Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Chandler.
Jessica, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My story as far as photography goes started in High School. My stepdad knew I had an interest in it because I wanted a camera for Christmas. They actually got me a small point and shoot Canon. I took it everywhere with me. One day on a family vacation it was stolen out of our hotel room. I can’t remember the time frame but a few weeks to months later my stepdad found an old, working 35mm camera at a garage sale. He bought it for me because he knew how much I missed my camera.
He knew I didn’t know how to shoot film, and that nothing would stop me from learning. It came with several lenses, cleaning equipment and a few rolls of generic film. I had no idea how to work it properly but I somehow managed to get some decent images when I developed the film. After high school living on my own got hard, so I had to sell it. Fast-forward three years later things got much better. I was married, and now expecting. My husband and I booked our maternity session with a photographer in Waco. We did the session and it was
fun to see how the process played out. When we got our images back I just knew I was going to get back into it. Now almost four years later I am a full-time photographer, and I love every minute of it.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am wedding and portrait photographer. Anyone can look at a photographer’s prices and say, “heck no I can’t afford that”. What they might not understand is the images you receive are heirlooms. They will be passed down generation after generation. Some might not see it that way but I certainly do, as with any art. It’s honestly about investing in your family.
When I look at images of my grandparents that are now gone, I think to myself, I am so lucky to have this. Although they are not with me anymore, I am blessed to have a piece of them that is tangible. A piece that I can let my children hold, while I share the story of their life.
I want my clients to walk away with an album so beautiful they can’t wait to share it with friends and family. I want them to remember the time we had taking the photos and the overall experience they had. Meeting as strangers, and leaving as friends.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I think with technology and social media being so relevant, it’s a lot easier to put yourself out there. As an artist, it is a blessing to have Instagram and Facebook. Not only is it good for building relationships but most media types have done a great job helping small businesses get a good head start.
The best thing any community can do to help artists and their art thrive is invest the time to understand it, learn to appreciate it, and spread the word!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work can be observed on my website www.jessicachandlerphotography.com
If you’d like to build a person relationship with me, which I prefer you can follow me on Instagram. @jessicachandler1020
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessicachandlerphotography.com
- Phone: 254-223-9676
- Email: jchandler599@gmail.com
- Instagram: jessicachandler1020
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jesschanthephotographer
- Other: www.pinterest.com/jchandler599
Image Credit:
Jessica Chandler Photography
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