Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesslyn McCartney.

Hi Jesslyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was a child, I would steal my mom’s point and shoot camera and drag a stool out into the woods to use as a tripod. I would use posting the photos I made online as a way to befriend other photographers. It was an outlet for me to feel connected with people all over the world and it gave me an incredible sense of community as a young girl. I have always had so much fun taking photos of my own life and eventually other people started asking me to photograph theirs. I am inspired by the details of every day life and the way thoughtful documentation can turn little moments into timeless art. I’m extremely sentimental and photographs are the greatest way to honor and romanticize my days as they come and go. My photos always mean so much more to me once time has passed, which is why I never stop documenting my present.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up, I used to think if I turned photography into a job it would ruin it for me. I through that if I created for others I wouldn’t be able to create for myself. Something about adding money into the picture (pun intended hehe) changed the dynamic. At least, I thought it would. Looking back, I know this was my fear talking. I’m still learning how to balance art and commerce but luckily, I am falling in love with the business side of things too. It’s been a learning curve but I am so grateful for the journey I’m on. It’s a beautiful mantra I think to myself – knowing I have a lifetime of growth in not only my photography but my business as well.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. I specialize in weddings, couples, and motherhood photography. I am known for my use of many mediums – polaroids, digital, 35mm film, and medium format film photography.

My clients often describe my work as fun, whimsical, and nostalgic. My use of film photography reminds people of their favorite photos from their childhood and their parents’ wedding photos. My style of shooting is very easy going, I don’t force anything or have rigid expectations when I’m creating which gives my subjects room to be themselves. I value the experience of creating just as much as the photos we get to keep afterwards.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The first thing that comes to mind is to never stop trying new things. Every time I put myself outside of my comfort zone, I am greatly rewarded. I never want to get complacent with my work. I want to look back on my photographs and see that I was always trying new gear, photography new subjects, pushing the bar higher and higher for myself. I’m still learning how to trust the process and not rush anything. I have learned that as long as I keep creating with intention and care, the growth will always follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: jesslynmccartney.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesslynmccartney/?next=%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesslynmccartneyphotography
• Yelp: https://www.google.com/localservices/prolist?g2lbs=AOHF13ms4yX8j1HRU7dNWRjCWb_xGmG_LaETIaxKdreBUC3eJvv71rpRltwrbSi4gHZ32Z1Yw1ZcQq90vcmkBBXHMENllVtXfQ%3D%3D&hl=en-US&gl=us&ssta=1&q=jesslyn+mccartney+photography&oq=jesslyn+mccartney+photography&scp=ChFnY2lkOnBob3RvZ3JhcGhlchJEEhIJ7cmZVwkRsYkRxTxC4m0-2L8iFlJhbmRvbHBoLCBSaWNobW9uZCwgVkEqFA12vl8WFSKo0tEdtDNhFiVJD9XRMAEaHWplc3NseW4gbWNjYXJ0bmV5IHBob3RvZ3JhcGh5Ih1qZXNzbHluIG1jY2FydG5leSBwaG90b2dyYXBoeSoMUGhvdG9ncmFwaGVy&slp=MgBSAggCYAB6tgJDaDFxWlhOemJIbHVJRzFqWTJGeWRHNWxlU0J3YUc5MGIyZHlZWEJvZVVqQThKV0RxTGlBZ0FoYUt4QUFFQUVRQWhnQUdBRVlBaUlkYW1WemMyeDViaUJ0WTJOaGNuUnVaWGtnY0dodmRHOW5jbUZ3YUhsNkNGSnBZMmh0YjI1a2tnRU1jR2h2ZEc5bmNtRndhR1Z5cWdGekNnZ3ZiUzh3TlhkcmR4QUJLaUVpSFdwbGMzTnNlVzRnYldOallYSjBibVY1SUhCb2IzUnZaM0poY0doNUtBQXlIeEFCSWhzUEh1QXhzWW9xMk1fY0hnNmNqMzM4d214MlpVZF92WlV6aHpNeUlSQUNJaDFxWlhOemJIbHVJRzFqWTJGeWRHNWxlU0J3YUc5MGIyZHlZWEJvZWVBQkFBkgEeCg0vZy8xMXNiMDZiejIwCg0vZy8xMXkzZGJ0a2Nj&src=2&spp=Cg0vZy8xMXNiMDZiejIwOvQBV2lzUUFCQUJFQUlZQUJnQkdBSWlIV3BsYzNOc2VXNGdiV05qWVhKMGJtVjVJSEJvYjNSdlozSmhjR2g1a2dFTWNHaHZkRzluY21Gd2FHVnltZ0VBcWdGekNnZ3ZiUzh3TlhkcmR4QUJLaUVpSFdwbGMzTnNlVzRnYldOallYSjBibVY1SUhCb2IzUnZaM0poY0doNUtBQXlIeEFCSWhzUEh1QXhzWW9xMk1fY0hnNmNqMzM4d214MlpVZF92WlV6aHpNeUlSQUNJaDFxWlhOemJIbHVJRzFqWTJGeWRHNWxlU0J3YUc5MGIyZHlZWEJvZVE9PQ%3D%3D&serdesk=1&lrlstt=1716404256203&ved=2ahUKEwjGkeqM-KGGAxW9mokEHa1_DO4QvS56BAhQEAE
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jesslynmccartney/

Image Credits
All photographs are credited to Jesslyn McCartney.