We have decided to feature more photographers over here on our blog! We are super excited to share with you Jessica Vaughn, a photographer from Indianapolis, Indiana. I absolutely adore Jessica’s work, she actually photographed Broox (my now, 6 month old) when he was a newborn! I’ll share some of those throughout the post. Find out how she started and tips she has for becoming a professional photographer.
Jessica Vaughn Photography’s laid back approach and attention to detail makes her one of Charlotte North Carolina’s most sought after photographers. She prides herself in making sessions fun for families and taking the stress out of your session. Jessica offers workshops and mentoring throughout the year where she shares her knowledge love of photographing newborns.
Tell us about you, who you are, hobbies, fav things. Can be random and silly! I’m Jessica! I love photographing families and newborns and capturing you being you! Fall is my favorite season and I love wearing boots. I have a not so secret obsession with Twilight movies (no laughing!). I crave an ice cold coke and potatoes. I’m a mommy to 4 sweet kids, Grace, Brynn, Riley and Liam. I’m married to my soulmate who also happens to be one very great daddy.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer? In high school, Mr. Lile’s photography class!
How did you first start out? I knew in high school I wanted to be a photographer but wasn’t able to go to college. I gave up on my dream until I met my husband and he pushed me to do what I loved. I worked hard to absorb as much information as I could and photographed anyone who would let me! 🙂
How would you describe your style? Lifestyle, laid back with an emphasis on fun!
What’s in your gear bag? Kelly Moore Bag, Canon Mark iii, 35mm 1.4 & 50mm 1.4
One lens you can’t live without? 35mm 1.4G
We are going to play a game… name the first person that comes to mind when you think of…
Newborn photographer: Baby As Art
Wedding photographer: Jasmine Star
Lifestyle photographer: Pinkletoe
Most inspiration person: Barb Uil of Jinkyart
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? If self-taught, what helped you the most? Mostly self-taught I learned the basics of shooting manual in high school and that helped me a lot later. Lots of researching and trial and error!
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business? Balancing family and business is a constant struggle for me.
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out? Learn to say no! I’m a people pleaser and easily got sucked in to doing things I didn’t want to do in the beginning just because I wanted to make people happy. Establish your policies and stick to them!
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be? I would still be in art. Probably painting but mostly I would just be a mommy.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far? That photography is 90% business and 10% photography. No one really realizes how much of this is about business until they have started.
What are your thoughts on lifestyle photography? I think lifestyle photography is becoming more and more common and I couldn’t be happier! I want the photos of my family to represent who we really are, and trust me we are not uptight sit in front of a backdrop and say cheese kind of family. This is what I love about photographing families! The way your baby snuggled onto your chest, your little girls dancing with daddy, and the laughter and fun of families… that’s what its all about. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing Jessica! It was an absolute pleasure! Bp4u’ers go ahead and check out some of Jessica’s recent work and keep up to date with the latest on her shoots and workshops over on her facebook page! Go show her some love! Speaking of workshops, she has one coming up in November. Definitely don’t want to miss out on this! Click here for more info on the workshop.
Jessica Vaughn Photography | JVP Facebook Page | JVP Twitter
Have questions for Jessica? Post them below in the comment section!
