Meet Jessica Cardwell | Photographer & Creator of Sonny’s Pictures

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

Hi Jessica, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance is something that I have recently been practicing over the last two months it has probably been my biggest down fall.. One of my biggest inspirations in my business is capturing the small moments for people in their state of happiness or celebration. But I started to realize my drive to capturing other peoples moments lead me to not capturing or even being a part of my own. I started to witness my motivation in Sonny’s Pictures slacking, which is big for me since I am very passionate about my work. I knew it was bad when I called my mom emotional one night and she asked me “Jess, when was the last time you had a girls night?” and I couldn’t even remember. If you know my mom she’s also a workaholic so when she said something I knew I had to close my laptop and I remember that was the moment being with fiends and family or even yourself aside from work can help with your motivation and remembering your own “Why?” Personally that was the moment I started making it a priority and giving much needed attention to my biggest supporters and even my mental state of resting as that is just as important as working.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I didn’t know what set me apart originally nor did I think I would ever be where I am today. I look at myself and struggle with my own insecurities and we all do. To observe where I am professionally and that sets me apart from others is that my goal is to distract others by helping them feel good in their photos for the hour I am with them all the way to the photos they receive to look back on and feel good!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
DFW is a beautiful place to visit, locations like The Dallas Art Museum, anywhere with tacos is the best place for food and drinks, and we love our sports. Places like Klyde warren park is perfect when the weather permits because if you know anything about TX our weather is unpredictable. But when it does its a great place for food trucks, drinks, parts, and outside fun!

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?
If saying everyone had an impact on my business that would pretty much sum it up. However if I had to emphasize on a few specific people as hard as that would be I would say to start with my parents. They have been seen my creative mind and always encouraged me to pursue a creative career. Secondly my friends…Emily, Mackenzie, Cheyann, Aubrey, Madison, Lacy, and Savannah they have been by my side since day one and are always down for my creative mind to take charge! My boyfriend Sean has also always been one to speak his mind which is why I love him dearly, his constructive criticism on things I might not have knowledge on has been a huge blessing as its been with things I didn’t even know I needed until he mentioned something. Sylvia, my dear roommate, my personal guidance and support system. She has seen all the nitty gritty and all the highs and low.. Without her I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you to all of you as you have all had the biggest impact on my career today and with out you “Sonny’s Pictures” would not be here!

Website: https://www.sonnyspictures.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonnys_pictures/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-cardwell-85566a219/

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

Image Credits
In the Wedding images it was coordinated by Kari Loth