How Jessica went from a college dropout to a thriving photography business
Jessica Jongman is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who transformed her love for capturing beautiful images into a thriving career while empowering other photographers. Her journey began as a hobbyist with a camera, but her passion and dedication soon led her to make a bold decision that would change her life forever.
October 13, 2024
The beginning of a passionate journey
Jessica's journey began as she experimented with her camera, offering photoshoots to family and friends. During her studies in speech therapy, she dedicated every spare moment to developing her photography skills. Initially, she focused on a variety of subjects—babies, families, portraits, and animals. However, it wasn’t long before she discovered her true passion: capturing the love between people. This realization sparked her interest in wedding photography, and once she delved into this, she was hooked. Jessica recalls, “When I started photographing weddings, I felt an immediate connection to the joy and emotion of those special moments.”
A bold decision
As wedding requests flooded in, Jessica faced an important decision. With her final year of studies on the horizon, she bravely chose to leave her education behind and pursue her dream of becoming a full-time wedding photographer. This leap of faith marked a significant turning point in her life. In just two years, she transformed from a student struggling to pay rent into a successful entrepreneur running a six-figure business.
Overcoming challenges
Jessica’s journey was not without challenges. She faced numerous setbacks and had to navigate the complexities of building her business from the ground up. Through this process, she recognized the importance of mentorship and support. "You don't have to reinvent the wheel," she says, emphasizing how valuable it is to have guidance along the way. Motivated by her own experiences, Jessica has helped over 10,000 students grow their photography skills through her online courses, live workshops, and mentorship programs. Her passion for teaching shines through in her commitment to helping others avoid the obstacles she encountered.
Embracing new opportunities
As her wedding photography business flourished, Jessica realized she also really enjoyed branding photography. She had always loved working with female entrepreneurs but struggled to find the time to fully explore this field. Recognizing the unique workflow required for branding shoots, she decided to shift her focus. “I love diving into a business with an entrepreneur and creating beautiful, captivating images to enhance her company's image,” she explains.
Today, Jessica focuses on branding shoots while also helping other photographers grow in their craft. Her journey inspires many aspiring photographers, showcasing the value of pursuing one’s passion and the importance of community support in achieving their goals.
