Inspired, A Very Special Project | Jessica Phillippo of One July Photography

Yay another version of Inspired today! Totally off schedule but we are slowly making head way and are almost caught up!

This week I have a VERY special and rare talent! Jessica is fairly new on the Photography scene but her eye and her amazing perspective give her work flare all of her own! Her dreamy processing, her use of light and the serene feel to her imagery just make me swoon! I am so honored to have the opportunity to feature her here!! I know you will love her just as much!! Let’s get to know her!

You can find her Website HERE and her Facebook fan page HERE. And seriously how gorgeous is her branding?!

Hi Sweet Jessica!!

 Photo Credit: Kina Wicks Photography

Lets get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

My heart is full. I come alive when the sun is out. A bad day can always be fixed with a good family snuggle and a fresh donut.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

The arrival of my little lady. When she entered the world it was the best day of our lives. But at the same time, two people that mean so much to me were in the thick of battling cancer. A quote that really stuck with me was when Michele Anderson of PinkleToes Photography said “…we have no guarantees in life, but at least we can have the photos to prove that we were here, we were together, and we were happy.” Photography matters. I really believe that. And the rest is history. I picked up the camera determined to capture not only life as I saw it, but life as I FELT it so we could never forget how beautiful it was.

Whats in your camera bag?

I recently made the switch from Canon to the Nikon D700. We’re in the early stages of our relationship, but I think it’s love! Lenses: 50 1.4D and the 105 1.4G. Hoping to add the 35G and 85G to my bag of tricks very soon! Also in my bag is a 42 inch five-in-one reflector, Lasolite Gray Card, CF cards, lens cloth… wow that all fits in that little bag?

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?


Canon Rebel XS, a nifty fifty, and the 85 1.8.

 

If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?

50 1.4 for versatility on full frame. On a crop sensor? The 35L lived on my Canon 7D. It’s an amazing lens! Leaving it behind was the hardest part of my decision to switch to Nikon!

What advice would go give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?


 As much as we want it to, growth does not happen overnight. It takes practice, a little sweat, and even the occasional tear – ask my husband! But don’t give up! Treat yourself to a donut, go shoot something that makes your heart sing, and take on each challenge one at a time. I promise it will be rewarding! The day you see an image in your head and know exactly what camera settings you need, how to manipulate the light, and compose the shot to make it happen is an AMAZING feeling. I also recommend finding a learning community that you love – I highly recommend ClickinMoms.

What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?

Photographer crushes include Meg Borders, Simplicity Photography, Bellini Portraits, Jose Villa, and of course… the fabulous Sarah Cornish (not brown nosing, I promise!).

What kind of photos do you like to take for just yourself when not working with clients?

I love capturing my daughter and her connections with the people that love her most. They will be her treasures as she grows up (and mine).

If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?


I’d love to turn back the clock and photograph my grandparents when they were young and in love – just as they were. Or the first time my parents held my brother and I.

Describe your style in 3 words.


Sun-filled, Emotive, Honest

 



Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?


When I first started my journey as a photographer I thought I wanted to be a newborn photographer. I’ll just leave it at poop, poop, poop… oh and more poop.



Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?


Everyone would own their own business if it was easy! Developing a successful business is an ongoing challenge.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?


I schedule every session for the two hours before sunset. But the last 20 minutes before sunset, when light just hugs your subject like a blanket… yummy.

If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead?

My background is actually in corporate communications.

Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography?


I have degrees in Public Relations and Psychology, but no formal training in photography.

What do you do to get your clients to relax with you?


Do a little pre-session dancing. Kidding, but don’t think that I haven’t considered it. We keep it fun, light, chatty, and provide plenty of direction. Don’t forget to remind the client how amazing they’re doing! A little confidence boost goes a long way.

What are your photography related goals for 2012?


I have big plans for this year! Like I previously mentioned, I made a decision to specialize. And with that decision came a blur of other activity… rebranding, launching a new website, changing the way I conduct business, revised pricing, and more.

On a more personal note… I’m determined to get a picture of my two year old where she’s not giving me the stinkeye…or sleeping

How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning? Any Big Aha! Moments?


My biggest aha moment was when I learned to take more control of the session. From choosing the time of day, the location, coaching clients ahead of time on wardrobe, what to expect, and more. As a photographer, I think it’s important to bring all of the components together so that you can deliver your best work. 

I try to push myself to grow every time I take out the camera! I don’t think you’ve ever reached a point where you say “NOW I’m the best that I can be”, we can always grow.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?


I still get nervous before every single session!

Digital or Prints?


Both.

How long would you say it took you to find your “style”?


I think my style will always evolve, but I’d say it was about 9 months of trial, error, and refinement.

What do you think is the most important aspect of a photographer’s branding? Any tips or suggestions?

Oh this is a topic actually near and dear to my heart. I know there tend to be two camps on this one – some believe branding doesn’t mean a thing and your images should speak for themselves. Do I disagree? Not entirely. I believe that your images and you as a photographer are the foundation of your brand. But I also believe that your “branding” – or the design elements (logo, web design, print materials, etc.) – that encompass your art all become part of the customer experience and ultimately their perception of your business. Your brand should reflect and complement your style and speak esthetically to your target market. Tip: If you are just starting out, you may want to start out simple until your style evolves and have clarity around who you are as a photographer. Always stay authentic to yourself.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: tangerine
Favorite Season: summer
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: sprinkled donuts
Pet Peeve: When people take unnecessary risks while driving
Favorite Pandora Station: Adele
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up? a teacher
Pc or Mac: Mac
Lightroom Or Photoshop: both
Film or Digital: digital
Props or No Props: no props
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Bora Bora
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: full
Favorite photo ever taken: This image of my daughter makes me smile from ear to ear. We affectionately call it “the turtle face”. It’s from early in my journey, but I still love it.

Raw or Jpeg: raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: Ray Lamontagne, Adele, Ingrid Michaelson, and the occasional Miley Cyrus or Carrie Underwood thrown in there.
Favorite Quote: “Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~ Elizabeth Stone
Most valued material possession: my wedding ring
Processing Style: airy, vibrant, clean
Coffee or Tea: can I say hot chocolate?
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Taylor Swift
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? Kelly Moore Hobo