Jessica Hill Photography: 10 Questions with Jessica Hill

Photographer - Jessica Hill

Business: Jessica Hill Photography
Location: Portland, Oregon OR
Experience: 21 Years
Photography Types: Boudoir, Engagements, Family, Weddings
Profile: Jessica Hill Photography
Website: jessicahillphotography.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Working with couples and photographing weddings since 2001, I still love nothing more than looking through my lens and documenting the moments that make human relationships so rich. When I see the way you laugh together, the way you look at at each other, and your eyes sparkle; I see your life as a work of art and it’s such an honor to capture yours!

With a BFA in Photography from the University of Michigan, numerous awards including the Oregon Bride Best Portland Photographer of 2020, many publications, and fifteen years of photographing weddings; my style is a blend of photojournalism and creative portraiture. With a fresh perspective that celebrates all of the passion, emotion, and electricity that makes your life and love so unique.

2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

I've been photographing professionally for almost 20 years and I've photographed hundreds of weddings, I can't even count! What I love most about having been in the business so long is the ability to trust myself and my team to get the best of the best shots. I'm constantly motivated to keep learning and to think about new angles, new lighting, and creative ways to bring out the personality of the couple while also ensuring that I deliver on those important moments that will last lifetimes. My images are truly timeless so no matter how many years pass, my couples can look back on their images and be transported back to those joyous memories.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

I lead with relationships. I enjoy learning the little stories that build their foundation as a couple. That way my "style" is really their style too. My photo aesthetic is vibrant, bold, and timeless. I really think about my images lasting lifetimes for these couples and the families they might be building. I hope they provoke conversation, laughter, and maybe even a few tears.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

I suggest that couples book a photographer as soon as possible, but at the very least a year in advance of their wedding date. That ensures that I'll be available for their date and allows us time to schedule an engagement shoot before the wedding. Peak season is usually June through October, but I've been seeing more and more couples book outside these seasons for some incredible winter weddings!

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

My most popular package includes up to 8 or more hours of photography to tell the full story of the day and all the final color-perfected photographs from the day. This package also includes an engagement session with all the final images. In addition, this covers a trusted second photographer to accompany me on the day. Additional packages can add on more hours, more photographers (recommended based on number of guests attending), albums and wall art. We always start from a base package when booking, but I like to tailor each package to my couples depending on their day as well as my recommendations from past experience.

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

I am always the lead photographer on wedding day and I work closely with my couples and their coordinators on the timeline of the day and what shots they want. Depending on the size of your wedding and the number of guests attending, I occasionally have second shooters join me or an assistant to support me with lighting. All my second shooters are experienced and trusted photographers. They are there to get different angles, candid shots, and details. This allows me to devote a good majority of my attention to the couple and immediate families, to create meaningful art.

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

I do charge a small travel fee for anyone over an hour away from the Portland area and we can discuss travel expenses depending on out of state locations. Things to consider are gas, hotels, flights, rental cars (if needed). I'm always open to travel, world-wide, and really thrive on photographing new locations!

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Most of my packages include albums or prints, but not all. They are also offered as add-ons. I'm always happy to discuss with couples what they're looking for and how they want to preserve their images. I encourage couples to consider at least an album or a print. We all know how images can get lost in the endless scroll of our phones and there's nothing like the feeling of holding tangible photographs in your hands or being able to open an album to share with family and friends.

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?

Photographs are delivered via a simple and quick online gallery. My service allows people to highlight their favorites and download all the images in one go. Engagements sessions can take 6-8 weeks for editing and weddings an average of 8-12 weeks. If you purchase albums and prints, I work with you to choose the images that you want and custom design the artwork to tell the story of your day. This can take a few months to create and order.