Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Allen.
Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always loved to take pictures as a hobby growing up. I never saw it as my career. I was actually in Medical Billing and Coding School when all of this transpired. In 2009, a classmate was doing her first fashion show and she asks me to be the photographer. I hadn’t even had a DSLR yet but only a point and shoot. That then pushed me to make my first purchase before the show. I absolutely enjoyed doing the show is when I realized this was my real passion and ministry. I leaped out and started a business from there. I completed the trade but never looked back and did photography full time. Not knowing anything but taking a faith move. My motto is faith over fear so I went for it not knowing what lied ahead of me. In between, I have stopped doing it full time but never have I left photography since I started. I am here today back full time because I believe God purposed me to do this since I found it. It was self-doubt that took me away.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not a smooth road at all! Anything worth having or doing isn’t. There have been many times where the photography world wasn’t bringing me money. I actually went to back to work several times because of it. Struggles of losing everything, doubting my skill set because I am self-taught. The first four or five years, I did full time but then, there was a time I had nothing and couldn’t continue on depending on photography. I never stopped doing it but I had to get another job. Year after year passed and I was always getting fired, lol. Even working for school photography companies, the season would slow down and there, I was back to square one. My last time of being let go, I spoke to God and said ok, I hear you. He said: I keep showing you but you aren’t trusting me fully. It was then November 2017, my last layoff, I went back to being a full-time photographer, I haven’t looked back. My struggle and experience taught me to go harder so that I am prepared for the low times. In 2018, my best friend and I opened a building where I could shoot out of full time. We are located in Fort Worth. I learn from the struggle and put into proper perspective.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
J. Allen Photography is a full-service photography company. I specialize in events, family/senior portraits, school photography, mobile and studio setup, on-site printing and etc. In addition to photography, I do custom backdrops, custom table runners, tablecloths, retractable banners and more. We rent out backdrops for your party needs. I am most proud of the accomplishments I have made over the years in shooting high schools under my own company name, Dallas Cowboys players and etc. I have worked hard to maintain quality and excellent service. What sets me apart is giving quality service making my clients feel appreciated, building relationships at that moment and allowing them to be them and make them comfortable and making the shoot one to remember. My prices are reasonable for the quality and customer service you will receive.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I’ve always been a social butterfly so they say. I’ve always been fun to be around. I was voted most school spirited in high school and nominated for most outgoing. I believe in having a good time and experiencing life while you have it. I have always known a lot of people. I guess I was being prepared for this in the photography world you have to have a great personality, character, wisdom, friendly and so forth. You have to connect with people. My heart is for people and I love people.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6465 E Rosedale St Ste 105
Fort Worth, TX 76112 - Phone: 8176831497
- Email: jallenpics09@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jallenphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JAllen-Photography-Entertainment-255694051083/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/The-LinQ-Up-158305804796461/
Image Credit:
J. Allen Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Starting a new project or business: One of our core goals at Voyage is to help small-businesses and creatives thrive. Having a strong online presence can play an important role and so we’ve partnered with some incredible designers and would love to help you launch a stunning, custom-designed website for your brand or project. Let’s Connect >>
