Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Petrie.
Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey in photography didn’t start as a childhood dream, but more as a creative outlet when motherhood, as joyful as it is, quickly became one of the only identifying parts of “Who I Am”. Upon starting my business, I never imagined the journey that God would walk me through, the families that I would connect with, and the joy that this gift would bring to me and my family.
In 2018, I purchased my first DSLR camera. I knew it was time to start exploring new things. I wrestled with going to college for a degree and what I really wanted to do with my life. I was pregnant with our last of four babies. I knew that child-bearing years were behind me, while motherhood was still very much ahead – I still needed something that I could call my own.
I took a course through Auburn University after I bought my first camera. I wish I could say that the lightbulb clicked on right then and there, but it didn’t. I practiced and dug for more information. I purchased hours and hours of educational content on top of the college course that I took. I quickly realized that this was so much more than clicking a button on a camera.
To be honest with you, I completely underestimated the “craft” I was learning! A whole new world opened up for me and I would never be the same.
Ever since then, I have spent every single day ironing out the details of being a business owner, continuing my education, and teaching others to do the same. To be honest, I can’t believe that it’s been four years because time has flown. Photography has brought me a joy that I didn’t know I needed.
When I bought my first camera, I thought I was learning a fun activity. Never, EVER, did I think that I would be building a business as successful as it is. God always has greater plans than we have.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think that some of the main struggles for me have been knowing a good work/life balance. I have a dedicated personality and I will pour everything that I have into what I’m doing. While that all sounds really honorable – My family has seen me pack my schedule so tight that I can’t think straight.
Being a successful business owner caught me off guard. I was hoping to take some nice pictures and supplement a few dollars in our monthly budget but it grew so fast and before I knew it, I was saying yes to everything! Recently, I’ve controlled my schedule and found ways to protect my family time and my free time.
Another struggle has been our family’s situation. From the time, that I started photography to now, my husband and I made the decision for him to get out of the Navy and do a complete career change. When he got out of the Navy, he still had 2 years to complete his nursing degree. We couldn’t afford to do this career change while staying in our home, so we sold our home and lived with some friends for about a year.
Last August, we moved into our new home. (A very small single-wide trailer) This helped us free up the finances to be able to live on my income and his small monthly reserve check. Sometimes we get the GI bill through the navy and sometimes we haven’t. Most of the time we haven’t.
Anyway, it was been a whirlwind. We took risks to make sure that my husband could spend the rest of his life doing what he loves and at the RIGHT time, my business was able to support my family.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a photographer. I specialize in weddings and family portrait photography. I’m most proud of the connections that I make with my couples and families. I believe that this sets me apart. I have so many clients that have turned into friends because we celebrate huge moments together.
When something big is happening in their lives, I’m likely to be one of the first people to know about it because they are wanting photos of the momentous occasion! Graduation, engagement, pregnancy, etc. This, I believe, is a huge reason why I’m able to cultivate such meaningful relationships in this business.
I’ve always wanted my business to be very personal. I don’t want them to come back just for photos because let’s face it… there are 200 photographers in every city. I want them to come back because they love and trust me!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Katelyn James – Blog and YouTube channel Amy & Jordan – Blog and Podcast.
Dale Carnegie – How to win friends and influence people.
John Piper – Podcast.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.jesspetriephotography.com
- Instagram: @jesspetriephoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jesspetrie.photography1
Image Credits
Sharon Capps with Works of Wonder Photography
