Tag Archives: Portraits

Columbus Ohio Portraits-Christina

Christina is a woman of infinite talents. I first met her when I was photographing a mutual friend’s wedding SIX (!!) years ago in Columbus, and she was doing the wedding party’s makeup. She said very definitively at the time that she was getting married, and she was going to have me photograph her wedding. And she did just that! About a year later, I was honored to not only photograph her wedding, but establish a friendship that is so meaningful to me in so many ways. Two years after Christina had her wedding, I had mine, and I was lucky enough to have her near me on my big day not only as my makeup artist (MUA), but my good friend. I can honestly say I’ve never felt as pretty as I did when she did my makeup that day. I felt flawless, beautiful, excited and confident. To be able to help give someone that feeling through makeup artistry is a true gift. I don’t typically wear much makeup, so I never fully appreciated it’s transformative qualities when it’s done right. If you are getting married, I wouldn’t give a second thought to hiring her in a heartbeat! Her MUA website can be found here: http://blushartistrybynina.com.

Christina has since started a new venture in her life as a realtor for HER. I feel so glad, as Scott and I will be looking for a new house with her next year (hopefully). Her creativity is unending. Right off the bat, she said that most realtors’ business cards are way too cookie-cutter. She wanted something more dramatic, more fun, more natural, and more her. It’s a simple concept, but so many people should put that into practice. Break with normal convention. Be uniquely you, and show people who you are- not just what you THINK you should be. The business card is a great way to make a first and lasting impression. If you are creative with it, it will help your impression last. I am biased, but I think she is beautiful inside and out! I hope you do too! XO Jess

Han & Quyen-Married! Wedding Photographers Columbus Ohio

Leave a reply

The first time I met Han, it was over the phone and I could immediately hear her electric personality radiate through. When I was able to then meet her in person later that week, it was not only her personality, but it was her smile that shined ear to ear- especially when she talked about her (then) fiance Quyen and their adorable daughter. Like my last post with Adrienne and Jay, I did a pre-wedding family & engagement session with them. It was September (I’m running way behind in blogging if you haven’t noticed) and the weather was warm and the light was soft.

I’m starting to love engagement sessions almost as much as the wedding itself. It’s a great opportunity to show who you are on a more down-to-earth level: your day-to-day self and a more natural beauty. Weddings are a great place to show off that “done-up” look. And together, they show two beautiful sides of the same family. Below are photos from both their E-session and their wedding.

The wedding was extraordinary with course after course of traditional Asian cuisine. It was apparently the first time J.Liu had ever done a custom 12-13 course traditional meal for a wedding. White flowers created a fresh, light and romantic feel in the room. A towering white cake was so formal and elegant. J.Liu’s vaulted ceiling made for a refined and upscale setting.

As far as dancing goes, this wedding might tie for my “best dancing” award with Eric and Rachel’s wedding. Everyone GOT. DOWN. (including yours truly). Here’s a little known fact- I like to try to blend in at weddings so that means if you’re bustin’ out the moves, well, I’ll prob. get crazy right along side you to get that photo!

There was so much love in this room. It was such an honor to be a part of it all:) XO Jess

EXCITING NEVER-BEFORE OFFERED EVENT STARTS TODAY!

Leave a reply

It’s February and thinking about Spring portraits makes me happy as I’m unpiling the 7 inches of snow off my car. In an effort to make you equally as happy, I’d love to extend this one-time-only offer to you and your families. Up until February 28th (OMG that’s a whole month!), I’m offering $300 off my complete portrait sessions. WOWZA! That’s only $200 for a 45-60min session, online ordering, and the digital files of 40-60 images (in black and whaite and color). Think Pets, Family, Gifts, Engagments, Portraits, Senior Sessions, Children, Maternity, etc. There is no minimum order, so contact me today! Sessions must be used before September 1st, 2014. Travel additional if outside Columbus. XO Jess

Fairwell 2013 – Columbus OH Wedding Photographer

Leave a reply

So in honor of this being the first week of the new year, I’m going to skip ahead some sessions and do a best-of 2013 post. I will continue to post 2013 weddings and session blogs in the coming weeks so keep checking back:)

At the end of it all, all I can really say is WOW! This has been Jessica Miller Photography’s busiest and most successful year to date. It has been such an honor to step into the lives of so many incredible people. I feel like my life has been so enriched by getting to know and share in the memories of my clients. I am a better person for having all of you in my life. I can’t thank you enough.

In early 2013, I traveled to WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) with a few friend-tographers and spent three days in some intensive business classes. I had wanted to attend this conference for the last 3 years, so it was very exciting to finally get there. I came home with a laser-focused drive that I’ve never felt before. It has definitely propelled me forward in not only my business, but also my everyday life. My work was published a few times in 2013: once in The Knot Ohio, once in Curve Magazine, once in Business First, and a photograph I took is now on the back of over 10,000 bottles of Via Vecchia wine. I was able to branch out and team with other local vendors for three fashion editorial shoots- two in the spring, and one in the summer. In 2013 I was the contributing photographer for Craftin’ Outlaws and I also established my own booth to sell prints at both their spring and winter shows. I acted as the in-house photographer for Bartha, a national events and production house, where I photographed over 25 live events. Jessica Miller Photography expanded in 2013 and now offers photography for high school Seniors looking for a more fashion-forward and creative experience with their Senior Photo shoot. Something that I’ve been so grateful for here in Columbus is my family of fellow wedding and portrait photographers. In business and in life, they have been there every step of the way. This year, I was able to have some insanely talented people shoot along side me as second shooters. A special thank you to Nick Fancher, Carmen Hall, Melissa Jones, Sarah Williamson, Mike Stempler, Zak Kelly and my husband Scott Ingraham for your beautiful work!

So without further ado, here are just a sampling of my favorite photographs I took from 2013. I’m so excited to turn the page on another year! Happy 2014 everyone! XO Jess

Addie & Jordyn- Columbus Children’s Photographers

Leave a reply

I thought I would bring back a little summer fun with today’s post.

Turning ONE is a big deal. You get to smash cake in your face an no one will judge you- in fact, it’s encouraged. You can crawl or drag yourself through the house, and again, no one will judge you. There are usually lots of balloons and tons of people come out to give you loads of cool gifts that make noise (because it’s always fun to give other people’s kids gifts that make noise). And at ONE, it’s the perfect time for a photo shoot. You’re almost a toddler, but you’re still a baby in a lot of ways. What a fantastic milestone age…and literally up until age 29, you only get to celebrate each birthday only once.

What makes birthdays even more special is when you can share them with family. I remember when Addie was all but a toddler herself, and now she’s helping usher in that era for her little sister, Jordyn as she turned one. Neither of these two are scared of the camera which I, of course, adore. Cute and colorful outfits were expertly matched for this summer at-home session. It was a hot summer day so we divided the session between indoors and outdoors. Addie took me on a mini tour of all the things she loves in her life from Soccer, to the large outdoor trampoline, to the neon bracelets that she bought with her own money! Jordyn’s face lit up when her big sister was in the room. She enjoyed being dressed in frilly skirts but also loved getting messy with her smash cake. I can’t get over how cute these two are. I hope these pictures help you remember the simple joys of being a kid at summer time without a care in the world! All I know is I turned 32 ( errr…29 for the fourth time) last month and I wish I could have had a smash cake, too!

Stephanie & Jason- Columbus Engagment Photography

Leave a reply

I literally can’t believe it’s already September. Stephanie and Jason’s wedding is this month and I wanted to show you their romantic engagement shoot before their big day. Stephanie told me they love natural settings, so I couldn’t help but take them to my all-time favorite place in Columbus. My husband Scott and I love it so much we actually had our wedding photographs taken in this stretch of park as well. I’ve always kept it as a private place, but every time I walk this length of land, I can’t help but admire its beauty and I have wanted to do my own photo shoot there for a very long time. This was the shoot! I told them this was my dream shoot, and I think they might have thought I was a little crazy. On a picture perfect summer day, we went into the woods and went exploring. Off this trail there are a few make-shift Tee-pees. I always tried to build make-shift forts when I was little, so it is so much fun to be in a place where you can feel like a child again. When the sun hits the river just right at certain times throughout the day, the water sparkles like a million dancing diamonds. The light trickles through the tops of the trees and illuminates a canopied pathway. It’s not only a romantic spot, but it’s tranquil and peaceful. I love the way Stephanie and Jason interacted with each other. All it took was a glace from one of them to get the other giggling. They have this amazing laid back nature to them so I know their wedding is going to be genuine and so much fun.

After my dream shoot we went to some alley corners of Columbus. I love the nooks and crannies you can find here if you’re eyes are open to them. I hope you love these photos and keep your eyes peeled for their wedding photos coming soon! XO Jess

Rachel & Eric- Ohio Wedding Photographers

Leave a reply

Sometimes it’s necessary to plan weddings long distance. With phone meetings, facetime and email, the world is a lot smaller place. I met Eric over the phone when he was researching wedding vendors from Ohio. They seemed like such a great couple over the phone, and the way he talked about his fiance Rachel was simply heart-warming. I was so excited when he asked if I would be the photographer for their wedding. I was even more excited when we decided that my husband, Scott (aka my partner in crime), would be coming with me to Cleveland for this event. When I arrived at their wedding, I hadn’t actually met either of them yet. In a way, I found this extremely exciting and fun.

Boy were we in for a treat. This wedding was a fusion wedding of Indian and Chinese cultures combined in a Christian faith. Each of the bridesmaids wore vibrant blue saris. At first look, I thought they were all the same, but in fact, they were all very different deep blue patterns. Eric and Rachel were married in a beautiful old chapel, Harkness Chapel, on the campus of Case Western. Their ceremony included a Chinese tea pouring ceremony and a lot of beautiful hymns and music. After the service, the campus and the nearby park, Wade Lagoon, provided modern, fun and stunning backdrops for wedding photos.

The ceremony was so much fun, as a few friends performed a custom song and some members of the bridal party performed a skit about the couple. The dance floor was full all night long with some pretty amazing dance moves. The one thing that I’ll always remember from this wedding is how loved these two people are. People of all ages and cultures were under one roof pouring love onto Rachel and Eric. Even though I hadn’t met them before this day in-person, I left feeling as if I had known them forever. We were so honored to be a part of this special day and I hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed taking them! XO Jess

Columbus Photography- Andrew & Jessica

Leave a reply

Andrew and Jess are officially married! You might remember this couple from their engagement shoot that I posted on here late last year. In May, my wedding season officially ramped up with their wedding.

This was also the first wedding I’ve shot since getting back from WPPI earlier this year (Wedding & Portrait Photography International). WPPI was a three-day intensive convention with over 15,000 of the world’s best photographers who gathered to learn, experiment, and see the latest and greatest products that are now on the market. I’ve wanted to go to this convention for over three years now, but have always found excuses as to why I couldn’t go. This year I promised myself there would be no more excuses. It definitely changed my life and I’ll be forever grateful to my travel mates and the great speakers I was able to learn from and meet. Needles to say, when I returned I was excited to get back to shooting. And with wedding season now in full swing, I love looking back at Jess and Andrews’ wedding day photos.

It was a picture perfect Ohio day. Cool, crisp, beautiful lighting and colorful backdrops everywhere I turned. Jessica’s dress also happened to be drop dead gorgeous. We were able to shoot photos at that magic hour when the sun cuts its rays through the trees and leaves everything glowing in its warm light. The trees at the reception venue, The Lakes Golf & Country Club, created the perfect backdrop for the evening. Dinner and dancing was held under a large flowing fabric canopy tent.

I am so honored to have shared this incredible day of love with them and get to know them better over the past year. Andrew and Jess love photography, traveling, and they don’t take themselves too seriously so it was definitely no surprise I love them both. Enjoy! XO Jess

Katie & Mike- Columbus Ohio Engagements

Leave a reply

Whenever I meet with a couple, I always ask if they have ever had their photos taken professionally before. I think I currently have a 100% response rate of “No”. When we meet up for our sessions, I usually hear that one of them or both is nervous. I was too the first time Scott and I had our pictures taken…actually it’s one of the reasons I like to stay behind the camera. The key is to just have fun, be creative, and always feel free to share thoughts and ideas for fun pictures! And this shoot was no exception. It was extremely hot outside (goodbye temperate, cool summer- hello hot muggy heat), but we had so much fun running around the Whetstone Park of Roses. All of the roses were in full bloom which provided a spectacular landscape for some beautiful photographs. Some of them ended up looking like a beautiful technicolor lovey dream-scape, wouldn’t you say?

Katie and Mike have the cutest ways of interacting and making each other smile and laugh. I think you can really see this in the way the look at each other. Katie’s smile was truly brighter than the sunshine!

I love a couple that shows some Ohio love! It is, after all, the best-shaped state, almost like the heart of the nation. I loved Ohio’s old travel motto “Ohio-the heart of it all”. It seems to be true, also. Everyone I’ve ever talked to either knows an Ohioan or has lived in Ohio. You can’t say that about too many other states. The second half of our shoot together was relaxing in their back yard, enjoying some Ohio brews. This was such a great way to end the day. So relaxing and the pressure was off. I hope you enjoy the photos we captured! XO Jess

Audrey turns One, Columbus Baby Photography

Leave a reply

How quickly a year goes by! Last year at this time, I took Audrey’s newborn shots at her home. Lots of changes happen in a year. It’s so fun to watch my client’s kid’s grow up right in front of me! I consider capturing these years for my clients one of the great privileges and honors of being a photographer. This year, we ventured to Jeffrey Mansion in Columbus, Ohio for some beautiful spring photos and sunny snuggles. I just love capturing this age. This was right after Audrey had taken a few steps at home, but had yet to really walk on her own. One of my all-time favorite pictures of this age is when the parent’s hand comes into the frame for a bit of safety/stabilization. I find it to be almost poetic- that our parents are always just out of frame, ready to reach in and stabilize us when we need it (at any age).

At her one year old photo session, Audrey was so curious and just LOVED rolling around and playing with pink paper pom poms. She’s also not afraid to get dirty and she showed me nearly every stick Jeffrey Mansion had in their back wooded area. She has such and infectious smile and giggle. Her arms jump up and down when she’s really excited, which is so entertaining and you can’t help but smile ear to ear with her. She absolutely loved mommy-daughter time and I think the feeling was very mutual.

Not more than two weeks went by after this shoot when I saw her again, and she was practically running from room to room on her own and grabbing everything in sight. I’m sure her parents are getting great workouts from chasing that little speed demon around the house these days.

Ask a Question