Meet Jessica Malone | Portrait Photographer, Educator & Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Malone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was really taking an opportunity and seeing how far I could run with it. Spoiler alert: I’m still running.

I like to say that I accidentally became a photographer. But of course, I don’t really believe it was an accident. What I mean is that I did not intend to start a photography business and I certainly did not think it would become what it is today. When I was about to graduate with my bachelor’s degree I realized that I somehow needed one more elective. At that point the only classes with availability were digital photography and folk dance. Photography is was. But only as a means to an end really. I did enjoy photography and grew up surrounded by old photos that my dad took before he died but nothing more than that.

So I was exploring with my camera for this class, photographing my garden and my dogs; this was also a time social media was on the rise. A couple from the next town over saw my dog photos and asked me to photograph their wedding. I honestly didn’t know enough to know how unprepared I actually was or how nervous I should actually be. I questioned their sanity and took the money. The wedding photos were a hit. Next thing I knew people were asking if I did families, seniors, whatever. So I built the business accordingly, bit by bit, request by request. It wasn’t until several years in did I realize I had an actual business potential, make it more than just a side hustle. But by then I was burned out and overwhelmed. So I crashed and quit for a few months. It was then I educated myself on creating a sustainable business.

When I reopened six years ago, I decided to put all of my proverbial eggs in the basket – I would go full time with a studio. This time with more self value and respect to my time and my talent. And it was the best decision I could’ve made.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I take portraits that transform the way people see themselves. Not by making them look like something they are not, but rather by photographing them in such an authentic way that they cannot help but see themselves in a way that people who love them see them. I give them a new lens through which they view themselves (pun somewhat intended).

I am incredibly proud of where I am today. No, it was not easy but my biggest obstacle always has been and always will be myself. And I overcome that by a daily practice of checking my mindset, my emotions and getting into that frequency of flow and creation.

My entire brand is helping people realize what beautiful, magically creatures they really are and inspiring them to act accordingly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Gallipolis, Ohio area is absolutely gorgeous. I would definitely take a boat along the Ohio River for some pretty amazing views. The French Art Colony is always a great stop. Food wise, Remo’s or Kali’s or catch an old movie and some lunch at The Colony. My studio is located next door to Envy Ink Tattoo – which is owned and ran by family so I would definitely encourage visitors to grab a quick piercing or a little tattoo to commemorate their visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Sue Bryce and her educational platforms (The Portrait System, Self Value & Sue Bryce Education) were absolutely a key to my success

Website: www.jessicamaloneportrait.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicamalonephoto/

Linkedin: JessicaMalone Photographer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicamaloneportrait

Image Credits
Jessica Malone