique Portfolio Contest, a significant career milestone.
• Printique’s active support of women in photography—including events like “We the Power of Female Photography”—and their belief in nurturing individual voices played a pivotal role in her journey.

Quote:
“This exposure is so pivotal for me in getting to the next level in my career. It’s a chance for me to not just share my work, but also see my work and vision come to life through the printed image.”
— Jen Mullowney ([04:10])

4. The Importance & Impact of Print ([04:45])

• Mullowney expresses newfound appreciation for print, making printed images an integral part of her client offerings and exhibitions.
• She describes the satisfaction of physically holding printed photos—memories that connect viewers to moments in time.

Quote:
“There is absolutely nothing more satisfying than holding those cherished memories in your hands. It’s a way to instantly connect with a moment in time.”
— Jen Mullowney ([05:10])

5. The Evolution of Artistic Vision ([06:15])

• Reflects on how her path in photography began—assisting wedding photographer Jean Pierre Uys, who encouraged her to try street photography.
• The Women’s March was both a technical learning experience and a moment of self-discovery about what she wanted to communicate through her images.

Quote:
“For me, it wasn’t just about learning street photography on the fly. It was about figuring out what I wanted to say with it.”
— Jen Mullowney ([07:20])

6. Finding Meaning in Every Frame ([08:05])

• When submitting her portfolio, Mullowney made sure her selection represented a wide array of voices and faces present at the march.
• She recalls favorite images: a young girl on her dad’s shoulders beside a sign, “The rising of the women is the rising of us all,” an older woman with a “Rise Up” sign, and a costumed Wonder Woman symbolizing strength.

Quote:
“These photos are real, connected moments. They document not just a protest, but a period of history… not just capturing something, but making sure people feel it.”
— Jen Mullowney ([09:03])

7. Lessons from Limitation and Authenticity ([10:10])

• Limiting herself to a single 50mm lens forced Mullowney to engage directly with the crowd, enhancing the depth and intimacy of her images.
• She describes emotionally overwhelming moments—having to step back, regroup, and dive back in—and emphasizes connection over technical perfection.

Quote:
“A 50mm lens sees like the human eye. I wasn’t zooming in from a distance. I was immersed in the energy, the power, the feeling of it all.”
— Jen Mullowney ([10:40])

• She reflects on a favorite candid image: two women laughing, holding a sign, “A woman’s place is in your face.”

Quote:
“That moment makes me realize we all just want to be seen and heard at the end of the day.”
— Jen Mullowney ([11:15])

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On Print’s Importance:
  “Seeing my final product hanging on a wall in a gallery or in someone’s home is so validating.” ([05:40])

• On Getting Started as a Photographer:
  “I accepted the challenge knowing that this event would be a moment people would want to remember. I wasn’t wrong. The energy was electric.” ([07:00])

• On Trusting Your Creative Instinct:
  “Go blindly in the direction of what brings you joy and trust your intuition.” ([12:20])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:24 — Setting the scene for the Women’s March
• 01:40 — Approach to storytelling in photography
• 03:10 — Printique Contest win and significance
• 04:45 — Embracing the power of print
• 06:15 — Origins of Mullowney's photographic journey
• 08:05 — Photograph selection and thematic meaning
• 10:10 — Lessons from shooting with a 50mm lens
• 11:15 — Reflections on emotional inclusivity and lasting impact
• 12:20 — Advice to fellow creatives

Final Takeaways

The episode presents Jen Mullowney’s journey as a testament to seizing the moment, trusting intuition, and embracing both technical and artistic limitations to foster deeper connection. Her work exemplifies the power of documentary photography to immortalize not just events, but raw emotion and the essence of community.

For more on Jen Mullowney’s portfolio and the winning images, visit the 42 West blog via the links in the show notes.