Meet Jessica Hunt

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Hunt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I developed my confidence and self-esteem by setting personal goals, staying disciplined, and consistently proving to myself that I can follow through on my commitments. It’s not about doing what I say I will do for others but about honoring my own promises to myself and the relationship I have with myself.

Every time I achieve a goal, I reinforce the belief that I’m worth the effort, discipline, and time it takes to succeed. I truly believe that confidence and self-esteem come from keeping promises to yourself.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Ever since I received my first digital camera at the age of 16, I’ve been captivated by the magic of photography—the ability to capture fleeting moments that, once gone, are lost forever. This passion evolved into a full-fledged career in the wedding industry, where I’ve had the honor of photographing over 215 wedding celebrations in more than 12 years. What began as a simple love for capturing memories has transformed into a deep commitment to celebrating love in all its forms.

What Sets My Work Apart

One of the most exciting and special aspects of my work is the opportunity to document the unique stories of each couple I work with. I believe that every love story is worth capturing, and I strive to create images that not only preserve those moments but also reflect the individuality of each couple. Whether it’s a grand, luxurious affair or an intimate, heartfelt ceremony, my goal is to ensure that the photos we create together are as timeless and unique as the love they represent.

In 2023, I was honored to be named ‘The State’s’ Best Photographer in South Carolina, and I’m thrilled to have been nominated as one of RangeFinder’s 30 Rising Stars. These recognitions affirm my commitment to excellence and inspire me to continue pushing the boundaries of my craft.

Expanding Horizons

Recently, I’ve focused on elevating my brand to offer a truly premium photography experience. My website, luxuryweddings.jessicahuntphotography.com, showcases the luxurious side of my work, where I, along with my talented team of photographers, offer not just wedding photography but also portraits, boudoir sessions, and event photography. We aim to provide an experience that goes beyond just taking photos—we’re here to tell your story in the most beautiful, authentic way possible.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, I’m excited about several new projects and expansions. We’re continuously enhancing our offerings to include more personalized services that cater to the diverse needs of our clients through portrait sessions by our associate team and corporate event coverage throughout the Southeast. Our commitment to inclusivity remains at the forefront, as we celebrate all cultural backgrounds, faith traditions, disabilities, body types, skin tones, genders, and LGBTQ+ partners.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Empathy and Understanding:

For me, connecting with people on a deep emotional level has been one of the most impactful aspects of my journey. Especially in wedding photography, where every moment is filled with personal significance, empathy allows me to see beyond the surface and truly capture the essence of each couple’s story. It’s not just about taking a beautiful photo—it’s about understanding the emotions and experiences behind those moments and reflecting that in my work.

2. Networking and Building Relationships:

In my career, I’ve found that success is as much about the relationships you build as it is about the photos you take. Cultivating strong relationships with clients, vendors, and other professionals in the industry has been instrumental in growing my business. Networking isn’t just about making connections—it’s about nurturing those relationships and building a community of trust and mutual respect. These connections have led to more opportunities and enriched my work by allowing me to collaborate with talented individuals who share my passion for couples and human connection.

3. Resilience and Adaptability:

My journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and resilience has been key in navigating those ups and downs. Whether it’s dealing with unexpected weather changes during a shoot or the unpredictable nature of running a business, being adaptable has allowed me to stay focused and keep moving forward. I’ve learned that setbacks are often opportunities in disguise, and staying resilient has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

My Advice:

Focus on truly understanding your clients, build genuine relationships within your industry, and never stop learning or growing. Embrace challenges as opportunities, adapt to changes, and surround yourself with a supportive network that can help you thrive both creatively and professionally.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I start by taking a deep breath to center myself. Then, I break the problem down into smaller, manageable tasks and focus on tackling them one at a time. I also remind myself that I can only control what’s within my power, which helps me stay focused and calm.

My Advice:

Breathe, break the issue into smaller steps, and focus on what you can control. Let go of the rest.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jessica Hunt Photography

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