Jessica Leigh Photography ~ The Blog

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sarah Louise Exell

I recently had a photo shoot with the beautiful (as you can see from the images below) and amazingly talented Sarah Louise Exell. Currently residing in Charleston, Sarah uses her paint brush to create whimsical, abstract pieces of work that appeal to everyone. Each canvas is full of emotion and paints a unique story individual to each viewer.

Before our photo shoot, my husband and I attended one of her art shows on the Upper Eastside. I was so taken with her work we ordered a custom triptych for our foyer. Sarah spent some time in our apartment, taking in the color schemes, layout, and decorative style before beginning the commission. A few weeks later the piece of art that was delivered to our home was beyond anything I could have imagined. It is truly breathtaking.

You can view some of the work of s.l.e on her website at http://www.sarahexell.com/. Check her out! Her talent is not to be underestimated.

Monday, June 7, 2010

All In The Family

So there is this artist that I know. Stunningly beautiful with fierce intelligence. She’s unwilling to conform or be bought by the Britney Spears creators and the plastics that are pop music. She knows what she wants, and by all means possible, she will achieve it. This woman happens to be Gabrielle Wortman. Gabrielle is my sister.

The above paragraph was from an old blog I created. As I reread the words I wrote a few years ago I am smiling from ear to ear. Gabrielle's music, style, and soul have continued to grow and mold as an artist. I’ve witnessed the progression of her talent. I recall the sing and dance offs in my bedroom, stereo blaring with songs from the forgettable 90’s, as we forced our parents to watch and praise us. I remember her uncomfortable energy when she wasn’t creating, whether it be through her painting or through music.

With her new style and songs I'm watching a whole new artist emerge. With each new release it is so obvious how far she has come. Come and join me as I watch her take off. I’m so proud of you baby sis.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Childhood Friends

Wow! I cannot believe how long it has been since my last post. My apologies to my readers, but so much has happened in the last few months. It has been a total whirlwind! I am so proud to say that Jessica Leigh Photography finally has a home. With a fully functioning studio I now have the ability to offer clients a different look and feel in their images. We are still in the process of decorating, but I cannot wait to share images of the studio with you all once it is all complete.

I have said this over and over again, but every time I complete a photo shoot, I cannot believe how lucky I am to work with such amazing people. Recently, I had the honor of taking pictures of a beautiful, intelligent woman I have known for almost twenty years. It brings a smile to my face to think of all the memories and laughs Stephanie and I have shared. My only wish was that she lived closer!

Check out a few images from our shoot below. Girl looks like a model.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Ali and Jasper

Charity is a big part of my business. There is nothing more rewarding if I can, in anyway, help an animal in need get placed into a wonderful forever home. There are some amazing people out there that have made a career out of saving these precious pups and I am committed to donating my services to aid them. Recently, I provided a photography package to the United Action for Animals for their silent auction. A wonderful woman won the package and this was how I came to meet Ali and her gorgeous pup Jasper.

After our consultation, Ali opted for a studio session in her home. When I arrived to her Upper Westside apartment I was greeted by Jasper and his enormous personality. I must say this little Yorkie has more energy in all eight pounds of him than a packed stadium during the super bowl. What a riot! I do not think I have ever laughed more during a shoot before.

I spent some time with Ali, getting to know her and Jasper, so we could really nail down what she wanted from these images. By judging from the below pictures I think we really captured what this lil' guy is all about. Doesn’t he look like John Lennon with those glasses?!

Gosh, I have the best job in the world.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Gem and Lauren Glick

Meet Gem. Gem's story is heartbreaking, yet is filled with more love and strength than most rescue cases. A striking pit bull with a heart of gold Gem was adopted by Jason Labutka, a New York architect that lived on the Upper Eastside of Manhattan. A few years back he met my beautiful friend Lauren Glick and her pup Tiggie (whom happens to be my pup Winnie’s best friend). They quickly discovered that Tiggie and Gem were both rescues from Stray from the Heights. A tight friendship between Jason and Lauren ensued.

Sadly, before Thanksgiving of last year Jason passed away suddenly from a bacterial infection. Without thought Lauren opened up her home and heart to Gem. Now Tiggie and Gem are connected. Their interactions are hilarious and full of love (most of the time that is!). Truly a Mutt and Jeff relationship if I’ve ever seen one!

I wish I could say the story ended there, but unfortunately Gem’s life continues in more turmoil. Gem was diagnosed with lymphoma shortly after moving into his new home. Although devastated, Lauren decided to face the ordeal with optimistic energy. She told the NY Post in a write up of the story last December, “It’s either the worst luck on the entire planet or a sick twist of fate, but we’re praying for a positive outcome.” With an early diagnosis both Gem’s vet and Lauren believe the lymphoma is curable.

Lauren is a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman that needs all the help right now we animal lovers can give her and Gem. Donations are truly appreciated to aid in the high expense of Gem’s treatment. You can contact Gem’s fund at gemsfund@gmail.com. Take a look at this handsome boy. How could you not want to help?!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

New York, New York

There is so much inspiration and creative energy packed onto this tiny island of 23 square miles. There is nowhere else like it. When I’m hit with an artistic block I try and step back from portraiture and turn to street photography. It's incredibly refreshing and I always find the chaos of this city motivating.

I am so fortunate that I call home a city where millions of people visit every year. Unfortunately, the longer I live here the more I take that for granted. I’m a huge history buff and wherever we travel, I’m the tourist with the Eyewitness Travel guide, soaking in every little bit of history I can. Most likely to my husband’s embarrassment, but at least I don’t sport a fanny pack. This summer with my tourist mode in full effect I took to NYC’s greatest attractions. I visited the Statue of Liberty (for the first time ever!), toured Ellis Island, and visited Alexander Hamilton’s grave at Trinity Church. I felt as though I was visiting New York for the first time!

Here are a few images from my explorations of the Big Apple.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Donation To Haiti

My heart is breaking for everyone affected by the disaster in Haiti. I cannot even begin to comprehend the horrors the people of Haiti are experiencing. As a country I am hoping that we have learned from how Hurricane Katrina was handled and we step up and aid in anyway we can. Outside of my own personal contribution to relief efforts I have also decided to donate 50% of all sales from my Prints for Purchase gallery for the next month to the Red Cross and also to Wycle Jean's amazing organization Yele Haiti. So please take a moment to buy a image. Not only will you be purchasing a piece of art, but you will also gain the confidence in knowing that you are helping aid those that need it the most right now.

Jessica Leigh Photography Prints for Purchase