Daily Inspiration: Meet Jessica Puhr

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

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed photography. I went throw disposable cameras like they were going out of style. As I grew up, I joined the high school yearbook and newspaper staff and was even photo editor my senior year.

By my junior year of college, I had my first paid photography session. I remember just jumping into it, I didn’t even have Photoshop yet and I shared the images with my client on a usb drive. I mainly focused on young families and other college graduates. One of my favorite sessions I was able to do was for a young Christian artist who needed photos for her upcoming album.

Since my first gig in 2017, I moved back to the Kansas City area and have my niche in weddings and engagement. I love all styles of photography (families, seniors, branding, engagement, boudoir, event, etc.) but getting to capture a couple’s love is an honor and I love helping create the magic on their wedding day.

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?
Different challenges have popped up over the years, but they have made me a stronger businesswoman and person.

Photography is an art form, and beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I have learned that not everyone is going to love my style and that’s ok. Everyone has a different taste in editing, and I shouldn’t change mine to please a potential customer.

Another struggle that I have had to learn is that I do not have to be everyone’s photographer, but I can be the best version of myself for those who want to work with me. When I come to a session, my goal is to make my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera and to have them walk away feeling beautiful and confident. I love to build a relationship with my clients and because of that, I have clients that have come back to work with me year after year.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a wedding photographer based in Harrisonville, MO. I have been a photographer since 2017 and have done weddings for about four years now.

I host a boudoir marathon each year. I rented a studio for the day, had a makeup artist, and just focused on boudoir. The women that came in for their session were nervous at first and were afraid to be that vulnerable. But as they were walking out the door, they were grinning ear to ear and were bursting with self-love and confidence. Those moments where I can make my client love themselves are what I am most proud of.

I would say that my desire to make and build relationships helps me stand apart from others. I want my customers to love the images they get, so part of my process is to get them comfortable in front of the camera. I tell corny jokes, laugh at my own silliness, and try to meet the client where they are. With my engaged couples, I always encourage them that we meet up for coffee to talk about the wedding and get to know each other. By the time that the wedding day is here, they already know me and know that we are going to have a great time.

What does success mean to you?
I define success as having joy in what I do. I am a mom to a two-year-old and photography tends to pull me away from my family on the weekends. I am lucky to have my family close by to help, but I know I am missing out on family time. But I love what I do and the impact it has on others. I love getting to meet new people, visiting places I have never been to, and making others feel loved.

Pricing:

• My basic session (family, senior, and engagement) is $300
• Weddings are $800-$2,500 depending on how long you need a photographer.
• Boudoir ranges from $300-$1,000 depending on the package. I believe that every woman should try boudoir at least once in their life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jpuhrphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpuhrphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpuhrphotography