*****Please note that NONE of my photos may be taken from this site and used without my permission (that includes groups, Flickr streams, etc. Just write me and ask if you want to use something or at least have the courtesy to credit me if you're going to steal it.*****

 

***Before my little bio, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all of your comments, faves, testimonials, support. The past few months have been awesome and I am meeting some amazing photographers and so inspired. Lately I have had a TON of contact adds and I cannot keep up! I am so busy and I will try to leave comments and add you back as I can, I'm sorry if I don't have time for everyone!***

 

I graduated college in 1999 with a degree in Photojournalism. I am also trained in graphic design and self-taught in web design. I didn't go to a prestigious art university, nor did I obsess over my photography very much back then... mostly I learned how to tell stories with my camera, and I learned what I didn't want to become: a photojournalist! Specifically, a newspaper photographer... I wanted to make art but felt like I had become too programmed to look at things in a certain way. After college I moved to New York City and worked crap jobs while working on my music. It was there that I grew up about 10 years in the course of a month or two. NYC will open your eyes like no other place in the world. I was surrounded by everything, and yet the pace of it all overwhelmed me. I didn't shoot any photos for a very long time...

 

With the arrival of digital my interest began again and I began shooting portraits and landscapes with a Nikon Coolpix... unfortunately I forgot a lot of what I had learned in school, but maybe that was for the best anyway! I appreciate my education, but I felt like I needed to be deprogrammed a bit... Technically I've improved thanks to digital, and my interests have moved from journalism to just shooting people... from fashion and glamour, to street photography, to weddings (yes, really!), to children, babies, mothers, fathers, grandparents, whoever... I love the challenges that come with shooting portraits and I love telling a story in a different way. One of the best compliments I have received is that when someone views a photo of mine there is a story in the model's eyes, or the setting, or the costume, etc... that they want to know more. And that is my goal. I try to do things with a bit of a twist.... I am willing to do almost anything to get a good shot. "No trespassing" is not a phrase that exists in my vocabulary. ;) I adore black and white, as it is what I was trained in, and usually leave my digital camera in BW mode, but also love crazy and bold colors.

 

In 2006 I quit a great job as Director of Communications and left my hometown to move to Portland, ME with my husband to live our dreams. I have sacrificed a lot to do photography full-time, but slowly we are building a name for ourselves here. And of all the places I've lived, this is home.

 

Not one of those people who is big into discussing gear and lighting equipment and blah blah, but for anyone curious right now I'm using a Canon 20D and my primary lenses are a 24-70/f2.8, 50/f1.4, 70-200/f2.8, 17-40/f4. I also occasionally shoot with a Nikon FG and Pentax K1000, love Ilford films, Photoshop CS3, and various toy cameras (I collect old cameras). My processing is a mixture of in camera settings and a LOT of experimenting with photoshop, some of those things are my own secrets. :) I use some actions but try to do the majority of my work on my own so I can get it exactly the way I want it.

 

My husband and I have our own company: here. It's tough being the new kids in town, but we're working on it! :)

 

We are available to travel for weddings and other work. Please contact me for details and rates. Please check out our weddings website for some info.

 

I am also a singer/songwriter with three albums released and a designer--I design photoblogs for photographers, email me for my rates and samples!

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  • JoinedApril 2005
  • Occupationphotographer
  • Hometownindianapolis, in
  • Current cityportland, me

Testimonials

Jessica is a class-act. I'm happy to say that not only do I know her via flickr But I know her in real-life and have worked with her personally. She's great and her work is a reflection of that greatness. I always look forward to her next upload.

May 16, 2009

Jessica's work is flawless! Her works really "POPS" including her Black and Whites. Keep up the awesome work! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

March 8, 2008

The last time I saw beauty transformed from a reflection of light into a photograph on this level, I was staring at a Herb Ritts exhibit. What Jessica does with a camera, takes me right back to that very point - but in her own way. Wherever she is, whatever she's shooting, she's able to bring me right into that mom… Read more

The last time I saw beauty transformed from a reflection of light into a photograph on this level, I was staring at a Herb Ritts exhibit. What Jessica does with a camera, takes me right back to that very point - but in her own way. Wherever she is, whatever she's shooting, she's able to bring me right into that moment.

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June 19, 2007

jessica's photography is executed with a fine skill. keep up the great work!!

March 14, 2007

Jessica's work inspires me. As a fellow creative, I'm always on the lookout for sources of inspiration. Her work never ceases to amaze it. Her use of contrast and color work is phenomenal, and the creative ways in which she poses her subjects and the surroundings in which she puts them make her work visionary.

July 17, 2006
overjoyed pizza (deleted)

I'm a recently converted fan of Jessica's pictures. The very first thing that struck me was her use of models. I've seen photographs of models before, but there is something about Jessica's interaction with humans that invite you into this complex world where everything is either crazy or simple. An amazing achievement… Read more

I'm a recently converted fan of Jessica's pictures. The very first thing that struck me was her use of models. I've seen photographs of models before, but there is something about Jessica's interaction with humans that invite you into this complex world where everything is either crazy or simple. An amazing achievement from an amazing photographer.

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July 3, 2006
Maeghan says:

I am so blessed to have had the opportunity work with the fabulous JWeiser and her partner in crime Lyle. They truly are artist. They have fabulous original ideas and when couple together with the equipment, a model, and a nice refreshing glass of ice tea they become super photographers! Each has their own excellent… Read more

I am so blessed to have had the opportunity work with the fabulous JWeiser and her partner in crime Lyle. They truly are artist. They have fabulous original ideas and when couple together with the equipment, a model, and a nice refreshing glass of ice tea they become super photographers! Each has their own excellent personality and they are just an absolute pleasure to work with.

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June 29, 2006

Jessica captures the soul of her subject. I'm waiting patiently for that millions of photographs you're about do post.

May 18, 2006
Daisyhead says:

Looking at Jessica's photos are like looking into her soul at times. Sometimes you get raw and emotional and other times you get flirty and fun. It's what she's all about.

July 2, 2005