We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Lauren Kent a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica Lauren, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Growing up I had always been interested in photography. I started with a little Canon point and shoot when I was about 10, taking photos of everything I came across. Once I got into high school I discovered alternative film cameras (like the Holga and Diana cameras) and loved playing around with those and seeing the crazy results. Eventually I bought my first DSLR camera and from there I became more and more serious about photography. It wasn’t until I got married and I had a bad experience with my wedding photographer that I decided to start my own wedding photography business. I felt confident that I could capture wedding days in a way that really told a complete story of their wedding while also providing unique and artfully composed images. I never wanted other couples to be without beautiful images from their wedding since I knew from personal experience how disappointing it was to work so hard planning your wedding and then be without pictures that reflect your day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I originally became a wedding photographer after having a negative experience with my own wedding photographer. I never wanted other couples to experience the disappointment of receiving not-so-great photos back from such an important day that I did. Now, I help couples craft intentional wedding days through elopements so they can have an entire day that feels true to them and walk away with unforgettable moments, professionally and artfully captured. I not only document their day as it unfolds but also aim to create unique artwork for my clients through GIFs and double exposure imagery.

As a lifelong Florida resident I help couples to navigate planning their elopements who might not be familiar with the area, the weather, or how to elope here. I help couples with choosing activities based on their interests to include during their wedding day and I also educate couples on what an elopement day can be if they are unsure what their options are.

I am most proud of the service I am able to provide to my clients. I absolutely love getting to know them on a personal level and we often end up friends before their elopement day. I get personally invested with each couple that decides to work with me and I truly believe that it makes the experience for my clients even better.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish that I had invested in more education for my niche (elopements) earlier. It can be easy to think “I’m already a photographer I don’t need education” but if you are trying to market to a specific niche then it is absolutely essential to find education specific to what you want to photograph. One of the best things I invested in was hiring a business coach who is in the same field as I am to help me grow my business and push me in directions I didn’t even know I needed to go in.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing for me is being able to share my art with people who truly love and appreciate my work. It fulfills my soul to be able to give that art to them and know how valuable it is to the couples who hire me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photobyjessicalauren.com
• Instagram: @jessica.lauren.photography
• Facebook: facebook.com/photobyjessicalauren
• Other: Tiktok: @jessica.lauren.photo

Image Credits
Jessica Lauren Photography