Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Rockwell.
Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started Nest Newborns in 2016 after spending several years in the photography business. There were many weddings, family sessions, commercial shoots, and the occasional rock band (lol) etc., but the newborn/maternity/birth sessions always felt more special.
My newborn clients always mentioned how happy they were with the way I handled their little ones and my patience with them, and how it seemed to come naturally to me. So, after several years in the business already, I was looking for a way to really double down on my strengths, and a newborn/maternity/birth specialization seemed like the obvious thing to do.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’m not sure you can start any business and have a “smooth” road. There are always areas that need to be addressed and improved as you grow. That’s the nature of running a business. For me, I tend to get consumed with small things, so I have to constantly focus on the big picture. In a way, it’s a good thing because I know that every picture that goes out is my best work (since I spend SO much time on them), but running a photography business is much more than creating the images.
It’s much more than finding the perfect prop or getting the perfect pose. There’s a lot of “other” stuff. Most of the struggles I’ve dealt with in the past have been related to all the “other”. Self-promotion, marketing, finances, taking breaks (lol) are all things I’ve wrestled with, but I’m always working, always improving, and I feel like the transition to Nest Newborns has been decently smooth because of that (more smooth than when I first started out on my own).
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Nest Newborns – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in Newborns, Maternity and Birth Photography. My clients often call me the “baby whisperer” (which I fully embrace). I’m known for being extremely patient and gentle. I always work off the feel of the baby and make sure they are safe in each position. If they aren’t liking a pose, or if I’m not comfortable with it, I will never force it. I like to use simple props and stick with poses that are more natural to the baby, so the session is about what’s most important-the baby.
In terms of being unique, my newborn sessions are done in my clients’ homes, rather than a studio. That helps ensure that each session is special and has its own personality. It’s also extremely convenient for mom to not have to leave home after having just given birth, and having siblings (and dads) participate is always easier because they’re more comfortable and natural at home too. I also give my clients the digital files and don’t require that they purchase prints from me, but they can if they want to. ; )
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
People want to live here. They want to raise a family here and create their stories here. We, as a city, must be doing something right because that’s obviously a really big deal.
BUT…
Traffic, Y’all. Because I’m always going on location to someone’s home in Turtle Creek for a newborn session, or a hospital in Mansfield for a birth, or the Modern Art Museum for a maternity session, I’m always on the road. Maybe that makes me part of the problem, but sitting in traffic, literally everywhere, is definitely my least favorite thing about the city.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nestnewborns.com
- Phone: 817.781.7782
- Email: jessica@nestnewborns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nestnewborns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nestnewborns
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