Jess Michelle Photography: 10 Questions with Jessica Wellington

Photographer - Jessica Wellington

Business: Jess Michelle Photography
Location: Wichita Falls, Texas TX
Experience: 5 Years
Photography Types: Engagements, Weddings
Profile: Jess Michelle Photography
Website: www.jessmichellephotography.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hello there! My name is Jessica Wellington and I am the camera behind Jess Michelle Photography.

I fell in love with wedding photography 5 years ago when I shadowed a fellow photographer for the first time. Something about the emotions, the excitement, the once in a lifetime moment.... it just captivated me. For that day I get to be a story teller. That look on the grooms face when he sees you for the first time, the way your eyes light up as you say your vows, the love and excitement from your guests as they congratulate you after the ceremony, dancing with your friends and just having fun! I get the opportunity to capture that in a way that no one else can, I get to photograph all of those beautiful moments so that you have memories that you can hold in your hand for a lifetime. Every wedding is different and I cherish the ability to get creative in creating heirlooms that will wow you every time you look at them.

I full immerse myself in every wedding I photograph in a way that I will end up crying with you at some point! I am not just a hired camera, I am your biggest fan, out to capture on of the best moments of your life!

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

I have been photographing weddings for 5 years now. My career started as a family photographer who helped with the occasional wedding, the first one started my love for the business and once I was confident in my abilities, I dived in! I started focusing solely on photographing weddings in 2019 when I launched Jess Michelle Photography. I have photographed close to two dozen weddings.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

My photography style... you know for some reason I always struggled to describe my own work! I say that because I always try to capture the day or the light as it is just with a little umpf. No wedding is the same, no day or light is the same and I try to keep that as true as possible. My photographs are rich in color and depth while keeping the realism of the moment. I want you to feel moved when you look at my photographs, storytelling with creativity. My favorite things to see from prospective clients is when they tell me that I was moved by your photographs! I want you to be able to see yourself in my photos.

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

The best time to book your wedding photographer is when you are ready! I always recommend booking a year in advance because dates at certain times of the year fill up faster than others. September and October has been popular for me and filled up fast this year. You definitely wouldn't want to have your heart set on a photographer only to find out you waited too long to secure them and they are booked for that day.

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

All of my weddings provide you with full day coverage, I think its important for me to be at your disposal all day to capture everything! Many couples worry about how long they will need to book their photographer for, if they will have enough time in there for getting ready photos or first dances. I like to take that stress and worry away by providing full day coverage which I offer in 3 packages. My most popular is the package with two photographers is $3,500. Having a second camera helps to provide you with more images and more moments! For just me the rate is $3,000. Each of those come with all the best edited digital images in an online gallery and a custom wooden bow with 20 of your favorite 5x7 prints. I do work with couples who only need my for a couple of hours for elopements, etc. I like to work closely with you to find exactly what you need.

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

I am the main photographer for your big day! I will be your third wheel in capturing all of the important moments. I bring in a qualified second photographer when my couples decide that they would like to have another camera.

I also team up with a videographer who is absolutely incredible at what she does. Her name is Gina Palombit with Lemon Light Productions based in Las Cruces, NM.

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

I am available for weddings in Wichita Falls, TX, Dallas, TX, El Paso, TX, and Las Cruces, TX. Anything outside of those areas would have to be discussed for travel fees but I am always available to travel as well! I've recently worked in Big Bend and Red River, NM. My travel fees are affordable because of how much I love to explore new places.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

I offer a beautiful wooden box with 20 prints included in my full day coverage packages. With the option to upgrade to a wedding album. Any additional prints will be available for purchase in an online gallery that you will have access to for one year after your wedding!

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

My couples receive their online gallery with all the best edited images 6 weeks after the wedding date. I edit all the images myself with no outsourcing. The custom box with prints arrive 6 weeks after you have chosen your 20 photos via mail or personal delivery.