***All images in this post are copyright  Jessica Claire.***

NEXT WEEK: Barb Uil of Jinky Art

{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear dot com }

As always make sure to leave comments for the women who are featured. They like comments as much as i do I'm sure...let them know if you have questions or just to say thanks! for their insight and wisdom...



You can check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!
 

Jessica, I am amazed constantly at the amount of work that you can accomplish.  You are not only a fantastic photographer who moved across the country to make your dreams come true; you've also built 2 successful companies, gotten married, and taken the photography world by storm.  I have no idea how you manage to do it all.  You are at once professional and approachable and gracious.  Thanks so much for being here on Women and Business!

You made a big leap and moved from North Carolina to California.  What inspired you to do that?  Did you know anyone in California?  Why did you pick California? 

Although I love North Carolina, I knew early on in my career that I wanted to explore a different market.  North Carolina is a state rooted in tradition, especially when it comes to weddings.  Many brides did what their sister or friends did, and didn't choose to express their personalities and individual style through their weddings. When I looked at the style coming out of California, I just fell in love with the idea that clients were actually AIMING to be different and unique--I felt that this was a better match for my own style and goals.

You recently remodeled a room in your home to be your studio.  Did you buy that particular home with a studio in mind?  Why did you opt for an in home studio rather than a retail location?  How do clients feel about meeting in your home? 

My home is very unique in that it's zoned for both commercial and residential.  So although my studio is in my home, it has a separate entrance, a sign, and a style of decor that suits my brand perfectly.  It makes it feel both homey because it is attached to my home, and still business-like as it is very separate, so I think that clients do love coming here!  I never wanted to go to an office every day--that was one of the reasons I decided to become a photographer instead of pursuing a corporate career!  I love that I can work from home and have clients meet me here.  I hope that it also makes them feel like I am accessible and down to earth.

What does your workflow look like?  Do you outsource or keep everything in house? 

My workflow is very simple--I don't retouch or process any images other than the ones I use for my blog or that my clients choose for their albums or reprints.  This GREATLY cuts down on the time involved with my images afterwards, and allows me to focus all my attention on the most important images.  I have a designer that works for me and has for the past four years.  She knows my style of processing and is responsible for reprint orders and album designs.  This way, I outsource in the sense that the work is not on my own plate, but is close enough that I am able to keep a watchful eye on each item going out with my name on it.

What do you do to help your clients be so comfortable with you during a photo shoot?
I always try to talk to them and find out what they love about each other early on in the shoot.  I never interrupt them or stop them from talking when they get going, even if it doesn't look great in the photos.  I trade those bad photos for the GREAT ones I'm able to get later when they feel comfortable enough with me to be themselves in front of my camera.

What do you recommend women do who are just getting started in the industry?
I would recommend that any woman getting involved in the industry take a good look at who they are and who they want to be in the industry.  It's too saturated now to come in and try to be all things to all people.  You will just end up getting frustrated with your inability to please everyone,and in turn, will end up trying to constantly change your photography to suit others.  Figuring out what most resounds with you style-wise FIRST will help with the decisions you will have to make in terms of what clients you want, and whom you want to associate with.

How do you keep from feeling overwhelmed? 

I'm always in a state of overwhelm!  It works for me, because I thrive under pressure. The less I have going on, the more I feel restless like I should be doing something.  When I feel too crazy, I try to wrap up the most important things on my plate and then unplug for a day or two.  A short break can help me to feel more ready to conquer the tasks that pile up from day to day.

How do you make time for your new husband and marriage?
My husband isn't a photographer or involved with the industry at all, which is both a blessing and a curse!  In one sense, I find it hard to help him understand the importance of certain things and their implications on the industry and myself personally.  On the other hand, he is so far removed from it that it's sometimes easier to concentrate fully on him because while it's my whole world, it's a minimal part of his.  He keeps me balanced--because he is in my life, I can never get so far in over my head in the minutia and drama that the industry can bring.

What do you do for fun...that has nothing to do with photography?
I LOVE to play poker!  I find it to be such an interesting game on so many levels.  It's fun to think creatively about my strategy, and I love putting the pieces together about how my opponents might play.  When I play poker, completely different parts of my brain are in use than in my normal day to day, although it's still very creative. 

What are you most proud of as a business woman?
I'm most proud of Shootsac®.  Being able to throw my energy into building a company that actually helps people become better photographers makes me SO excited!  I am also proud of the fact that although I am an artist, I am also a business woman--it's nice to be able to say that when I never though I would.  When I graduated from college and chose art instead of a more traditional career, I figured I'd never be taken seriously.  By building Shoosac® with my business partner Keats, I feel that I can hold my own in any business conversation with people in any industry.  It's fun to be able to relate concepts and principles across those borders.

How do you keep your marriage safe from the stresses of your business?
I think that to some extent I don't try to keep it out--I'm lucky in that my marriage is a safe place in which to talk about the things that are stressful to me instead of keeping them bottled up within myself.  When I feel nastiness or stress starting to overflow though, I take some time for myself away from work and Jeff and try to work out what is stressing me out.  If I can get at least a part of it focused and under control, I can talk to Jeff with more clarity about what is upsetting me, and be more accepting of his help in fixing it :)

Your work continues to evolve.  We want our clients to see consistency yet we also want our work to have a living, breathing quality about it so that it doesn't become stagnant.  What core part of your work remains the same for you?
My work will always be somewhat consistent because it comes from ME!  When you are shooting what you love, you are going to be naturally drawn to certain angles, light, moments, etc that are unique to the way that you see things.  Because I have grown and I love different things than I used to, my work has evolved, but at it's core is still the same--you can look at photos I shot ten years ago and still know that I shot them.  That common thread running through my work may change with my equipment and my location, but the part of it that comes from ME is what you can recognize as consistent. 

 

What five suggestions do you have for women who are trying to have a more whole, content, and blissful life?
1.  Never compromise who you are to please anyone but yourself.

2.  Spend the first $1000 you make but don't need for bills on something completely frivolous that you have always wanted.  Choose carefully--for the rest of your life you will look at it 

     and remember the day you became able to give yourself a gift that means something.

3. Don't worry so much about the future that you don't enjoy the present

4.  Have at least one goal so big you are pretty sure you will never reach it.  Then try as hard as you can to get there

5.  Take time out for yourself every week to do something you LOVE doing for yourself, that nobody else depends on you to do

To see more of Jessica's work:

blog
shootsac®
workshops
blog themes

***All images in this post are copyright  Jessica Claire.***