Getting to Know Jessica: Your Friendly Photographer

This blog is an introduction for you to get to know me, your friendly photographer.

A Bit About Me

My name is Jessica. I am a proud mom of three. I have a Golden Retriever named Curly (yes, after Curly from the Three Stooges) who is four years old, and a cat named Mr. Willakers who is two.

I was born in East Boston, but my family moved when I was about six. Eventually, I returned to East Boston, where I currently live.

Professionally, I work full-time in the insurance industry. I’ve been in this field for over 20 years and have learned a lot along the way.

My Photography Journey

My photography journey began a little over four years ago. I received a starter camera for Christmas. At first, I thought it would be just a fun hobby. However, I became determined to master photography! I wanted to learn everything overnight.

I started off clueless, like a babe in the woods. I quickly brainstormed a business name. At that time, I called it "Two Hoots Photography." I even set up a domain. However, the name didn't resonate with my heart. After pondering for a while, I decided to change it to "Blue Butterfly Photography." This new name reflected my love for butterflies and the color blue. Did you know that the Blue Morpho Butterfly is one of the largest butterfly species? Pretty cool, right?!

Learning the Craft

Once I established my name, I researched what photography really means. I explored different photography styles and took online courses. I practiced by taking photos of my daughter outdoors. I quickly realized that the sun is my enemy! Initially, I shot in Automatic mode because I didn’t know better.

After a few days of studying online courses, I began to ask friends to pose for me. This way, I could learn how to use my camera in Manual mode. I carefully considered the best times of day for photo shoots. I was doing lots of shoots while still taking courses.

Overcoming Challenges

Shortly after starting my journey, I received a breast cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, it was caught early, and I had surgery to remove the lump. While I recovered, I kept researching and taking courses. During this time, I was able to find my unique style.

I noticed many photographers prefer the "light & airy" style. However, I have always leaned toward a "darker side and true to color" approach. After my recovery, I invested in new lenses, including the 50mm and the 85mm 1.4 f-stop. I adored using the 50mm but fell in love with the 85mm for its ability to enhance outdoor images.

Transitioning to Professional Photography

Fast forward a year and a half. I started charging for shoots. It wasn’t a lot, but it was enough to make my effort worthwhile. Before long, I began booking small weddings, events like Quinceaneras, and business parties. At that point, I was still unsure of the type of photographer I wanted to be. I accepted every shoot request that came my way.

I soon learned that standing at events for five or more hours wasn’t my vibe. So, I decided to limit my work to family mini-sessions. Eventually, I upgraded my camera to a Canon EOS R6 and added a 35-70mm lens.

Expanding My Portfolio

Today, I have done a variety of photography sessions. My portfolio includes maternity shoots, family sessions, mini-sessions, weddings, milestones, Communions, Quinceaneras, business parties, dance photography, and portraits.

A New Passion: Dance Photography

Over the last year, I have fallen in love with dance photography. I have taken some dance shots and am eager to do more. Having grown up with dance and music, I believe dance photography is where I’m meant to be!

Join me as I continue this journey of capturing moments. You can find my work showcased on my website. If you're interested in booking a session, feel free to reach out!

I hope you enjoyed my blog and thank you all for reading!

---

I am excited to share this journey with you all. Let’s create beautiful memories together!

Jessica

---wix---