Life & Work with Jessica McDaniel

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

Hi Jessica, 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.
I got started in photography at a pretty early age. When I was growing up, my mother had an old 35mm Pentax camera she bought in the 80s and I found myself poking around, trying to teach myself how to use it. Not to mention, I’d always have a disposable camera in my pocket.

I started learning a lot about DSLRs when I was 14; I even *delved into* videography throughout my teenage years working on the camera/production team at my church. I eventually got my own Canon camera in my early 20s and I was in love. I took a liking to long exposure, light painting, and steel wool photography. *Through that style, I learned* how to shoot in any outside environment. During that time, I started my own small photography business. I wasn’t trying to have a ton of business, I was just happy with it being a little side gig that helped me get out creativity.

I eventually traded up my Canon for a Nikon and then traded up that Nikon for a full-frame Nikon D750. Once I got my D750, the game changed. It was like night and day between my old, tiny crop sensor camera and my new full-frame camera. That’s when I decided to restart my photography business. Also, being at a different point in life, it felt like the right time. I’m now a stay-at-home dog mom with a supportive husband and plenty of time on my hands to take in all the business I can!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road, that’s for sure! There was about a 4-year time span where I didn’t photograph anything or anyone at all. I’d made some questionable choices and ended up in an abusive relationship where I wasn’t allowed a lot of things. That included not being able to leave the house without permission speaking to potential new clients or going anywhere to photograph anyone.

It was a long road to eventually leave that relationship but when I finally did, I found that my passion for photography had fizzled out. After a while, I eventually decided to pick up the camera again and that helped me to start feeling like my old self – Thank God!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to think I specialize in capturing genuine feelings. Whether that’s happiness, love, contentment, expectancy, or a dog playing fetch, I pride myself on making sure that when you look at my photos, you can feel that moment in time, perfectly frozen.

This might sound selfish or conceited but I’ll go ahead and say it, I’m most proud of how far I’ve come – in life, in general, and photography-wise. Every once in a while, I’ll look back at my photos from 10 years ago, and YIKES. Sheesh. Oof. The growth is obvious. (I won’t show those photos here, lol).

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
That’s a tough question because I don’t think luck has played much of a role in my life and business. I think it’s just a matter of my good and bad choices and my drive to succeed. Not to mention, my faith.

My faith in Jesus had not always been as strong as it should’ve been – but now, I can look back at my journey and see how He has always played a role in my life and in everything I do. All the glory be to God for never letting me down and bringing me out of the worst situations!

Contact Info:

• Website: jmdphotos23.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jmd_photos_
• Facebook: facebook.com/people/jmd-photos/100092044956003