Hampton Roads, Virginia Documentary Photographer | Jess Nicole Photography
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where stories are told

Half Day in the Life Session | Chesapeake, Virginia

5/30/2023

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The family's home, somewhere in Chesapeake, May 2023.

It was the rainiest of the rainiest days in Chesapeake. Seriously, the neighboring city even had a tornado. But, luckily for us, since this was an in home session and totally documentary in nature, we still just went with it. And, I was there for HALF the day! You know me, the longer the session, the better.
After all, life happens rain or shine. 
baby looking outside rainy window at big sister
In a strange turn of events, the rain broke and the brightest, warmest sun came out for about 30 minutes. It was a glorious trip to the backyard, even the big kids joined us out there. Without cell phones. What the heck? We had surely entered the Twilight Zone.  Or the Upside Down. 
two girls standing in backyard with snacks and stuffed animals
a dad pushing baby on swing in backyard holding stuffed animal
The storm returned, more fierce than before, so they decided what better way to spend the evening than playing with the babies (yes, babies- there are two!), hanging out, and making homemade pizza. 
girl throwing pizza in kitchen in chesapeake, virginia
Was there downtime? Yes. Were messes made? Yes. Were cell phones and electronics on? Yes. Does that make this day any less worthy of being documented? Absolutely not. 
This is life. This is the everyday. 
This is what these kids are going to look back on to remember when their memory gets a little hazy. 
These are the pictures that will make up their childhood and that they will return to again and again. 
These are the pictures that Mom and Dad are going to look back on and say, "Remember when..."
girl laying on sofa chair bored in chesapeake
mom holding pizza with big bubble in the kitchen and laughing
To schedule your Half Day in the Life Session (or Full Day in the Life Session) use the Contact tab above or just click here. I can't wait to chat with you and learn about what things are important to you. 
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Welcome Home, Baby Lee | Chesapeake Newborn Photographer

4/6/2023

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An in-home newborn session in Chesapeake, Virginia.

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute privilege of photographing this sweet, fresh little newborn baby. There's something really special about being welcomed into a home with a new little one. I think it's a sacred time. A time for bonding, rest, and learning. Learning new routines, learning this new little human you brought into the world. It's also time for renewed hope and healing. Babies have a way with that, don't you think? Magical little creatures they are. 
nd too, I don't know about you, but during this newborn period, I could fall asleep at any point in time. I was always up for a nap! 
Somehow though, with 2 big brothers and 2 fur-siblings to look after him, I doubt there will be much napping going on. There's too may adventures to be had, too many games to play, too many stories to tell. After all, they've got to show him the ropes!
newborn being cradled by mother's hands in a babywearing wrap
But each and every time that I am invited into a home, I am forever thankful and grateful for that opportunity. I want to intentionally and purposefully use my time with you to make the most honest, most beautiful portraits of your family and the environment as I possibly can, without interrupting the scene. 
father playing with toddler son while mother feeds baby on couch behind them
But most of all, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to photograph the mama, who deserves so much to see herself in this beautiful, oh-so-important role she is in. She deserves to see herself the way her loved ones see her. She deserves to see her strength and her powerful love in a tangible way. 
toddler brother driving care on brother's head
  • "I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle." —Vincent Van Gogh
mother laying newborn down in cradle chesapeake, virginia
newborn baby sleeping in bassinet in chesapeake
If you'd like to schedule your newborn session with me in the comfort and intimacy of your own home, I sure would love to hear from you. I'd love to help you create images that will make your heart swell with happiness and pride. I'd love to help you share your story. 
Click here or on the Contact tab above to send me a message and get the conversation started. 
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Made for Documentary Exhibit : Documenting 2022

3/14/2023

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I was making my usual morning cup of Earl Grey in my favorite mug a few weeks ago and I heard the familiar notification sound that my phone makes when I get an email. I open up my account and my eyes are slow to adjust, but I think it says that one of my images was selected for exhibition. 
I see words like "congratulations" and phrases like "the competition was tough" and "the standard was high".  
I blink. Re-read it again. 
And then again.
I see a link at the bottom to view the exhibit and I scroll down and I see a very familiar picture...a photograph I made. 
And it hits me then that my work was included among so many talented photographers that I deeply admire and look up to. And an environmental portrait that I made was included among theirs. 
I am so filled with gratitude and honestly, I am humbled. 
To the amazing jurors, thank you so much for seeing the magic that I see in this photograph and for believing in my work. 
boy with tiger tattoo on his chest with life jacket on in black and white
My caption that went along with the photograph was this: "Portrait of a neighborhood kid. One of the only positives of the lockdowns for us was the resurgence of neighborhood playdates and old school fun outside. I’m forever inspired by the neighborhood kids hard at play."
To see the whole exhibit, please click here. It's so inspiring! 
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    Jess is a photographer serving families located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She specializes in documentary and storytelling photography.

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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."

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On Instagram @jess.nicole.photography
family photographer Jessica Hubbard located in Chesapeake, Virginia
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