Hey there! My name is Jessica and I am the owner and principal photographer of Glitz & Glory Photography.
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"
...and that is exactly how my adventure began - taking a huge leap of faith, full of determination, to break out of my comfort zone.
In 2012, I was a college graduate, a young mother of two, and working a job that brought me no joy. I wanted/needed a change. I wanted to do something that would make me proud - that would make my children proud. I wanted to be their proof that you can be anything you want - that you can do anything you put your mind to. Of course I was scared to quit my job, of course I questioned all the "what-if's", of course it was uncomfortable getting out of my normal every-day-routine, but I did it!
That was 5 (almost 6) years ago and I still thrive to break out of my comfort zones with every session I shoot.
When I first started out, I quickly learned that I needed to create a "signature look" that would make me stand out. I needed something that would set me apart from the rest - a style that people would be able to identify and appreciate. It is a constant learning experience, and I am always evolving, but I have found that consistency is key.
The Glitz & Glory style consists of bright and airy imagery. They reflect a true white-balance with colors that are honest to how they look in real life. They are full of love, interaction, and sincere emotions.
For me, building a relationship with my client's is most important. I want to know their wants, needs, and expectations. Being in front of a camera involves a certain level of vulnerability. Gaining their trust is key to lowering anxieties and raising excitement. We crack jokes, we laugh, we tell stories. As a result, in such a short amount of time, new friendships are born.
Due to the holidays, every fall season is exceptionally busy. As a result, right before Thanksgiving, I hold mini sessions. It allows me to accommodate the most amount of people in a short amount of time. I rent a location, do a full set-up, and have multiple families come out for fun holiday photos. They are not usually your traditional holiday portraits - they are fun and relaxed and yet still really beautiful.
This year, I wanted to create an experience...to make it more than just photos. So, we made cookies for Santa. With all the right fixings, and the help of my very own elves, each family had their own cookies to decorate and take home.
Everyone loved it! Within 30 minutes, they took pictures, made cookies, ate treats, and shared a ton of laughs. Each family left feeling like they just hosted their very own cooking show. It was simply amazing and I loved seeing all the joy on their faces. It makes the long hours during the holidays all worth it :)
To learn more about Glitz & Glory, please hop on over to the website. To see more images and to see what we are currently up to, follow us on Instagram.