Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Coulson
Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First off, thank you so much for having me!
My journey into photography began in 2010, but you could say it was always a part of my story. I grew up surrounded by it—my Mimi was a professional photographer, and her father (my great-grandfather) was too. I guess you could say it’s in my blood!
As a kid, I remember sitting with my Mimi, watching her hand-retouch and add color to black-and-white photos that she had processed in her darkroom. She used colored pencils to bring them to life, and it was truly an art form before the digital era. Photography is still an art today, but in such a different and evolving way.
At first, I didn’t see myself pursuing photography, but my family encouraged me to explore it because they saw how much joy and passion I felt whenever I picked up a camera. Fast forward to today, and I can hardly believe it’s been almost 15 years!
In 2014, I took the leap to become a full-time photographer, and I’ve never looked back. I absolutely love what I do—capturing memories for people that they’ll cherish for years to come is such an honor and joy for me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
That’s a loaded question! The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s been worth every step.
When I first started photography, I had a child in school, and by the time I decided to go full-time, he was almost a senior in high school. That’s when everything started to click for me. His friends and classmates began reaching out for senior photos, and I quickly realized that seniors are my niche. Some years, I photographed well over 100 seniors from a single graduating class!
At the time, we lived in a small town in Northeast Mississippi, and I had built a solid reputation there. When we moved to the Memphis, TN area, it brought new challenges. While it’s not far from my hometown and I still have a loyal following, breaking into the Memphis market has been tougher than I expected. I think a big part of that is not having a school-aged child anymore, which naturally limited my connections to local schools.
And then, of course, the pandemic happened, which slowed everything down for all of us. The past few years have been challenging for so many reasons—between the economy and shifts in the industry—but I’m still here, pushing forward, and working to grow my business every day.
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?
I am a professional photographer who specializes in high school seniors, though I also offer headshots, family sessions, couples and engagement sessions, and the occasional wedding. While I enjoy all aspects of photography, my heart is truly with seniors. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come with my senior photography business, though I believe there’s always room to grow and evolve.
What truly sets me apart is my senior program. I don’t just photograph seniors—I create an experience for them. From the moment they book their session, I’m with them every step of the way. I help plan their outfits, choose the perfect locations, and guide them through the entire process, all the way to ordering prints and products.
But it doesn’t stop there. I celebrate my seniors throughout their entire senior year. It’s about more than just the session—it’s about recognizing and cherishing this milestone in their lives. I’m proud to say I continue to cheer for them long after graduation, staying connected and rooting for their success in the future.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
There are so many cherished memories from my childhood, but the ones that stand out the most are the summers and weekends spent at my grandparents’ houses, playing with my cousins. Those times were filled with laughter, adventures, and a sense of pure joy. Oh, what I would give to go back for just one more day—it was such a special and carefree time in my life.
Another memory that holds a special place in my heart is the summer my Mimi took me to Germany. We were there for two weeks, and it just so happened to be the 4th of July while we were there. I remember thinking how strange, yet amazing, it was to hear people celebrating the 4th of July in another country. That trip was such an incredible experience and gave me memories I’ll always treasure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicacoulson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicacoulsonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCoulsonPhotography/
