This month we are so excited to be shining our photographer spotlight on Jessie of Jessie Hearn Photography. She is the founder and lead photographer of Jessie Hearn Photography. A former elementary school teacher turned photographer, she is extremely grateful for the chance to build a career from her passion without sacrificing how much she loves working with others. Jessie loves people, animals, laughter, and sarcasm– not necessarily in that order! She gets exceptionally excited about gorgeous lighting and precious moments between people, and truly becomes emotionally tied to each photography session.

How would you describe your photography? I love photography; I always have. I remember waiting anxiously at the drugstore so that I could rush home with my new pictures and carefully put them into frames and photo albums.

Even though 20 years have passed and digital cameras changed photography, my feelings and excitement are the same. I still race home after a shoot to look at every image and relive each moment of our session. It’s magic!

My goal is to combine the emotion that I feel with every click of the camera with your family as you actually are: smiling, laughing, even crying. I strive to find the true essence of who you are and capture these moments for you for a lifetime. Your family, as you are, smiling, laughing, even crying, but most importantly, just being yourselves!

What made you want to join The Gold Hope Project as a volunteer? Photography can be a gift to people in all circumstances of life and I am eager for any opportunity to share that with others. But truly, the families I meet through this organization end up being the gift itself. Their strength, resilience, and unwavering love and support for one another are humbling and inspiring. I am honored to document a significant moment in time for them and to highlight the love and hope that they share throughout it as well.

What is your favorite thing about being a Gold Hope photographer? For a guaranteed moment in time, these families can relax, have fun, and celebrate their journey together! Their photo session is a chance to laugh, to be silly, and to reflect on what defines them as a family rather than any single circumstance defining them. 

Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life? Perspective is everything. As a single mom of three amazing kiddos, I hug them a little tighter knowing that life will bring its share of difficulties but together we have it all. I’ve learned to appreciate the mundane a little more and to be grateful for simple blessings like health, security, and family. Working with The Gold Hope Project has also encouraged me to lead with a servant’s heart. We are given one life to live, and I truly believe that it’s in the opportunities to help others that we grow the most and feed our own souls in return.

What is one thing you hope the families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience? My goal is that every family I photograph walks away with joy and hope… joy from simple moments with family captured on camera forever, filling their hearts with happiness and strength. And hope in continued laughter-filled days ahead– days where the innocence and wonder of childhood replace any fear or worry weighing on them.

Be sure to follow Jessie Hearn Photography online! Facebook | Instagram

A big thank you to Jessie for choosing to give back with us. Want to follow her lead? Apply to be a volunteer photographer here.