Jessica Gwozdz Photography - Chicago maternity, newborn, child, and family photographer » Maternity

Tracy Joy and Family

Jes — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:38:09 +0000

I am so honored because when Tracy Joy found out she was expecting her third baby, she asked me to take her maternity pictures. Yep, I am talking about internet business guru Tracy Joy of camera bag fame, Prop Insanity fame, and basic all around photography fame. Talk about making a maternity photographer nervous! Fortunately Tracy is down to earth, totally cool, and a beautiful person both inside and out. I really mean that beautiful part… I did not have to retouch out a single stretch mark – LOL!

She brought along the cutest props for her kids, but why would I expect anything less? I hope Tracy loves her images as much as I do. Here are some highlights.

you were always in good hands, but now it’s official

Jes — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:00:32 +0000

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As this year comes to a close, I wanted to share the accomplishment of one of my bigger 2010 goals. This year I went through the process of becoming a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP).

In other industries mechanics, accountants, attorneys, plumbers, electricians, etc. are required to be certified in their field. Obtaining certification affirms that the individual has passed a comprehensive exam as well as met other requirements, and possesses knowledge, extensive experience, and is appropriately skilled in that particular field. But what about the photography industry? These days it seems that anyone who gets a new dSLR camera prints up some business cards and markets themselves as a professional photographer. Whether or not they actually know the basic elements of exposure, composition, or color – in truth anyone can call themselves a professional photographer. When I looked at the saturation of photographers the marketplace, I felt that I needed to do something to differentiate myself from the pack. So although anyone can call themselves a photographer, very few can call themselves Certified Professional Photographers.

Chicago is a huge city, and clients have a choice of literally hundreds of photographers here. But did you know that there are only seven certified photographers within 20 miles of downtown Chicago?

And now I am one of them.

My journey to becoming a CPP was shared today on the ClickinMoms blog. Click here to check it out.

As I set new goals for myself both personally and professionally for 2011, I want to wish everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Soon to be three

Jes — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:57:59 +0000

Is there anything more beautiful than a pregnant woman? I really get excited to work with moms-to-be. It’s such an important time in their lives and I love to document that time for them. This mom-to-be had lots of creative ideas for her portraits, so we had a good time experimenting with different clothing and lighting. The only thing that can make a maternity session like that even better is a dad-to-be who is equally as excited about the shoot. This dad came through on all counts. He also had lots of ideas and he was willing to go along with anything suggested to him.

Here’s a little sneak peek for you, N & J. Good luck in the final weeks of your pregnancy. I can’t wait to meet your new addition!

In honor of baby’s birthday….

Jes — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:25:26 +0000

This little baby is probably being born as I blog these photos, as mama’s c-section was scheduled for today. I am sure by the end of the week, it will be hard to remember when her tummy was so round. Best wishes, C&C! I hope all goes smoothly for you today, and I can’t wait to meet your new addition!

Pretty in Purple

Jes — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 03:32:35 +0000

You might recognize this gorgeous girl because a portrait I shot of her back in 2008 was featured on the cover of Expectant Mother’s Guide to Chicago. That cover shot was taken when she was pregnant with Baby #1. I am sharing that magazine cover because the colors are relevant. Her first baby’s nursery was decorated in red, and we did the maternity shoot with lots of red. Baby #2 is due is May. Looking at these new photos from her maternity session this week, wanna take a guess what color baby #2′s nursery is going to be?

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