Meet Jessica Adaway | Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Adaway and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I actually accidentally started my business while in college! I had started shooting more engagements and portraits for some friends and then eventually was asked to photograph some friends’ weddings. I was finishing up my degree during the week and filling my weekends with weddings and photo shoots. Around the time of graduation, I decided to continue pursuing the wedding photography world and officially started my business then. I loved serving couples as they they began the journey of their new families. I loved getting to know these brides and grooms and documenting what was most valuable to them: their long awaited weddings days with all of their people by their sides! While the shoots have transitioned for me over time to serving more families than brides and grooms, my heart in serving them is still at the core of what I do. I LOVE that my work is timeless…there will always be a need for family photos, and I am grateful to be able to create timeless memories for people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love connections, they’re so beautiful and unique and woven throughout out our everyday. I also love working with families and helping them see the beauty of their connections in their everyday lives through photographs. As a mother, I also know seasons can change so quickly, so I love coming in for just a brief moment and observing a client’s now. It won’t be the same one day, and having photographs to preserve those memories really is priceless.

While I started out photographing the love a couple shared, I now find myself more drawn to memorializing the love shared between a whole family. I guess that’s in line with my own season of life as my husband and I have been married almost 10 years and have 3 young daughters now. We are in the throes of little kid world…and goodness, raising kids is hard (but oh-so-worthwhile!!) work! I know want to remember it, and I want to see it for how beautiful it really is. So, I love being able to give that to other families. A specific part I love noticing is all of the different relationships represented and the many dynamics that make up a family. The rawness and beauty of motherhood, the tender moments of a new baby, the bond between siblings, and the strength and love a father can give to his kids. All of these components are all so meaningful and I love sharing my perspective with families.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being from the Southern part of the Metroplex, I would have them start close to home! Waxahachie is a not-so-hidden gem that’s got great food options and lots to see! I would have them start out at White Rhino Coffee for breakfast and great coffee and then head over to peruse Paper Leaves Book & Plant Store. I’d send them to the Square for lunch at Farm Luck Soda Fountain and then with ice cream in hand, they could hit up the plenty of antique stores nearby. I’d recommend Getzandaner park and trail for some movement and beautiful scenery, and then finish it off at Prime 115 for a delicious dinner. The next few days, I’d probably have them explore Bishop Arts and then head over to Fort Worth’s Fairmount District. Although, I just tried Maestro Tacos in Ft Worth, so I’d have them hop over there as well!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I think about all of the people who have encouraged me along the way, the list is so long! At the top of that list is the Jesus Christ. His heart and value for people is what inspires me and the strength He gives me keeps me going in easy and hard moments. As far as people go, Hailey Erickson has been a dear fellow photographer friend and long time client. She has been such an inspiration and support to me for years!

Website: www.jessicaadaway.com

Instagram: @jessicaadawayphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicaadawayphoto

Image Credits
Head shot of me is by Hailey Erickson. I took all other photos