Jenny Anderson
Jenny Anderson, one of the industry’s most treasured photographers and friends, joins us On The Couch this week. Her book, The In-Between, is available to pre-order and showcases some of the most iconic moments in recent Broadway history. Read our full interview with Jenny below.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
I certainly think my best asset is my ability to make the subject in front of my camera comfortable. I’ve always been good at being personable and putting people at ease.
What was your proudest moment?
It’s launch week for my first book, so I’m pretty proud of that. It’s something I’ve always dreamt of doing and didn’t realize I would get to do it this early in my career. But in a more broader since I’m just proud that I did everything I could to do what I wanted to do. Being brave enough to come to New York, right out of college and pursue this career the way I have and sticking with it makes me pretty proud.
What is your favorite drink?
If we are talking alcoholic, my current drink of choice is a Mezcal Margherita, but I also get down with a very dirty vodka martini extra olives. If we’re talking sitting on the porch back home love a good sweet tea.
What is your favorite food?
I’m a pasta girl for sure. Love southern food because that’s where I come from but if I had to pick a meal for every day, it’s Italian all the way.
What is your favorite condiment?
I’m not a big condiment girl, but I do love a honey mustard on occasion or if we want to get real specific the sweet-and-sour sauce from McDonald’s is my jam.
What is your current obsession?
Currently obsessed with salt and straw ice cream. Can’t get enough of it. Specifically the coffee and love nuts and olive oil flavors. Also obsessed with very single second of Death Becomes Her the musical (specially the way Megan Hilty delivers the word “semester”) and Amy Poehler’s new podcast!
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Well, if I had to give one up, it should probably be the ice cream but I don’t want to so I guess I’ll say binging television.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I would really love to be a set photographer for a big movie or a television show for a little while I think. It’s always been a bit of a dream.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
I love having people over and throwing parties or just gathering people. And my favorite thing to do is make a large charcuterie board and I can really throw down some money on some meat and cheese.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Binge watching the same television show I’ve seen about 45 times over and over again.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Besides the state of the world you mean? Probably that ice cream haha or driving in New York.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My work ethic for sure.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Probably being a little short tempered and impatient.
What in the world most thrills you?
It’s going to sound cliché, but Theater. I just love it so much. And if i see something truly beautiful or powerful or funny, it makes me so giddy and happy and emotional.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
So I don’t know if this is really relevant anymore because I’m an old lady and not up on the current trends of things but I hate Deuxmoi!
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
I’m going to really out myself, but I recently screwed up on a gig. A couple of photos I took were very blurry and I didn’t catch it in the moment so I did not get this very important shot. So I was very embarrassed to go back to the client and tell them. It’s quite literally the only time that’s ever happened to me and I was extremely embarrassed and it definitely rocked my ego a little bit.
What is your favorite place in the world?
If we are talking career and my job, there’s no better place than backstage at the Tony awards. If we’re talking travel I think my favorite place I’ve ever been is Cinque Terre in Italy.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
I sadly don’t do a lot of seeking these days, but if I were, it would be kindness and humor.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs for sure!
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
If I could spend one more day with my MeMe or I wouldn’t mind making the New York Times bestseller list.
What is your personal motto?
Lead with kindness always! You never know what another person is going through.