Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Vick.
Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved taking pictures. I was always the girl with the disposable camera in her hand back in the 90s. There is nothing like dropping off a disposable camera and coming back for your prints a few days later- am I right or did I just show my age? When I went to college, I started out as an elementary education major, but I didn’t feel like that was exactly what I wanted to do for a career. I knew I wanted to do something where I could be more creative. I changed to a studio art major and grew in ways I didn’t know I would. I was able to learn so many different mediums, but I gravitated towards the darkroom. I loved sitting in the darkroom, unloading my film and processing it. I loved watching the exposure of the photo and the subject come to life. I found the most joy photographing people. I decided while studying in college to apply for an assistant job with a local photographer.
This was the best decision I have ever made and I will always be thankful for the information and skills I learned from this local photographer. I got to jump into the wedding industry as a second shooter, which allowed me time to hone my photography skills and find my style of photography. While weddings were thrilling and beautiful, I also knew I wanted to start a family after college and the weekend hours would take a lot of time away from my future husband and kids. My favorite part of photographing a wedding wasn’t the ceremony or the reception, but capturing the emotions of the people. I love getting to document emotions that people can keep for forever. I knew then I would want to start my business with a focus on photographing families, seniors, kiddos, ANYBODY. I wanted to photograph people. I love using my camera to capture the raw true life moments people have together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is anything that you put your whole energy into ever a consistently smooth road? I would be lying if I said it was easy. When my husband and I moved to the DFW area for his job, we didn’t know anyone. I panicked. I thought, where will I find clients? I feared failure. I feared putting my business and myself out there. I feared of not being good enough. So instead of being brave, I joined the corporate world for a few years until I felt like I needed to pursue my true passion. Looking back, fear is where growth comes from. Struggles are where growth comes from. I wish I could tell past me not to take the “smooth” road. The smooth road isn’t fulfilling.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My business specializes in people. That might sound broad, but I love using my camera to capture my client’s true personality – all ages included. I love getting to not only capture that perfect picture for mom/grandma – where everyone is smiling perfectly, but also giving my clients a lifestyle experience during their session. I am known for bringing the games and jokes to your family session to get kids of all ages excited – even the people who really aren’t excited for the session. I can win anyone over with a great dad/mom joke or two. Maybe that’s because usually, dad is the one dreading smiling in front of a camera for a hot second (sorry for calling out all you dads, you really are troopers)! What sets me apart is how much work I do before the session, especially for new clients with young children. Warming up to strangers is a thing, so I work hard to win your kiddo over before I even snap a photo. I am a mom of three kids under six, I get it. In a nutshell, I offer a fun, exciting photo session for all ages and yes, even those dads or husbands dragging their feet to smile will leave my session happy.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Social media is your best friend! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Find a local group you can connect with, grow with and lean on when you need help or want to grow. Tell everybody you know what you do. YES, EVERYBODY. This is such a simple, easy way to network. Even if they don’t use your services, maybe their friends or families are looking for exactly what you offer and they can pass your name along.
Pricing:
- Mini sessions starting at $175
- Full sessions starting at $300
Contact Info:
- Email: jessica@jessicavickphotography.com
- Instagram: instragram.com/jessicavickphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/jessicavickphotography
