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Jennifer Mertesdorf | Sarasota Florida Photographer

@jen.beal

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📸 Lifestyle Photographer.
Will travel 📸📷✈️🌎
Holistic Living | Dog Mom 🐾 | 📚
Photo account @realandrootedphotography

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

✨My journey was never only about the weight I lost — it was about the pain I carried, the battles I fought in silence, and the pieces of myself I had to find again after feeling lost for so long.

There were chapters filled with heartbreak, fear, exhaustion, near death experiences, multiple surgeries/procedures, and moments where giving up may have felt easier than holding on. But even in the darkest moments, I chose to keep going. I chose to fight for my life, for my healing, and for the version of myself I knew was still in there — waiting to rise.

What makes my story so powerful is not just the transformation you can see, but the one you can’t. The strength it took to begin. The courage it took to continue. The grace it took to heal. And the love it took to become someone who now pours hope into others walking the same road.

I don’t just survive anymore…. instead I thrive & heal out loud as well on my journey — I allowed it to shape me into a voice for those still struggling, a light for those still searching, and an advocate for those who need someone to say, “I see you. I hear you. I understand. You are not alone.”

My scars tell a story.
My strength tells the truth.
And my life is proof that even the deepest pain can be transformed into purpose.

✨I am not just a bariatric warrior.
✨I am resilience in human form.
✨I am healing with a voice.
✨I am proof that brokenness can become beauty, and struggle can become someone else’s survival guide. I got knocked down over 38 times…. But I got back up each and every time. I will always advocate, uplift, support, and be a light to myself & others. Never give up. My DM’s are always open & a safe space.

#BariatricWarrior #HealingJourney #Transformation #Advocacy #Resilience

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Hilary Duff concert with the girls!!!
✨🪩💖💫🫧🎼🦋⭐️

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A capital gain is the difference between what you paid and what you sell for.

If you haven’t sold yet, it’s unrealized. Once you do, it’s realized.

Timing matters.

Contact me to learn more.

prisocial.info/PriImportantDisclosures

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@jen.beal did such a good job 🥹 if you’re in the SWFL area she’s your girl 🤩

#anneofgreengables #reel #frolick

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Hi! You might have noticed the rebrand so i wanted to reintroduce myself!

I’m Jennifer. An eldest daughter with grit, a tattooed
millennial, a dog mom, hopefully one day a human mom, and a wife of a really good man. I am a nostalgic photographer who conveys moodiness, warmth, intimacy and authentic connections.

The new name came to me as i was soul searching for something that meant more to me and represented me and my art.

I love the outdoors, being barefoot whenever possible,
strong coffee, and living life a little slower and more
intentionally. Holistic wellness, clean living, and staying connected to nature are a big part of who I am outside of
photography.

Nostalgia, real connections and emotions combined with my love for the outdoors, holistic healing and being rooted and grounded with the earth.
RealAndRootedPhotography was born. 🍃🌊🌱📸
#sarasotaphotographer #southfloridaphotographer #travelphotographer #tampaphotographer #millennial

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The lights, the view, and the smell of fair food in the air.
Magical ✨
#sarasotaphotographer #photographer #tampaphotographer #stpetephotographer #southfloridaphotographer

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🫶🏻2025 was HARD…. But despite the hard… I had a lot of achievements.
This year I…
🏆 Won Bariatric Advocate of the Year at @justbeyoubariatricawards
💼 Started my own business @bariatricwarriorsupport
🎙️ Restarted & rebranded @bariatricwarriorpodcast with my bestie & co‑host @becomingbex
✨ Stepped out of my comfort zone and walked in a fashion show at the @bariatricsociety retreat
📚 Landed the September cover Highlight of @brainzmagazine & became an Executive Contributor
⚖️ Lost 32+ pounds of regain, rid heavy metals/inflammation, balanced my hormones, found the only thing that significantly helped my SIBO symptoms, fixed my sleep…through fueling my body, moving my body, hydrating, taking my vitamins/nutraceuticals with the help of @bodysystemswellness and their amazing team! 💪🏻 Huge shout out to @wokeuplikedez for sharing her journey and inspiring me to have the consult.
🛡️ Advocated like hell for myself and my community – and saved many lives
🏋🏽‍♀️ Stepped into the gym for the first time in 4 years after finally being cleared to work out
🤝 Became an ASMBS associate member @asmbs
🎉I survived and overcame SO much while still showing up for myself and this amazing community. We are all warriors. This isn’t just weight loss. These achievements are advocacy, healing, courage, and community.
Proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m just getting started 💜. 🫶🏻Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here on this journey with me and allowing me to be a part of yours. All of you matter. Never be ashamed to share your story or ask for help. I see you. I hear you. You are not alone. 2026 HERE WE COME 💪🏻🔥

#BariatricWarrior #BariatricAdvocate #WeightLossSurgery #RegainIsNotFailure #ChronicIllnessWarrior

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Just a girl and her pup for Christmas 🎄
#christmas #photographer #sarasotaphotographer #agirlsbestfriendisherdog #stpetephotographer

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Just keep going. You are helping more than you know. You are not alone. Video of me by @jenniferrosephotography_ . Wearing my all time favorite set from @buffbunny_collection size Large Mood Ring Holographic Alpha Sports Bra V2 and Rebel Leggings. I mean it matches my hair 💜💜💜💜 obsessed! #buffbunnycollection #bariatricwarrior #jonhamm #keepgoing #wlsjourney

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Congratulations 🎊 @mdrnluxxphotobooth
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Thank you to all the small businesses who took part! 🎉🥳🎊 You are the heart 💗 of our beautiful city. #sarasota

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happy halloween 🦇🎃🧙🏼‍♀️

#halloween #spookyseason #pumpkinhead

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✨You Got This
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#nevergiveup #yougotthis #youarenotalone #bariatricwarriorsupport #bariatricwarrior #bariatricwarriorpodcast #bariatricsurgery #bariatricadvocateoftheyear #bariatricadvocate #wlswarrior #wlssupport #wlsjourney #wlscommunity #keepshowingup #keepshiningbright #vsg #rny #vsgtorny #wlscomplications #plasticsafterwls #neuro #spine #skinremovalsurgery #postopcare

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