Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Harris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hopes that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Chronic Migraine has changed my life irreversibly. Imagine a life of chronic illness where, day in and day out, you live in near-constant pain coupled with many other fun symptoms like nausea, brain fog, head and neck pain, dizziness, head pressure, aphasia, and swelling. You don’t get to choose or plan how you will feel when you wake up each day. This is my reality. As you can imagine, these persistent symptoms affect my mental health. Often, anxiety and depression rear their ugly heads through these daily struggles. My days revolve around Chronic Migraine, which dictates about 27 out of 30 days a month.
But then, in 2015, I picked up an old used camera for $50 and started taking pictures. It sparked a joy and excitement I hadn’t had in some time. Suddenly, I found beauty in all the little things. I became obsessed with photography! Over the years, I built up my endurance and strength to turn my hobby into something that could bless others. I learned how to pace myself and prioritize my energy for sessions. Typically, I limit the number of sessions I take daily or monthly. I also realized early on days with brain fog that I wouldn’t always be capable of driving. So I began to plan a backup driver who would drive me if needed, and I set up shot list ideas for each session to help inspire and challenge me to create despite how I may feel that day. I’ve realized that these “challenges” can be overcome, and I use them as motivation to create beauty and magic for my clients.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi, my name is Jess, and I am an imperfect person who captures beauty as my creative outlet. Here are a few fun things about myself: I’m a gluten-free and dairy-free foodie with an addiction to iced espresso and obsessed with houseplants. The truth is you can never have enough plants… though my husband may disagree. We’ve been married for almost two years, and since then have been searching for our dream house (with a pool!) in West Michigan. We recently said goodbye to our senior pup, Mr. Waffle, but we hope to be dog parents again someday. Life has a lot to love, but I adore capturing the beauty and uniqueness of those around me the most. There is something so magical about posing a newborn baby—catching their tiniest little features to remember forever—that never grows old for me. Or the joy of bringing an extended family together and capturing generations of love—laugh lines, wrinkles, the antics of toddlers, and couples who adore one another like not a day has passed since they fell in love. I am blessed to connect with others during such special times in their lives.
In the last few years, I’ve been motivated to keep expanding my knowledge and skills around photography to offer more to those who work with me. I’ve met so many new families and friends through what I do! I feel honored to be invited into each child, mother, family, or friend’s journey. As I look through a camera lens, I can see them in a way they’ll never be able to see themselves. I can see the small details that add to the beauty of a face or the silly moments where a person is entirely and truly their authentic self. I love to witness and document it so they can look back to that moment as the years pass.
Services Provided
* I offer a variety of sessions, including but not limited to maternity, newborn, family, engagements, milestones, and graduates.
* Sessions are available in Studio and Outdoors.
* The investment for Standard Sessions begins at $150, while Extended Family Sessions, Graduates + Special Occasions starts at $250
* Each session includes an online Gallery to Download and Share your edited High-Resolution images.
* Print Release Form Provided
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I look back on my journey, three qualities have helped me become the photographer I am today. First is a creative outlook. Don’t be afraid to look at something from a different point of view or try crazy, new ideas, and you never know where it might lead you. Another thing that is super important when you run your own business is effective and clear communication. Be as clear as you can with your clients; overcommunicating shouldn’t be a worry. Also, ensure your communication with them is respectful and kind, treating them like beloved friends or family. The third skill I lean on is organization. I try to stay organized during several monthly sessions (or even multiple sessions in a day!). Cataloging client information, keeping track of what photos a client wants, and scheduling your session time to get those shots.
My encouragement to anyone early in their photography journey is to be bold and ask for help, advice, or direction. Some of my best “nuggets” of knowledge and improvement came from watching others or asking for tips. If you continue to practice, create, and allow yourself to dream big, anything is possible!
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I am humbled by how much my photography business has grown over the last two years. I am constantly learning and continually growing. But I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my husband, Chris. Early in our relationship and my business, he saw how Chronic Migraine affected me and my work and jumped in to help! He assists at most of my photo shoots. He carries props and gear, takes behind-the-scenes photos, and makes silly faces to get the kiddos to smile at the camera. He’s been training as my secondary photographer recently, and seeing his creative side come out has been fun. If that weren’t enough, he’s also my tech guy. He makes sure my images are always saved on multiple drives for safety. I’m successful because of his love and support.
I could mention many more people who have helped me become the photographer I am today. Each one has taken the time to help me in this journey, but I’m incredibly thankful for every client who’s encouraged and supported me. Thank you for bringing beauty into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: jessnicolecreative.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jess.nicole.creative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessNicoleCreative/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jessicawersteinharris
Image Credits
All images credit Jess Nicole Creative
