The Experience: What It's Like to Work with Jess

You may be wondering what's it like to work with me and what that experience is like? I'm a big fan of lists, so I am putting together a start-to-finish list for you that takes you through the whole process!

• First, you inquire about a session (the Contact tab is the best way) with me and I send you my Client Welcome Guide. 
• Then, we choose a date, place, and time for your session.
• I send you a contract and a retainer invoice. (sidenote: both of these are easily done on your phone!) After these are completed, your session is officially booked!
• We have the session and it's a super good time!
• Within a few days, you have a sneak peek to gush about over on my blog! You may even see an image or 2 pop up on my social media accounts in the days following that.
• Next, you receive your online gallery of images from your session within the time frame promised (most sessions are 2-3 weeks, although Day in the Life Sessions take a bit longer. This timeframe is always discussed and communicated beforehand.)
• You download and back up your images, and then share with family and loved ones!
• Finally, if your session included prints or products, you will be hand delivered those items in the following weeks. (design time and lab production take a bit longer and can vary. )

Her photos are truly works of art and she captured so many moments we never could have or would never even have thought to photograph ourselves. - Sara M.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does a session with you cost? My Sessions begin at $500.
  
• What type of photography do you do? I specialize in something called documentary photography. It basically is shooting all of the unscripted, real life moments. Kind of like a photojournalist on assignment....but my assignment is your family. I am aiming to tell the story of your family through my images alone. I love working with families in all seasons of life from pregnancy, to newborns, to teenagers and beyond. If it's family centered, then that's my jam!  
• What happens if my kids act ridiculous during our session? I smile every time I get this question! There are very, very few times when this causes an issue and I've never had it ruin a session- so let that ease your worries right now! My sessions are different because I'm not asking you to smile and look at the camera. I'm not asking you to act happy in an overgrown field at golden hour. I'm just with you, meeting you right where you are, in the comfort of your own home. And if we choose to go somewhere and shoot outside the home, it's still a very relaxed session. I'm there to capture how you interact together, not necessarily how you look at the camera and smile (although that does tend to happen organically!). When there is a sense of stress, your kids feel it. And my sessions are zero stress. I elaborate more on this topic here in this blog if you want to read more of my thoughts! Just remember, this is documentary photography- we don't need them to look at the camera and smile, we just need them to be. 
• How do I pay for my session? I prefer to do everything via PayPal, but I take cash as well. 
• My house is messy and small. Oh man, I could talk for days on this topic. Just know this, your house is fine. You are perfect. Your home is made up of more things that just the 4 walls that actually make it. Home is a feeling just as much as it is a physical place. I can assure you that in several years time, you'll look back on that place with fondness, not so much because of how it was, but because of the time you spent there. It was a part of your life, the backdrop to your story. It helped in many ways to define a season of your life, even if you were only renting it. I think you'll look back on it with the upmost nostalgia and sentimental ponderings...not with strife over the clean clothes pile or the dishes in the sink. And besides, I'm not there to photograph the clutter, I'm there to photograph you. But to make you feel better, head over to my Instagram, I am always showing my real life in the stories! You are not alone! 
• Are you okay with pets? Uh, yes. A resounding yes. I am an animal lover and I love when families include their furry (or scaly!) best friends! 
• Does our session have to be at home? No. Life exists outside of the home and I'm here to document it, however that looks. Your sessions do not have to be at home and I am along for the adventure. Here's a few things to keep in mind though. First, if it requires an admission price, you are responsible for mine. Second, some places require a permit which usually includes a lengthy application and fee- I need to be aware of where we are going to make sure that we are in accordance with their rules and regulations. And, you'll be responsible for that permit fee as well. Otherwise, I go where you go! Let's do this and make sure it includes good food! ha! Also, think about your backyard and neighborhood too. The whole session doesn't necessarily have to be in your home. 

Book the session! You won't regret it! Memories are eventually the only thing you'll have left! - Hollie G.

• Can we do a few posed photos? Yes! Absolutely. I dedicate about 15 minutes at the end of every session for a few loosely posed family photos. 
• Do you offer payment plans? Yes, I do. But I can't help you if I don't know what you need. When you are ready to book, ask about a payment plan and we will talk about what is best for you. They are super flexible and there are no fees. 
• What's included with my session?  Your session fee includes me coming and shooting for the time you have hired me for and a gallery of beautifully edited images in a private, password protected gallery with a print release. You are able to download these and print them at your leisure (or I can do it for you, just ask!). Depending on what session you booked, it may come with prints or an album. 
• Do you travel for shoots? Yes and no. It is highly dependent on the date and availability. If I am able, I will travel and rates will be customized by the hours needed, miles traveled, accommodations, etc. 
• Can you Photoshop me? No. I lightly retouch photos adjusting a few things here and there that I won't bore you with, but as a general rule, I do not use photoshop to modify your body. You are perfect the way you are and I want you to see yourself the way loved ones see you. They see you, not your body. You are enough. Also, as primarily a documentary photographer, it's against my code of ethics to do so. 

Jess is an amazing photographer and for the first time ever I loved every single photo I have received from a photographer. - Amanda W.

• What if it rains? Well, that depends. If you want to reschedule your session, I will try very hard to work with you. If we have a Day in the Life session, I would encourage you to think of the possibilities that rain can bring! Playing in the rain? Cozy snuggle time? Board games? Of course, if it's dangerous weather we will absolutely reschedule! 
• What do we wear? Well, lucky for you, because I primarily shoot documentary photography, I won't tell you what to wear. I think clothes are often an expression of our personality and how we want the world to see us, so I can't possibly dictate that! If it's July and your kid wants to wear a Halloween costume from 3 years ago, I am going to be over the moon to photograph it! Just roll with it. If you are going for more of a lifestyle and loosely posed session-I will give a few guidelines: I don't love when a family matches and there is such a thing as too much plaid. 

Words cannot express how incredibly grateful I am that our paths crossed and that I was given the opportunity to see how magical Jess’s photography skills are. I immediately felt connected to Jess. - Chelsey L.

• ​Do you use props? Nope. 
• What makes you different than other photographers? I think primarily what makes me different is my shooting/editing style and my documentary, photojournalistic approach to family photography. I appreciate the real life, everyday moments so, so much. 
• Is it weird having you follow us around for a day? First off, I like to think I am adorably awkward and easy to get along with. I'm not exactly in your face all day with a camera. More like an old friend you haven't seen in a while stopping by for a visit. We hang out and have a good time. It's zero stress. After the first hour, it's all good my friend.  

Let's talk about your session