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

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
As a photographer, each and every photo I capture feels meaningful. It’s a moment in time that can be looked back on forever… handed down from generation to generation. A memorialized gift. I once held an event for women who were currently battling cancer or had faced it and won. I called up salons around San Diego and found a lovely group of ladies who gifted their talents and time. We sat together in the salon and I witnessed that brave group of women open up and and share their stories with eachother. I photographed and filmed the process and then we all drove to the rose garden in Balboa park to take their portraits. Each and every one of them were lit up from the inside out. I captured their beauty, their strength and their light. After delivering their photos, I walked away wondering if I had accomplished what I had set out to do. It wasn’t until a few years later that one of their sons contacted me. My heart sank immediately upon realizing who he was. His mother had passed away. Her fight was over. He told me how much those photos and video clips meant to him and his family and it touched me more than words can express. His gratitude and the appreciation of countless other’s make each and every click of my camera’s shutter meaningful to me.

Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was taught the importance of a photograph as a child. However, I didn’t fully realize this until I was an adult. I grew up in a home heavily influenced by domestic violence and somehow my mother was able to capture my brother and I throughout the years without us really knowing. She lovingly documented our innocence and joy throughout and despite it all. My mom had lugged those photographs in plastic bags and cardboard boxes around for decades. She held onto them throughout the trials of abuse, homelessness and on into her new marriage and solid foundation. Without a doubt, those photographs are a testament to her love for us. I feel that this is how many of us view photographs. Each one tells such a unique chapter of a story. I remember my first disposable camera and the conversation we had about how precious the film was. The conservation for the “perfect shot” was instilled in me at a young age. It taught me patience and allowed me to hone my gift. I know that I have her to thank for teaching me how the little moments add up to the big ones. Now as a mother myself, I look back over the last 8 years of photographs of my own child and I laugh, cry and sigh. What a gift they are to me, our family and for her! I found it so hard to find a niche as a photographer. So many other photographers, business coaches and sponsors suggested that I choose a genre and stick to it. It was internal struggle, but something that I couldn’t get behind because I found that life in itself is such a BEAUTIFUL gift. I thoroughly enjoy capturing my client’s love stories. Whether it’s self love in the form of a boudoir session or their engagement to the love of their life… their weddings, their announcements of the growth of their family, their precious newborns and milestones… Each chapter tells their love story and I am so grateful to be gifted the opportunity to capture them.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
These past few years have put a damper on my business. Truly, many have suffered at the hands of the pandemic. While many of my past clients have continued to utilize my services throughout the hurdles, I want to ensure those who are considering booking with me that I am here for you and I am looking forward to capturing your story. It’s worth documenting. The little moments truly add up.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Hands down, the knowledge that I will be passing something on to future generations through my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bornbeautifulphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bornbeautifulphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BornBeautifulPhotographyByJessicaWells
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNFjuQgoO5FHD-3iW6EfjeA
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/born-beautiful-photography-san-diego-2