behind the lens
Hi, I’m Jess. An intimate wedding and family lifestyle photographer inspired by all things nature and nurture. For over fourteen years I’ve had the honor of documenting families, couples, children, events, and weddings across the Southeast and beyond… each with its own distinct design.
My journey with photography began years before starting out to raise my own family, when I was handed an old Canon Rebel by my Dad and photo-taking was slightly less commonplace. What started as a way of preserving memories with my own friends and family members, soon grew into a lifelong calling to preserve the stories of others.
Behind the camera, I am already drawn to authenticity and organic atmospheres – the inherent romance in a forest setting, unhurried conversation, the teasing shared between siblings, the way dusk falls delicately across a hilled landscape and causes a visceral reaction in all of us. You could say in most things, I am pulled to what is happening in the margins of both life and any image.
While my photography is bred from honesty, I always strive for a touch of intentional poetry, ensuring your photographs feel as true as they are lovely.
My editing features flourishes of cinematic color grading (read more on this under “My Approach”), while also being inspired by the harmonic tones found in natural materials such as wood, stone, water, sky, and clay.
I’m currently based out of North Georgia, and our family farmland… seventeen acres of mountainside goodness. I love a solid welly boot romp through the dirt with my young seedlings – Aela and Shaye… and literally any time anywhere spent with my personal hero, Chris.
If you desire the same kind of memories kept and stories told as I describe… please do reach out and let’s do both the keeping and the telling together.
SOME OF MY FAVORITES:
I LOVE SUNSETS AND Stormy WEATHER, BABIES BREATH FLOWERS, GOUACHE PAINT, THEOLOGY, THE HISTORY OF THE Scottish HIGHLANDS, LATE NIGHT Talking AND CHILDREN Lost IN IMAGINATIVE PLAY
my approach
Several years ago, I realized my craft was ready to evolve – shifting away from formal portraiture and toward a more intimate, story-driven approach. Much like journalism at its best, my work now reflects a lifelong affection for narrative and connection… images that breathe, rather than remain static.
My foundation is rooted in the historic techniques of film – both cinematic filmmaking and traditional film photography. What I learned in collegiate darkrooms, developing and printing hundreds of rolls of film, now mingles with the timeless influences of classic cinema that first awakened my inner artist as a child.
In an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, I feel an even deeper conviction to preserve the necessity of human touch… the irreplaceable, sovereignly designed presence of personhood – in both life and art.
Every wedding and family session I approach uniquely, seeking natural light, toned color, and thoughtful composition to create imagery that stirs the soul. My role is to document all stories entrusted to me, with a seamless balance of candid storytelling and gentle direction – ensuring you and your people always feel both guided and well at ease.
“I am moved by what I cannot plan for or contrive. I must react to it and capture it in real time.”
FAQ
A signed shoot agreement is all that is required for family or couple related shoots, a 15% (of total) deposit with signed agreement are both required to secure a wedding date.
I do! I have traveled for weddings many times, and would be happy to talk about those logistics.
Typical gallery turnaround for families is between three days and two weeks. Turnaround for weddings is four to eight weeks, with a 48-hour post-event sneak peek album
Yes! I have just started putting together documentation references and recommendations for both brides and families. I am also happy to consult via zoom.
Yes, though my work is primarily story and detail driven, I do happily recommend a few group or family shots be included in my top packages shot scope.