A personal blog post and behind the scenes look

If someone would have told me starting a business is hard work…

If someone would have told me I’d spend hours in front of a computer screen editing pictures…

If someone would have told me I’d wrestle with guilt in maintaining the balance of being a mom and having a business…

If someone would have told me I’d need to learn about marketing, blogging, branding, updating a website, and what “my style” is…

If someone would have told me that I’d continually be taken out of my comfort zone and placed in front of others to be judged…

If someone would have told me I’d ponder and question what I should have done differently, because the Inbox with new clients is empty…

2016 marks five years since Jessica Photography was officially started. Five years…so often we say time flies, but in some ways those five years have seemed somewhat long. A lot has happened in those years and I’ve learned so much! I’ve learned so much about photography and about running a business, and for that matter I think I’ve learned more about myself.

After nap cuddles are a great break from my work. Memories I will cherish.

Quite honestly, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into five years ago! I didn’t know the hours of thought, energy and work ahead of me or how having two sons and being a stay-at-home mom was going to fit together with a business. I didn’t know all that I would learn about the art of photography, lighting, and cameras. Oh my, when I think back to some of my first session or weddings…yikes!! What was I thinking when I told my first bride/groom that I’d photograph their wedding??? I think sometimes God allows us to be naive to get us to try new things!

But really, aren’t the unknowns normal for life? God doesn’t promise to show us what’s going to happen years down the road, however, he has promised to be with us and guide us.  “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105  I believe God shows us steps at a time…a light for our path.

If you’re a photographer you know all the different positions we get ourselves into! Ha!

What a stance! Almost embarrassing!

Oh my, I think my left eye will have more wrinkles! lol!

Practice before the wedding with the doves. My little guys got in on the action.

The favorite part of my job…people!

Ahhh yes…that time I literally went in a creek with these waders on to get the shot. What was I thinking??

If someone would have told me…would I have taken the plunge five years ago?

I guess I don’t know, but what I do know is that I have had a peace in God’s direction.

I know I’m grateful for the many lives I’ve been able to come in contact with that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

I know that when the Inbox is slow…God knew I needed a break.

I know that my business doesn’t need to be my life.

I know that my identity doesn’t need to be my art.

I know that God knows what’s ahead!

Most people probably don’t know, but I love to dance…at home with my family I can really get my groove on! Teehee!  I’ve been pulled out on the dance floor a couple time…don’t judge, I know I look awkward!

It was a bit humbling sharing some of these pictures, but they bring a lot of good memories.  I’m grateful the second shooters I had along for these wedding snapped these pics to help me remember!

This sweet little babe is growing up so quickly! In fact, if you missed her birth story from six months ago click here: Jerusha’s Birth Story  Have I ever told you how much I LOVE photographing births?!

Why is this session titled “Lifestyle?” Lifestyle sessions show aspects of our everyday lives with our children. If you’re a mom like me, we take plenty of pictures of our children but don’t very often get in the pictures with them. During their early years we are so much a part of their days and years, but quite often you don’t see us…the little things we do with them day in and day out…the time on the floor playing with them, reading to them, feeding them, putting them to bed, etc.!

Here’s a glimpse into Allison and Jerusha’s day…

I absolutely love how unique Matt and Ashley’s session ended up being.  Sure, they wanted snow on the ground in their pictures, but little did we know with only a 40% chance of snow in the forecast that it would actually snow rather hard during their session!

Matt and Ashley’s love story began about five years ago when they worked together at the Cheese House…one thing led to another and now they are planning an October wedding! 

Matt would describe Ashley as whimsical and high spirited.

Ashley would describe Matt’s personality as strong and thoughtful.

I loved the artistic ice in the creek bed…it lends to the beauty of Ashley’s unique ring.

Matt and Ashley enjoy cooking in cast iron skillets, disk golf and campfires.  A fire would have been fitting after their session at a frigid 15 degrees!