Jessica joined Leigh Roth Photography in October and has already captured the hearts of many of our clients, big and little! Jessica has trained with some of the industries most respected leaders and joins LRP as a master of newborns, babies and toddlers in studio.
Jessica’s approach to photography is as much about work ethic as it is about a way of life. She is endlessly patient and loving, especially with newborns and young children. She has a unique ability to capture life’s sweetest moments—a yawn, a belly laugh, a twirl of a dress, a special moment between siblings—and preserve them on film for families to treasure for a lifetime. With four of her own boys, she knows first-hand how fleeting childhood can be. Her top priority as a photographer is to preserve those memories and moments for each of her clients.
With a degree in journalism from Ohio University, Jessica understands story-telling and editing and she incorporates these skills into her art. She has worked extensively in graphic design and is well versed in posing methods and safety standards after having worked with many industry leaders.
Now the important stuff. We got real with Jessica and asked some serious questions.
What are some things that are okay to occasionally but definitely not okay to do every day?
Eat ice cream for breakfast and pajamas all day! Every one needs a lazy day once in awhile.
What is the weirdest thing you have seen in someone else’s home?
I can’t think of something from another house but something weird in our house is that we keep toothbrushes in the kitchen for those last minute mornings. No one in my family is a morning person and sometimes we have to rush to get out the door in time. Don’t worry, we have a second set upstairs!
If you were arrested with no explanation, what would your friends and family assume you had done?
All of my boys play hockey and I’m known to be a bit of a hockey mom! My friends and family would assume I got in an argument during my son’s hockey game with parents from the other team and got kicked out of the game. We’ve seen this happen a few times but never to me! There are some crazy hockey parents!
What are the unwritten rules of where you work?
Fill the ice tray and don’t touch the heat! Leigh is a freeze baby!
What would be the worst “buy one get one free” sale of all time?
Buy one get one free root canals. I’m scared of going to the dentist. My dentist knows this and treats me with kid gloves. He’s the best!
If someone asked to be your apprentice and learn all that you know, what would you teach them?
You need passion, patience and perseverance to succeed. With older infants, toddlers and children, it’s important to have the trust of your smallest client. That’s when you capture the real smiles and the best moments. And it’s the best feeling when kids leave your sessions happy and feel like you made a new friend.
With newborn photography, it’s an entirely different story. It takes a large amount of time and practice to be able to pose newborns. Your really have to be passionate about it to spend the time and effort to get it right. I love spending time (and it sounds crazy) watching and attending newborn educational workshops. There is an amazing learning community within newborn photography with some insanely talented teachers and photographers. I would teach someone to always devote regular time to education and growth. Oh it’s also super fun to buy all the adorable little newborn props!
Finally patience with yourself. To learn, to grow as an artist and as a businesswoman-all of these things take time.
If you were transported 400 years into the past with no clothes or anything else, how would you prove that you were from the future?
I have no idea. Ask me something easier lol
What’s the creepiest thing you ever said to a stranger on the street?
I say hi to their dog. I’m always the random stranger stopping to pet your dog. I love animals and can’t resist especially if it’s a puppy.