Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Schmuckle.
Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My photography journey started like many others- from a desire to fulfill my creative side and feel passionate about what I was giving back to the world. My education is in psychology and my work experience is in customer service. I am a planner by nature and I love to write – it took me many years to find that photography bridged a place in my soul to all these other aspects of me.
Combining all of my gifts with the creative aspect of photography really made all of my puzzle pieces come together beautifully. This combination did not come together by chance, my life leads me here. It was not luck, it was through a hard commitment to doing good, working hard and serving well. My mom died from ovarian cancer in 2016. She was my encourager, my support. Through her 18 month sickness that leads to her death, photography was my therapy along with a lot of yoga training!
I was able to document her moments of strength and her moments of extreme weakness, all while capturing simply beautiful, raw images that I will cherish forever. That is where my photography passion came from. I know what photography did for me, I now want to share that with the world. Plus, my mama made me promise to not give up on my dream! I do not look at this as a “job”- it’s my gift and I have a responsibility to share it.
Has it been a smooth road?
The journey of life is never smooth – thank goodness for that, so many lessons to learn along the way! The last three years have been exceptionally difficult for my family. My husband and I both had a parent die from cancer. The world lost two of it’s greatest gifts. The pain has been heart-wrenching, but having a creative outlet has been a breath of fresh air. Being able to express myself honestly and giving back to my clients, helps to make the pain bearable.
I am also a wife to my soul mate (really – not just a sappy saying! – It’s true!) and a mama to four kiddos ranging from three to sixteen. The wife/mom/work-life balance struggle is so hard- I totally get it! Bottom line is that fulfilling pieces of me, make me a better mom and wife. My devotion to them is expressed more genuinely when I am being true to my core. Finding the balance to this is part of my journey daily. It’s bumpy along the journey- but man is it worth it!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jessica Schmuckle Photography and Events – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Jessica Schmuckle Photography and Events specializes in capturing the raw essence of life. I am a Southern California native who is a seeker of natural light and authentic moments. Whether I am documenting a birth or helping a family preserve their final moments with a loved one under hospice care-my goal is to give families a gift that they will forever cherish. There are so many moments in life that we can never experience again, that is why I am here- to help you forever remember your life at any stage. My “specialty” is not limited to one specific time span or event, I am honored to be apart of your life wherever that may be in time.
Some may say that is a business mistake, but to me, it’s an opportunity to expand my life experience, it a chance for growth and for connection. From maternity, birth, newborn lifestyle, engagement and marriage to events, styled sessions, company branding, military homecomings and final breathe- I am there for it all. I recently partnered with a local yoga studio to help bring some fresh images to their brand. What an honor to combine my love for yoga and photography! I could just pinch myself! I have deep, long-lasting, meaningful relationships with my clients- that is the greatest gift!
I am involved in volunteering my business for many local non-profits. Reins, City of Hope and Michelle’s Place are all wonderful organizations that I have a deep connection to. I also volunteer for The Magic Hour Foundation which provides photo sessions to families affected by cancer. I participate in styled sessions, meeting and learning from many beautiful creatives along the way. I also plan and organize photography events/styled sessions for other creatives to come to grow and expand. Building a community over the competition is my favorite way to experience this business- simply by making connections!
I was always taught to give more than I receive and I am so proud that my photography gives me an outlet to for that. I feel that my connection to the human experience is raw and real. This is what sets me apart and I believe that is poured over into my work. I truly care about my clients. I have been through so much “life” that I understand birth, marriage, death, love and all the intricate, complicated pieces in between. My journey has lead me to photography, I am set apart because I do believe that I was created for this and it is my honor to share this gift.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
From the mountains to the sea- we have everything we need here. We are blessed with so much diversity in our environment as well as population. To be within a few hours of any type of destination you are looking for is a truly a gift. I am the second generation, coastal native, even at that- I have so much more to explore.
With all that our city has to offer, the crowds and traffic can lead to some issues. Our little pocket of California has so much to offer, it’s obvious why the world wants a little piece of it!
Pricing:
- One Hour Session: $300 includes 20 professionally edited images delivered in an online gallery available for print release. Additional images may be purchased for $20 each or $400 for gallery per hour.
- Hourly Rate Maternity Portrait Session: $375 includes 20 professionally edited images delivered in an online gallery available for print release. Includes one gown rental, the day of the session. Additional gowns available to rent at $25 each. Included ranch property rental. Horses available for an additional fee. Additional images may be purchased for $20 each or $400 for gallery per hour.
- Mini Sessions: $100 includes 15-minute session with 5 professionally edited images delivered in an online gallery available for print release. Additional images may be purchased for $20 each or $100 for the entire album.
- Wedding Package: Moon $1500 includes 6 hours of coverage. Images are available for purchase for $20 each or $500 for the entire gallery. Each image is professionally edited and delivered in an online gallery available for print release.
- Wedding Package: Sun $1800 includes 8 hours of coverage. Images are available for purchase for $20 each or $800 for the entire gallery. Each image is professionally edited and delivered in an online gallery available for print release
- 20% Military Discount
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicaschmucklephotography.com
- Phone: (760) 717-8715
- Email: jessicaschmucklephotography@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Christian Kahahawaii, Temecula Yoga Collective, Peltzer Winery, Shoot Styling by Whimsie Studios Editorial and Styled Shoots Groups@Whimsiephotographie, Hair and Makeup by @adorebeautycompany @HannahYzaguirre, Florals by @AleahHolakoui, Dress by @jnoelle.design, Silks by @heyitsohsopretty, Bride Model @_Karli11, Bridal Ring by @Pinkskyrentals, Invite and calligraphy by @Plumeandfete, Bridal Shoes @Bellabelleshoes, Veil and Hair Piece by All About Romance Handcrafted Veils and Wedding Adornments @_AllAboutRomance_, Table Decor @Alcweddings A La Carte Weddings, Table linens and styling by @Alcweddings A La Carte Weddings, Cake by The Kilted Cake & Supply @the_kilted_cake, Ring box @Pinkskyrentals, Venue San Clemente Pier
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
