Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lea.
Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my business in 2007. I’ve grown to where I am today via word of mouth. I have wonderfully loyal clients. I’m genuinely fortunate! I love turquoise, obviously & glitter. Disney! (And yes- I love to have a good Disney photo session there). Dogs! I have two – Jersey & Little Man. Bonus points if you include them in our session! Cupcakes, Fireworks, Architecture, Crazy Socks & Dancing are just a few!
Jessica Lea (Pronounced Lee, my mom thought the “A” at the end was way cooler, and she was right!) I’m a colorful, fun, quirky, creative wedding and portrait photographer in Jacksonville, but available worldwide. I like making genuine connections with my clients and couples (seriously, I’m down to chat over cupcakes!). I take pride in creating relationships to make the photos natural and real. Fair warning, I tend to make an odd squeaking noise when we create a badass shot (I also have a bit of a potty mouth). I am an inclusive photographer, and I am all for marriage equality. I am proud to serve all clients and couples. I love offbeat sessions and weddings and people who push the norms and like to Break Tradition. Breaking Tradition is my alter ego brand, where you can find information on boudoir photography. If investing in photos is important to you, but you also want to be comfortable and enjoy the process, let’s create some magic together! What else might you find interesting? I fell in love with photography via my love of architecture. As a young child, I took a camera loaded with black and white film to the city of Savannah, GA, to take photos of the beautiful historic buildings there. To this day, Savannah is still one of my favorite cities. I have Natalie Portman (Where the Heart Is) to thank for the realization that I could and should make photography my career! I fell in love with the vintage twin-lens camera she used, and it’s still part of my Jacksonville, Orlando, Atlanta, and Tampa wedding photography logo/brand identity today.
As for myself, Jacksonville, FL, is where I call home, but I’m completely in love with Tampa, FL! I shoot there so often. I call it my second home base. I live with two, rotten to the core, Dachshunds, Jersey, and Little Man. They are an exciting pair of housemates! When I’m not working (AKA, taking photos, editing, and designing), you can find me binge-watching Friends for the 900th time, flexing my creative muscle in the kitchen, shopping for shoes I surely don’t “need,” fixing up/joyriding in my Mustang GT (5 speed folks, don’t play), and contemplating what I’d like to have for dinner. Lather, rinse, and repeat. That said, I’m an easy-going gal who would be honored to capture your memories. So let’s head to Disney, take a trip out of town, grab greasy burgers in a diner, or hobnob it up over some fancy cupcakes (or doughnuts nom nom nom). Shoot me a message, and let’s start planning your amazing adventure!
What to expect when working with me, specialties include:
- Leading the dance floor in the Wobble.
- I strive to give each bride their award-winning epic image!
- I am bride centered from the moment the contract is signed. On the wedding day, it’s about keeping her calm and ensuring I do everything possible to make the day fun and run smoothly.
- I’m a full-service wedding photographer. Yes, that means everything from timeline to album, but it also means I’ll bustle your dress, tie your tie, grab water, and fix your makeup. Happy, comfortable clients look better on camera. You can’t fake it; the camera sees all.
Dream clients are couples with open personalities and an awesome sense of humor! (Bonus points if we can speak in Friends or HIMYM quotes.). Wildly fun, folks! I had a groom karaoke in Africa at his wedding, and he now forever has my heart—passionate couples in love. You all are about to be making out in public. I need you to be good with PDA! Brides with shoe obsessions, I don’t often wear heels, but my goodness, do I love them; the more color, bling, or glitter, the better!
My quirks:
- Fun, colorful images for fun, colorful people.
- I will say anything to make you laugh; sometimes it just makes me laugh, which then makes you laugh cause I have a laugh that makes people laugh.
- I squeak, jump up and down, or drop an F* bomb when we create a fantastic image.
- Food, especially sweets, is my weakness. I have been bribed to stay longer at receptions for a delicious cake; # noshame.
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
I’m pretty introverted and not a big fan of social media, so growing and putting myself out there have been some of my biggest challenges.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in photography. I have two brands: my name brand Jessica Lea and my more dark and moody brand, Breaking Tradition. Under Jessica Lea, my sessions focus on families, intimate weddings, and personal branding. Under Breaking Tradition, I specialize in conceptualized sessions, boudoirs, and pinups. I’m incredibly proud of both my businesses and that I have been in business for 15yrs.
What does success mean to you?
Success is the ability to live the life you want.
Pricing:
- Portrait sessions start at $350
- Boudoir experiences start at $550
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thejessicalea.com & www.beboldbt.com
- Instagram: the.j.lea, jessicaleaphoto, beboldbt
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/btbombshells www.facebook.com/groups/jlphangout
