portraits

Boquist Family | Modern Family Photography | Chicago

Boquist Family | Modern Family Photography | Chicago

The Boquist family is full of the sound of little 2 year old twin boys!!! I met them last year when they were both one and just getting the hang of teetering around. This year we met at their home, and spent time in the back yard and captured what 2 year old twin boys … Continue reading


King Family| Modern Family Photography at North Pond | Chicago

King Family| Modern Family Photography at North Pond | Chicago

This is just the perfect fall family session. Autumn yellows and golds, gnarly oak branches, sunshine, and two little girls in pink. The King family was easy to be with, laughing running around the open space and leaving with pink noses.


Penz Family | Family photography at North Ave. Beach | Chicago

Penz Family | Family photography at North Ave. Beach | Chicago

I really enjoyed this session. It is a true testament to the prettiest light of the day, an hour before sunset. The lakefront turns into hues of blues and pinks with soft romantic light. It is hands down my favorite time to shoot. The colors come alive and you get the last dance of the … Continue reading


Joanna + Nick | Love Shoot at North Ave Beach | Chicago

Joanna + Nick | Love Shoot at North Ave Beach | Chicago

Joanna and Nick are neighbors with Maria and Luis. Remember Maria’s lovely maternity pics? I just can’t tell you how much I love meeting friends of new friends. I’ve had several pairs of clients like this this season and it adds a different kind of depth in meeting and being introduced to people’s stories. Joanna … Continue reading


Borucki Family | Chicago Fall at the Park |Modern Family Photography

Borucki Family | Chicago Fall at the Park |Modern Family Photography

I love this location. It is an overlooked park very close to the studio that is brilliantly colored in the fall. It is quiet and perfect to spend the morning with a family. I met the Borucki Family early-ish on a Saturday morning. I started a game of throw leaves at the photographer. It was … Continue reading


Westcott Family | Chicago Modern Family Photography

Westcott Family | Chicago Modern Family Photography

Little Miss Lizzie LOVES the camera. She would giggle, dance and soaked in all the attention that was showering down on her. It was such a fun easy going session. We had the park all to ourselves, the beginning of golden leaves and Miss Lizzie happy I was there to take her photo. It was … Continue reading


Falconer Family | Modern Chicago Family Photography

Falconer Family | Modern Chicago Family Photography

Ok so I adore this family shoot. The neutral colors and garden meets city buildings just makes my eyes happy! The trees are perfectly fall and these two boys were just so fun. I met the Falconers in Millenium Park last weekend. Hands down it was the busiest I have ever photographed in that park. … Continue reading


Lisa + Len = Kate |Chicago Modern Family Photography

Lisa + Len = Kate |Chicago Modern Family Photography

We had been rained out earlier and I was determined to grab some lovely Chicago photos of Lisa and her family. Little Miss Kate has such a lovely disposition and it was a treat to watch the three of them interact through the lens. Lisa has a charming southern accent that makes me think of … Continue reading


McCaffrey Family | Chicago Modern Family Photography

McCaffrey Family | Chicago Modern Family Photography

The McCaffrey house is full of little feet. Two young boys running around living up to reputation, a baby girl full of giggles and grins and two parents that still have it for each other. It really was a fun morning for me. We played, ran around, and did you know that fig bars are … Continue reading


Jo + Scott |Love Shoot | Chicago Modern Couples Photography

Jo + Scott |Love Shoot | Chicago Modern Couples Photography

Jo and Scott have been together for 16 years and have never. ever. had their photos taken!! It was an honor and refreshing to be with the easy going kind of love that 16 wonderful years bring. Comfortable. Happy. About the other. They are currently living in Texas but both have deep roots in Chicago … Continue reading


Miss Sammie | Chicago Modern Family Photography

Miss Sammie | Chicago Modern Family Photography

This session was just plain fun. It is obvious to see that these three are happy to be with one another and to be a family. We played. We ran around trees, we picked flowers, we sat in the grass and they giggled as they chased one another. Sammie can tend to be shy, but … Continue reading


Brit + Joshua | Love Shoot | Chicago Modern Couples Photography

Brit + Joshua | Love Shoot | Chicago Modern Couples Photography

Brit and Joshua are brand new to Chicago. They pulled their moving truck up to their new home only four weeks ago. Much to our delight they chose to settle into our lovely community of Lincoln Square. They are celebrating three years of married life together. They have been on quite a journey already and … Continue reading


Keeling Family | Chicago Modern Family Photography

Keeling Family | Chicago Modern Family Photography

I haven’t seen sweet Zadie since she was just a newborn. Click here to see how tiny and brand new she was! She is now nine months old with big beautiful girly eyes and easy going parents. The Keelings know how just to be, to play like they do everyday and flawlessly pull off the … Continue reading


Gabriel Family | Chicago Modern Family Photography

Gabriel Family | Chicago Modern Family Photography

Mason is a gift. He had a bit of a rough beginning, two months premature, a few pregnancy scares and complications yet here he is and doing just fine. I received an email from Kimberly a few days before our session and it really touched me. She shared a bit of their story, how their … Continue reading


Crimmins Family| Chicago Modern Family Photography

Crimmins Family| Chicago Modern Family Photography

This lovely Saturday morning was complete with bright blue skies and everything summer should be. We had been rained out of our first scheduled session, and I was so glad we rescheduled. This summery morning was worth the wait. Now little Miss Claire was having a rough morning. First thing she did a graceful face … Continue reading


Amy Wright | Auburn University Horticulture

Amy Wright | Auburn University Horticulture

On our trip south I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a friend and my past Horticulture professor at Auburn University! Amy is great. Knowledgable in her field and lots of fun. We started at the greenhouses where she had a few experiments brewing. Amy, it was great to catch up and revisit what consumed … Continue reading


The Lowrey Family & Miss Zola || Lifestyle Portrait.

The Lowrey Family & Miss Zola || Lifestyle Portrait.

Meet Miss Zola. She is a cute six month old little girl that is obsessed with her cute red shoes and making friends with the kitty. She bursts into a toothless grin when her Dad plays the ukulele and makes sure Mom is always in view. Keep a close watch on her and those beautiful … Continue reading


Miss Soren || Lifestyle Portrait

Miss Soren || Lifestyle Portrait

I met Soren and her lovely parents downtown to play at Millennium park ( and of course to take some pictures). We played in the green grass, visited the Cloud Gate and then wandered through the purple in the Lurie garden. I hadn’t seen Soren in about a year and a half. I love walking … Continue reading


Lifestyle Portrait: Pilgrim Family

Lifestyle Portrait: Pilgrim Family

This past Sunday morning I met the Pilgrim family at a sleepy park by the river. They had picnic blankets, breakfast and coffee to share. The whole morning was about their newest addition, Libby, and her baptism later in the morning. It was so wonderful to see this little one so celebrated and the center … Continue reading


Lifestyle Portraits: Lindsay + Michael = Max

Lifestyle Portraits: Lindsay + Michael = Max

Meet beautiful brand new baby boy Max. He is only one week old. Life is so incredible. Every time I see new life I am in awe. It never ever gets old. Every tiny part of him is perfectly made. Lindsay and Michael are doting over this little one getting used to the world.


Portrait: Little Miss Anna

Portrait: Little Miss Anna

This charming little family is only a few blocks away from the studio. I know I’ve said it, but I’m going to keep saying it… I love photographing families in our neighborhood. I’m a big believer in community, in living, entrusting and welcoming neighbors into our lives. Melissa and Morgan have a charming house and … Continue reading


Lifestyle Portraits: The Frye Family

Lifestyle Portraits: The Frye Family

Andy and Bianka are full of life. We spent Saturday just playing. Bailey was tons of fun and melted me into a big pile of goo when he asked to hold my hand. I don’t have to say much for you all to see the energy and connection they have with one another. Plus…. Bailey … Continue reading


Portrait: The Nack Family

Portrait: The Nack Family

Saturday was a much needed break from all the gray dreary weather in exchange for loads of bright, cheerful sunshine . I hadn’t seen the Nack clan since August when we photographed an extended family portrait, where I met all of the cousins and grandparents, aunts and uncles etc. I love that my job is … Continue reading


Portrait: Anderson

Portrait: Anderson

Meet Anderson. This lovely family and I are neighbors, who knew! I just threw my camera bag on and walked a few blocks to their lovely home. I love shooting in my neighborhood. It is such a treat to get to know those around us. Camaraderie of sorts. Anderson is as content as can be … Continue reading


Previously

Emily & Paul | Intimate wedding photography
Emily & Paul | Intimate wedding photography

Had a lovely time celebrating the beautiful Emily and Paul this past weekend.  The wedding took place on a quaint inn on a river.  Here is one frame with more to come in the next few days!  Can’t hide happiness!  


Bott Family | Palo Alto Outdoor Family Photography
Bott Family | Palo Alto Outdoor Family Photography

Jenna and Nick have been dear friends of ours for years. It is always a special privilege to get those you love in front of the lens and capture the love and warmth they are giving to the world.  We are so delighted to be living near these two again and are looking forward to many new … Continue reading


Moving Sale! | Attention all California brides!
Moving Sale! | Attention all California brides!

To celebrate our 2,000 mile move , we are having a moving sale! And not just any moving sale but 20% off of all wedding packages for those within 120 miles of San Francisco! Spread the word!  It is first come, first serve and need to book by May 15! Email jessie@simplyjessie.com for all the … Continue reading


Kristine & Nathan | Spring Wedding Photography
Kristine & Nathan | Spring Wedding Photography

Kristine and Nathan’s day was an amazing Spring day in the Midwest  The trees were full of colorful blossoms, warm temperatures and the leaves were the brilliant green of new life.  Thank you to Jaclyn Simpson for being my wingman!


The journey west. | Personal
The journey west. | Personal

Forgive the silence of the last few weeks.  It is hard to describe in words what these days have been…. a journey is the best way to describe this process.  So many things have happened , our feet have been in so many places, our eyes taking in gorgeous landscapes and the expanse of our beautiful country. … Continue reading


New Ventures.
New Ventures.

As this blog posts, Eric and I have loaded up our small car with our gear computers, two cats and 2 weeks of clothing.  We have turned our car and hearts West.  We are ready to document this new adventure armed with rolls of film, field cameras, medium format and digital cameras as well. As I … Continue reading