Hello, I am Jessica.
Some of you may already know me, but for those of you who don’t, I am here to tell you a little more about myself.
I was born and raised in Dacula, Georgia until the end of elementary school when we moved to Commerce, Georgia. I graduated from a small town high school where everyone knows everybody. I met my future husband while I was there and just recently got engaged! (Finally!)
About four years ago, right after high school, I was attending a big university and cramming myself with a bunch of psychology terms every day. I have always been a people person, so it only felt fitting to go into a career where I helped people through their problems. After a year of that, I decided that was not the life for me.
I have always found myself with a passion for being behind a camera, even when I was a little girl. So in 2016, I decided that I was going to turn my passion into a career and begin photography classes at North Georgia Technical College. In my two years at college, I met some outstanding people and built up my portfolio. During my last semester, I was challenged with finding an internship to complete my needed hours to graduate. I sent a message to Mike and Chance one day explaining what I was looking for, and I was so lucky that they were willing to welcome me in to their studio.
My internship with Bentley Photography started in January 2018. I would come to Winder once a week and help with anything that I could. I also accompanied Mike during his sessions and he would teach me things along the way. I learned a lot from my internship. At the end of my internship with Mike and Chance, my passion for photography had grown even more . I was hopeful that I would find a job in this field after graduation.
May 2018, I graduated with a degree in photography from North Georgia Technical College. A few days before graduation, I received a text from Mike saying “If you haven’t found a job yet, would you be interested in coming to talk to us one day?” I came to the studio and sat down with them having no idea what was about to happen! I was offered an official position! Of course, I instantly said yes with no hesitation.
I have now officially been with Bentley Photography a little over six months. I am now doing a little bit of everything around here. Some days I am behind the camera and others I am in the office working on the back-end of the work! I have had the pleasure of meeting many of Bentley Photography’s wonderful clients and I always look forward to meeting more.
I am currently working on achieving my Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). I will be testing on Sunday, January 20 at Imaging USA in Atlanta. (Say some prayers for me, please!) Once I have completed the written exam, I will then move on to the second part, which is image submission. If I pass both, I will officially be a part of the less than 3% of photographers who have their CPP! (How exciting!)
I am so excited to be working at Bentley Photography and I cannot wait to meet you! Give us a call and let’s talk about those portraits you’ve been wanting. I would love to take them for you.
With love,
Jessica Stanley
Bentley Photography