We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Ivory Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica Ivory, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Passion and Support!
Photography has been a lifelong passion of mine. Ever since I was a little girl, I always had a camera in my hand. I started off photographing the toys in my room, and eventually ended up capturing the world around me. The idea of freezing a moment in time, made me feel like I had super powers. Anyone who has known me forever, knows that I live my life trying to soak up every minute by capturing the little moments. I want my children to grow up and be able to look back on so many wonderful memories. Tomorrow is not promised, and that is why being able to capture memories for my clients means everything to me. Knowing that some day in the future my clients will look back on their pictures and remember a special moment in their lives, brings me so much joy.
I attribute my success to my family and friends. I am blessed with literally the best husband in the world. This Valentine’s Day we will be celebrating eleven years together and seven years married. He is truly my best friend, and the rock of our family. I truly believe in the phrase “it takes a village” because without the amazing village around me, I would be lost. I have so much support from my family and friends, and I can not thank them enough. My friends, and they know who they are; are always quick to help me. Whether it is taking care of my kiddos, carry all my props, or listening to me talk about the sets over and over again. They refer me every day and it means so much to me. My mother is my number one fan. Not only has she put up with me for all these years, but she has truly supported me every step of the way. She was there when I got my first camera, she looked at the millions of dolphin pictures I took at the aquarium when I was young , she hung up my photographs in our home, and she still is cheers me on every day.
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 am a natural light family photographer. Meaning… I capture life’s milestones. Whether it is an engagement session, maternity session, senior session, holiday portraits, or a cake smash celebrating a first birthday. I capture it all! I have many clients that I have been photographing for years, and I love seeing their families grow. That is actually how I got to where I am today, I started taking pictures of the kids I use to babysit for and it blossomed from there. I would plan little sessions for them, get them dressed up and surprise their parents with pictures.This profession has allowed me to make connections with clients that have turned into great friendships. I am proud of myself for not giving up on my dream, and always striving to do better. I am always learning new things in different workshops, or from mentors that I apply to my business every day. I have learned not to compare myself, or my work to other people in my field. I have learned that everyone is creative and unique in their own way and it all depends on how you present yourself to the world. I pride myself in the amount of passion and effort I put into each session. I want my clients to know that I take each session very seriously. I value the importance of family time, and I want to capture moments they can treasure forever.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie was coming to visit we would definitely have a fun itinerary planned with the kids in mind. Zoo Miami is has always been a favorite spot. I have been going to Zoo Miami since I was a little girl. I remember always having the best time with my family looking at all the animals, renting a bike and riding around the zoo, and seeing some of the animal up close in person in one of their shows. My family and I love it there and look forward to going again. The beach is also another great spot! You can’t beat spending the day on our beautiful beaches. There are so many things to do for kids and adults. There are many private boat day cruises, jet skis rentals, and yummy ice cream spots.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several people I attribute my success to: My family and my husband have supported me since day one. My parents contributed to my business in many ways. They bought me my first cameras, they paid for workshops, and cheered me on every step of the way. My sister was my go to model. Anytime I had a new pose or session I wanted to try, she was my girl. My husband was the one who actually pushed me to make my business official. He saw my passion and how photography was a big part of who I am. He drives me to be better every day, and I can’t thank him enough for supporting me every step of the way.
Website: https://jessicaivoryphotography.mypixieset.com
Instagram: @jessicaivoryphotography
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRGe2yOav4t86dFpP6QLQA
Other: VIP Mini Session Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/683351665922055/ https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdMEd1MX/