Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Schultz
Hi Jessie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My photography journey began just before I had my firstborn in 2012. At the time, we were living in California, and I was working as a hairstylist. Knowing I’d want endless photos of my baby, I started taking photography classes at a community college to learn the basics. Soon, I was capturing every moment of my little one and photographing anyone willing to let me practice. I shared my work on social media, and before I knew it, people started asking me to take their photos.
Back then, I was still learning, saying yes to everything simply because I loved photography. It quickly became a passion—one that I couldn’t ignore. So, I dove deeper, attending workshops and reaching out to photographers for advice on the business side of things. But in 2013, the industry wasn’t as open as it is today. It was more about competition than community, and I struggled to find guidance. Every door I knocked on was shut. I felt stuck. I knew how to create beautiful images, but I had no idea how to run a business.
For a moment, I considered giving up. But that’s not who I am. Being told “No” or “You can’t” only fuels me to push harder. I promised myself that if I ever made it in this business, I’d never turn away a photographer seeking help.
Determined, I bought every business book I could find, attended WPPI in Las Vegas, and finally found a community of photographers who supported one another. I returned home inspired and took another workshop with two photographers who later invited me to third shoot at their weddings. At the time, weddings weren’t even on my radar—but the first one I shot, I just knew. This was what I was meant to do.
By 2014, I had another baby and continued photographing families, maternity, and engagements, but my heart was set on weddings. I saved up for mentorships with photographers I admired, honed my craft, and second-shot every chance I got.
In 2015, I started encouraging Dylan to shoot with me. “Husband and wife teams kill it!” I’d say. But he insisted that photography was my thing—until one night, he had a dream that he was second shooting a wedding with me. The next day, he was all in. I taught him everything I knew, and he picked it up fast.
We shot a few friends’ weddings before landing our first official booking in October 2015—a punk rock wedding at the Hollywood Cemetery in Los Angeles. The bride and groom were both in bands, and their wedding was one of the most unique we’ve ever shot. It was later published in Rock N Roll Bride, and that’s when Jessie Schultz Photography truly took off.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think Dylan and I would become wedding photographers, let alone travel the world capturing love stories. From Ireland to Canada, Mexico, Fiji, and across the U.S., this journey has been beyond anything I could have imagined. Every day, I pinch myself that this is my job—getting to be creative, telling love stories, and running my own business. It took years of hard work, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest struggles along the way was learning how to run a business when I first started. It was anything but smooth and took years to figure out. But more recently, the hardest challenge came in 2021 when we packed up our lives and moved from Orange County, California, to New Braunfels, Texas.
My entire business was in California. While we traveled for weddings, the majority of our work was still rooted there. Moving across the country meant starting over from square one—rebuilding something I had poured my heart into for years. It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made, but I knew deep down it was the right one for my family. And if I had built it once, I could build it again.
That first year, we traveled back to California 17 times while slowly working to establish ourselves in Texas. But with two kids in sports, I knew that level of travel wasn’t sustainable. I had to fully commit to making Texas home.
I started reaching out to wedding planners and connecting with people in the wedding industry, something I wasn’t used to doing. In California, my business had grown organically—people sought me out. But here, I had to put myself out there, talk about my work, and build relationships from the ground up. It was uncomfortable, but I leaned into it, knowing that growth comes from discomfort.
There were moments I wanted to quit, but my love for photography kept me going. I learned more about myself in that season than I ever expected, pushing past self-doubt and embracing the challenge.
Starting over is never easy, but if you ever find yourself in that position, know that you can do it. Don’t let fear hold you back. Be willing to sit in the uncomfortable, because that’s where the most growth happens.
Now, I’m finally seeing the fruits of that hard work. My name is getting out in all of Texas, and after years of rebuilding, I’m excited to say I’m almost completely booked for 2025 and now booking for 2026.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We’re a husband and wife photography team specializing in all things couples. Weddings and elopement documentary style photography with an editorial flare is what we’re most known for, but when we’re not capturing organic love stories together, I also photograph families, lifestyle sessions, maternity, and branding photography. (Dylan sticks to weddings, elopements, and engagements with me.)
One of the things we’re most proud of is finding a balance between work and life. It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve had an incredible village supporting us along the way, and we’re so grateful for that.
What truly sets us apart is the connection we build with our couples. It’s never just about taking beautiful photos—though, of course, that matters too. It’s about creating a bond, a friendship, and a level of trust that allows couples to feel completely comfortable in front of our cameras.
When you look back on your photos, we don’t want them to be just pretty pictures. We want them to transport you back to that exact moment—to bring back the laughter, the emotions, and the little in-between moments that made your day unforgettable. Not just the first time you see them, but years down the road when you flip through your album and feel every memory come rushing back.
Capturing love and preserving moments in time is something we’ll never take for granted. We’re forever grateful that this is our job.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Now that I’ve been in the industry for over 10 years, I mentor other photographers. But when I first started out, I took mentor sessions with tons of photographers. You will never know it all—there’s always room to learn and grow, especially in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
If you’re looking for a mentor, start by reaching out to photographers whose work and approach you admire. Don’t just ask for free advice—invest in mentorships, workshops, or second-shooting opportunities. Many photographers are more open to sharing their knowledge when they see that you respect their time and expertise.
The saying “you gotta spend money to make money!” is so dang true. If you want to grow, you have to invest in yourself and your business. Whether it’s education, better gear, or networking opportunities, those investments will pay off in the long run.
Networking with other vendors is just as valuable. Building relationships with wedding planners, florists, makeup artists, and venue coordinators can lead to referrals and collaborations. One of the best ways to foster these connections is by supporting others first—share their work, refer clients, and engage with them genuinely. Styled shoots, coffee meetups, and simply showing up for industry events can go a long way in forming lasting vendor relationships.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Attend networking events and local industry meetups. Join online photography and wedding professional communities, but don’t just observe—engage, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute where you can.
Most importantly, approach networking with a mindset of giving before receiving. This business is built on relationships, not just talent. When you focus on connection and community over competition, doors will open, and opportunities will come your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessieschultzphotography.com/sanantonio-wedding-photographer
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie.schultz/
