Meet Trailblazer Jessica Cooke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Cooke.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Photography was never on my list of creative outlets. I spent most of my life in the musical world, singing and playing piano, so when I was gifted with a basic consumer digital camera by my boyfriend a few years ago, I was slightly surprised. I had no idea what passion would quickly unravel and eventually turn into a full-time business. I was originally in school for special education but a series of unfortunate events played out, and my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Unable to commit my time to school still, I found myself 19, serving steaks and taking care of my sick momma. I wouldn’t change a thing during that time period because that is when I went from photographing landscapes, my brothers and my dogs, to photographing real, paying clients! Fast forward almost three years and I am truly living out a dream. Photographing events from weddings. and elopements to family sessions and senior portraits has fueled a fire in my soul. My life feels as if it’s coming full circle now. My mom is now almost four years cancer free, I am getting paid to travel the world and capture the most amazing stories and the greatest part of all, I get to be my own boss!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Entrepreneurship truly is a dog eat dog world. The start-up years are some of the most stressful but also the most empowering times of your lives. These are the years that will truly test your commitment, my biggest advice is to not give up! I once was told that you cannot compare your day 10 to someone else’s day 10,000. That really resonated with me. Practice truly makes perfect, it’s okay to ask for help and always make the time to invest in the education of your craft.

We’d love to hear more about Jessica Cooke Photography.
Though I book mainly weddings and elopements, I love any type of photography. I think what makes me stand out from the rest is that I do not cater to only one type of photography or client. Everyone is so unique and special in their own way and they deserve to be accepted and captured as so. I pride myself on taking the time to truly understand what each client is hoping for out of our time together and making sure I do all I can to make it a FUN and EMPOWERING experience.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I would say the biggest barriers in female leadership, is females ourselves. Growing up with brothers, I was always taught that women really can do anything men are capable of doing. Self-doubt is sometimes our biggest demon and I believe often times, this is what holds a woman back.

Pricing:

• Wedding photography starting at $2,000
• Elopement photography starting at $1,000
• Family photography starting at $300
• Proposals + Engagements starting at $300

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jesscookephotography.com
• Email: jessicacookephotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessica__cooke
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jesscookephotography

Image Credit:
Jessica Cooke Photography

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