Jess Nicole Photography | Hampton Roads Documentary Family Photographer
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Gallery
    • Maternity
    • Family
    • Newborn
    • Homecomings
  • Blog
  • Investment
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Gallery
    • Maternity
    • Family
    • Newborn
    • Homecomings
  • Blog
  • Investment
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

the blog

where stories are told

9/19/2019 0 Comments

Virginia Beach 2019 Clickin' Walk

This past Sunday, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the 2019 Clickin' Walk which is a photo walk orchestrated by Clickin' Moms and hosted in cities by local photographers. It's a chance for photographers of all skill levels to get together, take in the sights of your city, meet new people, get some great shots, and have a lot of fun! In our little group of about 10-15 we had every skill level represented from beginner to pro.
Our hosts (shout out to Chelsea and Camille!) chose for us to venture to the Oceanfront to explore the Vibe District of Virginia Beach. Being a local to Hampton Roads and having lived in both Virginia Beach and Chesapeake- plus driving all over and everywhere in between- I feel pretty comfortable with the 7 cities. I'm navigationally challenged (seriously), but I feel like I know our area pretty well. I've driven through the vibe district and I know the local businesses there. However, walking through with my camera in hand and zero other distractions allowed me to really see the district. I could take in the intricate details of the art murals on the walls, I could see the craftsmanship and the unique touches of the shops and cafes we passed. I could stop and admire how even the crosswalks were painted in joyful, bright works of art.
And beyond all that, do you know what's even more awesome? The group of women there were absolutely amazing. They were kind, supportive, funny, beautiful, and inspiring. We were there as a community, not to compete. And the end result was just amazing.
Picture
I have to say this though: Do you remember that blog I wrote a few weeks back on things that I wish I did more often? (if not, you can read it here!) I worked on my #1 Thing I Wish I Did More Often really hard at the walk! Spoiler alert: #1 is " I Wish I Took Pictures of Strangers More Often". I mentioned that I had a soul-crushing anxiety of walking up to complete strangers and asking to take their pictures. Well, ya girl did it. Several times in fact. Granted, I didn't get up close and in their face with it (baby steps...) but I still did it and I'm incredibly proud of myself. Growth, this is me- growing. I think a lot of my confidence in this area came from the fact that I was surrounded by a bunch of super sweet and talented women, but still- growth.
Picture
I invited two of my friends to come along with me that are hobbyist photographers. One enjoys shooting people, the other enjoys shooting scenes and details. I'm super awkward in front of the camera, but the walk gave me an opportunity to jump in and have my picture taken (for the sake of learning, of course) and you know what? It wasn't so bad. I kind of had fun (barefoot, naturally-what's a hippie like me supposed to do? Wear shoes?). Actually, my daughter was so excited to see pictures of me, she asked me to print them out for her! Excuse me while I go cry over her sweet heart. 

Okay, real talk. The first like, 20 pictures of me were awkward and I wanted to crawl into my skin, but after that it wasn't bad at all. And the best part about it is, I'm so glad I did it. Truly.
Picture
Below are a few of my favorites from our walk. Comment which is your favorite or feel free to share your thoughts!
the love virginia mural on the side of dough boys pizza in virginia beach with city employee sweeping the sidewalks
large public art chalkboard display in virginia beach shot in black and white
image of the feels mural in virginia beach and reflection on the puddle in front of it
man getting out of his ford mustang in 7-11 parking lot
women walking on the sidewalk in front of a metal vibe sign in the vibe district of virginia beach
couple riding bikes on the road to the beach
colorful garage door and side entrance to a restaurant with crates and trashcans
green chair behind a local brewery in virginia beach
flowering plants in a container
hippie van and volkswagon beetle in painted with murals and art in front of half moon in virginia beach
plants in a container on the side of the road
mail box on the side of a building in the vibe district of Virginia beach
image of a couple holding hands waiting to cross the sidewalk and another couple walking to the beach with surf boards in front of the 17th street surf shop in virginia beach
image of a dog collar and leash nailed to the side of a large public art chalk board
photographers gathered in front of lollys ice cream in virginia beach
woman walking across the brightly painted crosswalk in the virginia beach vibe district
0 Comments

9/13/2019 0 Comments

Why You Should Schedule Your Next Session In Your Home | Chesapeake Photographer

Why should you schedule your next family session in your home? We touched on it a bit here in this article (and this one too) and talked about why your memories matter. But in this blog, we'll talk about why you shouldn't pressure yourself to go anywhere for your session. I certainly don't mind going on an adventure with you, I love it! But I don't want you to feel like you have to. I want you to know that your home is just fine and we can hang out there too.
I'm a mom of 3. We have sports. We have activities. We have grocery shopping. We have fun things to do. We have not-so-fun things to do. But sessions in (and around) the home, with the real life stuff, you don't need to worry about anything or getting everyone cleaned up and on time to an undisclosed field at sunset. When you schedule an in home session, everyone is more relaxed and we will get authentic emotion in every way- not forced smiles or forced interactions. And those candid, organic moments are the best kind, aren't they?
black and white image of family quietly reading in their living room with dog sleeping on the floor
When you schedule your photo shoot to happen at home, a few things fall into place that inevitably lead to better images of your life. One being, when you are at home, you are likely more relaxed when it comes to your children. You aren't afraid that they are going to touch this or break that. You aren't afraid that they will break away and run (mom's of "runners" know exactly what I am referring to and the heart-stopping panic that leads to). You are likely more lax in your rules and your guard is down. You are in your safe zone. You are CHILL. And when you feel comfortable and safe, your kids do too. And by nature, when kids feel safe, they will explore and play. They will simply be themselves. And we can certainly appreciate that, can't we? Yeah, I think we can totally work with that.
girl on the bottom bunk of bed surrounded by stuffed animals looking out the window
I think a wonderful part of storytelling photography is documenting your daily life and uncovering the stories that are being told through an unspoken language. A simple touch, a glance over your shoulder, the weight of a baby nestled onto your chest, the tiny hand being held, the arms that hug your knees so tightly. This is what your life looks like right now. This isn't a picture of an idea- this is a tangible expression of your life. This is where you are. And your story (where ever you are in that story) is worth telling. We are documenting and preserving the now. The story right in front of us. These will become your most treasured memories and I promise to show them in a beautiful way.
toddler sitting on orange colored quilt with incredibles book in his lap pointing at the pictures
Lastly, and I think most importantly, is that taking pictures in your home will one day remind your children of what home felt like. There is an intimate familiarity in your home, you can't just recreate that in other locations. Looking at a picture can evoke senses and feelings, they'll remember what it smelled like, what it felt like to walk through the door. They will remember the hum of the refrigerator and background music that made up the soundtrack of your lives there in that space. It will stir feelings of what it is to be loved and of the home they spent their days within. And do you know what's even better? These pictures are going to want to make them tell STORIES about their childhood. Looking at just one picture can spark an almost forgotten memory and breathe life back into it.
"See this blanket here? Mom always kept lots of quilts. She loved them. But we used to drag you all around through the house on a "magic carpet ride" and the dog would chase us all over! You loved it and would cry when we stopped You must've been around 2 years old or so!"
"Did I ever fall off?"
"Of course you did! That's what made it fun! You were the baby- you were just along for the ride!"


And to me, that's priceless.
If you'd like to discuss your next photo shoot or get one scheduled for your family, click here or on the contact tab above.
0 Comments

9/3/2019 0 Comments

Mornings with Mom Sessions | Chesapeake Photographer

I offered these sweet sessions last year and loved them. To be a mother is one of life's greatest joys, but so often there's no proof of mom other than a few awkward selfies or slightly blurry cell phone shots because you are always behind the scene. You're kissing boo boos, nursing the baby, folding laundry, you're the one taking the photos, making sure their memories are documented in some fashion.  It's so important for your kids to see their mama loving them in pictures.
So, this one is just for you mama.
These one of a kind sessions are tailored to fit your needs, to tell your story on your terms. A story filled with emotion, connection, and love. A portrait of motherhood, unique to you. What story is it you want to tell? Quietly nursing the baby or a stroll to the cafe down the street? Brunch at your favorite restaurant?  A walk in the park or a morning visit to the library? Or would you like a studio session with a boho chic feel? The choice is up to you and I have put together some pretty sweet options for you.
Mornings with Mom On Location: A one hour storytelling session with a small gallery of images to download (10-15) at the location of your choice. A keepsake mini accordion album (3x3) is included or an elegant professionally matted 5X7 print of your choice (final size 8x10). These storytelling sessions are priced at $225.
Mornings with Mom In Studio: Up to 1.5 hours in a boho chic studio located in Suffolk, Virginia with a small gallery of (15-20) images to download. A keepsake mini accordion album (3x3) is included or an elegant professionally matted 5x7 image of your choice (final size 8x10). These in -studio sessions are priced at $350.
These sessions are only available during the calendar school year (9/3/19- 6/5/19) and only during the weekdays between the hours of 8:30am and 1:00pm. A retainer fee is required to book and will apply to the overall cost of your session.
To book your session, click here or simply click on the contact tab above.

black and white portrait of mother nursing toddler in her home with dog by her side
Studio option in Suffolk, Va with bed and wicker chair in neutral, boho chic decor
All photos of studio courtesy of Ashley Smith, edited by Jess Nicole Photography
photo of vintage couch with houseplants surrounding
photo of studio with bed and wicker chair with plant in window
photos of potted plants in studio
0 Comments

    Author

    Jess is a photographer serving families located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She specializes in documentary and storytelling photography.

    Archives

    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016

    Categories

    All 365 Babies Birth Breastfeeding Business Children Couples Covid Day In The Life Documentary Fall Families Homecoming Lifestyle Maternity Mini Sessions Mornings With Mom Motherhood Newborn Pet Photography Prints Seniors Tips Weddings

    RSS Feed

Location

What Clients Are Saying

" Jess came into our home and captured beautiful memories for us that we will cherish forever. She made us feel at ease and just captured us as we are- you could actually see everyone's true character in the shots. These are the moments that make up the good stuff of life. It's what's real. It's what matters."

"Jess, I appreciate you more than words can express and I thank you for always capturing my family in the most perfect, honest way, so that people who don't know us, see who we are."

"Jess, you're family now."

Contact Jess

On Instagram @jess.nicole.photography
Jess Nicole is a photographer and portrait artist in historic downtown Norfolk
we are memory catchers badge