Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bridgewater.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It actually started when my own babies were little. I picked up a camera and just went to tow. No plan, no strategy, just pure curiosity. And a little desperation to freeze every moment before it slipped away. Which now that my babies are older, I’m so glad I did!
I’d taken a few photography classes back in high school, but honestly? I was way more interested in the darkroom than the camera itself. The camera felt complicated—too many buttons, too much that could go wrong. In two whole years, I think I managed to take one photo that was correctly exposed. The rest? Entire rolls of film that came out solid black or pure white.
But something about it stuck with me. That mix of art and science, chaos and control.. Years later, when I picked up that camera again, it finally clicked literally and figuratively. 🙂
Once I started posting photos of my own babies on social media, friends began reaching out. I did their sessions for free or nearly free, with absolutely no idea what I was doing. No pricing strategy, no business plan, just me learning on the fly and hoping for the best.
Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, I had my fourth baby and decided to do her newborn photos myself. And that was it! I fell in love. Something about those tiny details, the quiet, the connection, it grabbed me completely.
From there, I took newborn photography safety courses (yes, that’s a real thing and it’s incredibly important), and when I finished, I finally sat down and built a real business plan.
For a few years, I worked out of my basement. learning, growing, juggling kids and clients and a full time job. As things picked up, I quit my job, I found an assistant (a total game-changer), and eventually I moved into the studio space I’ve now called home for three and a half years.
What started as a way to hold on to moments with my own kids turned into something so much bigger. A business built on heart, hustle (lots of it) and a deep love for capturing the beauty in new beginnings.
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?
Oh, there have definitely been struggles. This road hasn’t been smooth, it’s been more like a dirt path with a few unexpected potholes, and the occasional flat tire.
There have been a handful of unhappy clients along the way (and those always sting, no matter how long you’ve been doing this). I’ve wrestled with slow seasons that made me question everything and the whole process of finding and securing a studio space was its own kind of chaos.
Being self-employed sounds dreamy until you hit those lulls in bookings and realize your income depends on how many people walk through your door that month. It’s stressful, but it’s also taught me how to adapt, how to market smarter, and how to trust that the slow seasons don’t last forever, and how to embrace them when they happen.
Every challenge has shaped how I run my business now; with more clarity, more boundaries, and a whole lot more grace for myself when things don’t go perfectly!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in newborn photography and that’s definitely what I’m known for. I just love them. There’s something magical about those early days the tiny details, the soft stillness, the way a baby just is. I see it as more than just photos, it’s art, but it’s also memory. The kind of images that make you feel something every time you look back.
I also photograph families and baby milestone sessions, but newborns will always have my heart.
What really sets me apart, though, is the experience. From the first message to the final gallery, I want parents to feel cared for. Communication is huge for me (probably too huge), and on session day, everything is designed to be calm, comfortable, and special. It’s not just about creating beautiful images, it’s about creating a moment that parents actually get to enjoy in the middle of the newborn whirlwind.
As far as what I’m most proud of, I’d say getting to photograph several Chiefs players babies/families is definitely up there. It’s one of those things that makes you stop and realize how far you’ve come.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly, not really. I’m an avid reader, but mostly I read to escape, not to “improve” my business or life. That said, when I hit a problem or have an idea, I’ll dive in and find the answers, whether it’s a book, an article, or a deep Google rabbit hole. I like figuring things out as I go, more hands-on than following a guide or blueprint.
Pricing:
- Newborns start at $295
- Maternity $300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JessicaBridgewaterphotography.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/jessicabridgewaterphotography
