Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Lo.
Hi Jesse, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was always surrounded by a range of arts and crafts, experimenting with everything from glitter to paint. My childhood was a canvas of creativity, where drawing became my favorite past time. I was that kid who would rather doodle in the corner than be out on a playground. I saw life vividly in colors and where most kids saw it through being outside, or reading a book, I saw it on a blank sheet of paper. It felt like a magical world, one where I could express myself without saying a word.
Fast forward to the moment I thought I’d take a giant leap towards my dreams — getting a scholarship worth 70,000$ to attend my dream art school to pursue painting! I was on cloud nine but life had other plans and I found myself unable to go. It felt like a plot twist in a movie, but little did I know, it was just the beginning of a new chapter. Attending a community college instead became my unexpected playground, where I stumbled upon my burning flame for photography. It was during my travels that I met a tapestry of beautiful couples, each with their own stories, and I felt a pull to capture those moments — especially weddings and engagements, where love stories unfold like the pages of a book.
My first break came in 2017 when I attended a photography conference and met my idols. Can you imagine the excitement? I was practically buzzing with inspiration! The universe had a sense of humor, though, as I landed my very first wedding gig photographing a high school acquaintance. Suddenly, I realized my true passion was not just snapping pretty pictures but in story telling. Words might not have been my strong suit, but I could weave tales through visual art that resonated deeper than words ever could.
With a growing clientele in Minneapolis, I decided to take a leap of faith and moved to sunny San Diego in October 2024, eager to expand my business and embrace new adventures. Reflecting on this journey now, I chuckle at the realization that I was never meant for a 9-5 lifestyle. It’s almost poetic, really; my parents who has always expressed concerns (whether they know it or not) set me free from the mundane, encouraging me to chase my dreams.
Today, I am a 31 year old creative living in San Diego, chasing big dreams, capturing love stories, one frame at a time and loving every moment of it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To be quaint, it’s both! This comes with being a self proclaimed entrepreneur. Some days are smooth, some days are rough. And there are lessons to them both. One of my biggest struggle though stems from my childhood. I didn’t grow up wealthy, my family struggled financially, so when I was kid who was graduating high school, I didn’t have a big budget, to say the least. Growing up in a poor family added personal traumas that carried on well within my 20’s and even till today. Healing sometimes seems like a never ending saga, and in result, affected both my professional and personal life.
But here’s the kicker: I think a lot of us can relate to the idea that sometimes, we are our own biggest obstacle. It’s like a game where you’re playing against yourself! The real challenge is learning to break down those barriers and embrace the journey, bumps, and all. So, while it hasn’t always been smooth, every struggle has shaped who I am today, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Well for starters, I take pictures of people kissing each other! And if that doesn’t excite you, the true work here is capturing meaningful stages in our lives. I truly believe that once we leave our bodies, the only thing that continues to live presently are our memories. Through words, through stories, and most importantly, through pictures. The quality of my work is made up of quirky laughs, ugly cries, and super laid back weddings that are less production and more about enjoying the in-between moments. This is what makes my work different.
Most people hire a photographer for pretty pictures, and while that’s great, shifting that idea to a more meaningful mindset will change the way we look at photos. And this is one of my biggest goal in the industry.
As for what I’m most proud of? Being able to gain trust from strangers with the work I produce. Exchanging conversations and sharing their story through my lens excites me!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I find joy in all corners of my life but to me, happiness comes from the simple things. Laughing at the joke my niece shares during a family dinner. Hugging my friends. Making s’mores on my patio. Singing loudly in my car. The sudden realization of a past thought. The small conversations with the target cashier. The excitement of crossing off one or two things from your to-do list. These little moments make me feel alive which is why I love taking photos. Most people don’t consider these picture worthy but It’s beautiful that my work encapsulates the little moments that we consider the outtakes. The truest emotions happen when we’re not looking.
Pricing:
- Engagement session: $500.00
- Bronze (8 Hour Wedding package): $2,995.00
- Silver (10 Hour Wedding package): $3,495.00
- Gold (12 Hour Wedding package): $4,050.00
- Ala Carte (4 hours minimum): $395.00/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: Jesselo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesseloweddings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jesseloweddings/
Image Credits
Jesse Lo Weddings
