Hey, hey, heyyyyy! My name is Jessica (aka Wayfaring Wanderer) and I am a free-spirited photographer who loves working with couples, individuals, and families who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. I've lived in the Boone, NC area since 2005 and I'm known for capturing the spirit of the folks I photograph—the expressions, gestures, and details that are outward expressions of our innermost selves. While I'm primarily a wedding + elopement photographer, I also love working w/ individuals/couples/families that are traveling to the High Country area to getaway to the mountains. I absolutely love what I do and am so grateful to work with some of the most amazing people in one of the most beautiful places EVAR. Let’s go on an adventure!
I took a solo trip to Hawaii for my 29th birthday back in 2009. It was a pretty big deal to me because I hadn’t ever done anything like that before—my first plane ride didn’t happen until 2007! As I aimlessly drove all over the island of Oahu along Highway 1 in my rented jeep, I experienced a sense of freedom that I had never felt before.
Unbeknownst to me, this trip would end up changing my life. During my time on the beautiful island of Hawaii, I discovered that I craved more freedom in my everyday life, not just while I was on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It was on that trip with my toes in the sand that I made a promise to myself that I would change my life by pursuing what I was most passionate about in this world.
Me on top of Diamond Head, one of Honolulu’s Most Popular Hikes, back in 2009
HOW AN ADVENTURE TRIGGERED A MAJOR TURNING POINT
Upon my return home, I began making preparations to leave my office job so that I could make my long-held dreams of becoming a full-time photographer a reality. It was difficult for me to think about leaving a job that has supported me for five and a half years, not to mention the comforts of a regular paycheck, but I was determined to do it anyway regardless of the risks involved. In the end, my boss made it easy on me by laying me off without warning just 4 short months after I returned.
At that point, the universe made it glaringly obvious as to what I was supposed to do next.
Six years later, I am still doing what I love, working for myself as a professional wedding photographer! It is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing, and I am truly honored that couples and families continue to choose me to capture their most epic and everyday adventures.
That feeling of freedom I experienced while in Hawaii is something I strive for each and every day, and it is my wish to create an environment where that is also possible for the couples I work with.
It is my mission to help you live more adventurously, too!
Me at my first wedding of the season in 2014. Can’t wait for wedding season to start this year!
LEARNING THE HARD WAY
6 Years ago I never would have envisioned my life the way it is today. When I made the decision to create my own job after getting laid off back in 2010 I had no clue what I was doing or how I was going to do it.
The only thing I really had going for me back then was this unwavering passion I’ve had for photography since I was 10 years old coupled with an unflinching desire to not go back to an office job that I would end up despising. What I’ve found out over the last five years is that those two things mean more than ANYTHING when it came to making this dream of mine a reality.
A shot of me behind-the-scenes by Raejan Dunn.
Everything else I had to learn as I went:
how to get clients to hire me
pricing my services in a way that allows me to make a living wage
marketing myself authentically and consistently so that I don’t feel sleazy
how to stay disciplined while working from home every day
planning ahead and income projecting
That only scratches the surface of what I’ve had to conquer as a new entrepreneur, of course, but those particular areas I pointed out brought the most challenging lessons I’ve had to endure along the way. None of it has been easy, I’ll tell you that.
I made some courageous commitments over the year, stretching myself in ways that I didn’t think were possible, and as a result, I was able to achieve some outrageous goals that seemed unattainable at the time. I must say, 2015 was an amazing year that I won’t soon forget because it was one of my best yet!
Me at Smithmore Castle during a Wedding Professionals Meeting in 2014. Image by Joy Davis Photography.
DAILY (RE)COMMITMENT REQUIRED
One of the biggest hurdles that I’ve continuously had to overcome throughout all of this wasn’t something that I really anticipated, but it’s caused me the most frustration and heartache along the way. What’s that you ask? Well, it’s ME! I have been the greatest obstacle standing between failure and success every step of the way.
People who are on the edge of taking “THE LEAP” and entertaining the idea of going out on their own have often asked me how I found the courage to “FOLLOW MY DREAMS”. It’s a tough question to be presented with, and one I don’t really have an answer for because we are on different paths. If I wasn’t laid off, I’m not sure how long it would have taken me to make the plunge.
All I can say is that once you do decide to do it you have to make the decision every. single. day. to continue going after what you want or else it’s NOT going to work. Being your own boss isn’t a part-time job or a full-time job for that matter. It’s a lifestyle.
Do you have a story about your entrepreneurial journey that you’d like to share? I’d personally love to hear them below in the comments!
My name is Jessica and I’m a wedding, engagement and lifestyle photographer based in Boone, NC. I’m known for capturing the spirit of the folks I photograph–the expressions, gestures, and details that are outward expressions of our innermost selves. I love working with couples, individuals and families who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to connect with me!
I can't wait TO CONNECT WITH YOU ANd hear more about your special day!
the mountains are calling...
Thank you so much for taking the time to contact me. I'm truly grateful to do what I love and I appreciate your time and consideration in advance! My response time is 24-hours for all wedding, engagement, and family photography inquiries. I look forward to connecting with you soon! In the meantime, let's be friends on Instagram. I love sharing a behind-the-scenes look at life in Boone, NC as a wedding photographer!