Jessie Bloss Photography

For inquiring clients, I have an "investment guide" pdf that lays out costs in an easy-to-read format. I also include a wardrobe guide and am happy to work with anyone to find the perfect package to fit their needs!

I believe the key to a great photo shoot is building a strong, relational connection and truly understanding the client’s vision. I start with a quick 10-minute phone consultation to discuss the details and what they're looking for. After that, I send a follow-up email with a wardrobe guide, location suggestions, and a quote. Once we agree on the price, location, and time, I send over a contract to make everything official. Then, we lock in the date (always with a backup plan in case of weather because, you know, it's the Northwest!). Payment is due on the day of the shoot. I’ll send sneak peeks within 48 hours (if desired), and the full gallery typically arrives within a week unless it's a larger event like a wedding, in which case I’ll give a longer turnaround time.

I studied graphic design and color theory at Seattle Pacific University before transferring to Western Washington University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications and Entrepreneurship. One of the highlights of my education was spending 5 months in Italy, where I had the opportunity to shoot on the red carpet for the world premiere of When The World Answered and document the Advancing Women Artists Sojourners Fine Art and Cuisine tour in Florence. Composition, color, light, and harmony are the foundations of great art, whether it’s photography, painting, or sculpture, and I make it a point to stay sharp by regularly enrolling in art classes at BellinghamART (they're so great!) This helps me keep my creative skills fresh and enhances all my work, from photography to other artistic pursuits. As a lifelong learner, I’m always inspired by fellow photographers and enjoy growing alongside other artists through blogs and social media. For fun, I volunteer at Animals as Natural Therapy, capturing moments of people with their pets or simply doing what they love!

I got my start in photography back in 8th grade, shooting with my best friend. We were inspired by the photos we’d see in magazines and on the walls of our friends’ homes (before social media!). With lots of practice, I saw my photos slowly match the style I admired. Capturing genuine, heartfelt moments in beautiful golden light became my playground. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to capture senior portraits, business photos, engagements, families & pets, milestone life events, and what I love most is the connections I make with people along the way. The gift of this work is handing someone something that will last forever, capturing that precious moment in time.

I’ve had the privilege of working with many amazing people, and these are the types of clients I've worked with the most: Business Professionals – Headshots, branding photos Engaged Couples – Engagement sessions locally or at a destination (hello Mt. Baker!) Senior Portraits - High school, College Pets and Families – Pet photography, family portraits These areas are where I feel most at home, and I’m always excited to work with clients who value both creativity and connection.

When hiring a photographer for any of the services I offer, whether it's headshots, engagement photos, senior portraits, or pet photography, here’s my advice: Look for a strong portfolio: Check out their portfolio to see if the lighting, composition, and overall feel of their photos resonate with you. Consider the experience: It's important to hire someone who has experience in the type of shoot you want. Communication is key: A great photographer listens to your vision and is able to bring it to life. Check for a smooth process: A good photographer should make the entire experience easy—from booking the shoot to receiving your final photos. Ask about turnaround times, how they handle cancellations or rescheduling (especially for outdoor shoots), and if they offer any packages or extras that might fit your needs. Read reviews and testimonials: Hear from other clients about their experience. Make sure it’s a good fit: Finally, make sure the photographer’s personality and style align with what you’re looking for. Getting your photo taken professionally isn't an everyday thing - make sure you feel comfortable with the person and that will make all the difference! I've been known to position myself in some really wacky places (in the water, balancing on something, partially doing the splits) to get the best shot and this always makes people laugh and makes the experience light and fun! At the end of the day, you want to feel comfortable with your photographer and trust that they’ll deliver photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.

1. What type of shoot am I looking for? 2. What’s the vision or style I want? (use some adjectives! fun, sassy, serious, professional, artistic, laid back, etc). Think about the vibe you want your photos to have—formal, fun, creative, or relaxed. This helps the photographer understand your aesthetic preferences. 3. What's your budget? There’s a story about Picasso where a woman asked him to quickly draw something on a napkin in a restaurant, and he agreed. When he handed it to her, he said, “That will be $10,000.” The woman was shocked and said, “But you did that in thirty seconds!” Picasso replied, “No, it took me forty years to do that.” While I’m not comparing myself to Picasso, the point is that experience, skill, and the time spent perfecting one’s craft are invaluable. Photography is an art, and like any art, it requires significant investment in both equipment and years of practice to master. It’s not always easy to put a price on art, but I always do my best to make it work within your vision and budget. If you’re unsure about pricing, I’m happy to discuss rates and find a solution that fits your needs! 4. Where will the shoot take place? I offer no additional charge for shoots within 30 miles of Bellingham and $1 per mile outside of that. 5. What’s the timeframe for the project? 6. Do you need the photos by a certain date? 7. How many photos or final deliverables do I want? 8. How comfortable am I in front of the camera? If you're nervous or unsure about posing, think about how much guidance you’ll need. It’s helpful to discuss this with the photographer, as some are more hands-on in directing you during the shoot. 9. What’s the best way to communicate during the planning process? Consider how you'd like to coordinate with the photographer before and after the shoot (via email, phone, or in-person). Some people prefer having a detailed pre-shoot consultation, while others may prefer a simple booking process.