The Meaning Behind The Family Club
leading by example
Growing up, family portraits were more than just photos on the wall. For my mom, they were a non-negotiable tradition. Despite the challenges of being a young single mom, she made sure that we regularly had our portraits taken. We’re talking about those JCPenney and Olan Mills studio photos, you know the ones. (yes, I was that kid).
As a child, I didn’t think much of these photos. But, as an adult and a mom myself, I see them differently. My mom wasn’t just capturing moments for us to look at in the present. She was ensuring that, years from now, my brother and I would have something to look back on, something to remind us of the love, the struggle, and the beautiful chaos of our family story.
I come from a teenage pregnancy and grew up in low income housing. Money was tight. But no matter what, my mom made sure we had our family portraits taken. Those photos weren’t for her, they were for us. They were her way of making sure our life together would never be forgotten. And as I look back at those portraits now, I don’t see awkward smiles, bad hair, or dated clothing. I see her love, her resilience, and her unwavering effort to preserve our family’s story with pride.
This is why I do what I do.
I created The Family Club from my own experience. I’ve always wanted to lead by example. I wanted to build a career where documenting your family’s story is easy, accessible, and effortless, so that no matter how busy life gets, the memories don’t get lost. I know how quickly time passes, and I want to make sure you never look back and wish you’d taken the time to document the seasons.
What I’ve learned from my own family photos is that they are more than just pictures. They are a testament to the love and effort we put into raising our families. And they become more valuable with time. They are proof that you showed up, loved, and lived fully in the season of life you’re in.
For the last 9 years, I’ve exclusively photographed families, capturing the beautiful chaos of raising little ones. My photography is not about perfection. It’s not about posing the kids just right or making sure everyone is perfectly styled. It’s about creating something that, years from now, will mean more than you can imagine. Something that will remind you of how you showed up and loved your family through every big and small moment.
That’s the mission behind The Family Club, helping you afford to document your family’s story in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming or unattainable.
The point of sharing this timeline of classic studio portraits was to help you see how the small intentional actions of each milestone leads to an incredible collection of your family history.
(Even if it’s a bit cheesy)
Family portraits taken at Jess’ studio
Leading by example and carrying the family tradition
“I started taking family photos as a way to remember my children's lives. It was important to me to remember and share their pictures with family and friends. I look back at some of the photos and am grateful for having the opportunity to do so. It started out at just a couple of months old and continued till they were in their teens. Now, we get to look at those moments of childhood and cherish them. I think that this is a good time to start sharing these photos with the grandkids.” -Jess’ Mom
Are you ready to be intentional?
Open enrollment to join The Family Club is April 1, 2025.
Click here to learn more and sign up for the waitlist to get first dibs.
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