Jess Porter Photography
Meet Jess
The laid-back Newcastle family, newborn and maternity photographer for fun-lovin’ people like you
“Wild thing, I think I love you”
Your other half, little tackers or nearly baked arrivals… well, they make your heart sing. *Cue the loved-up montage*
Remember thinking ‘Oh my god, they’re the one!’ Or little Billy’s first steps. That cute little wrinkle in your sweet new cherub’s nose…
The wild part is – how time seems to stand still, then zooms right past faster than a Harley rider busting for the loo.
And soon enough you realise there’s no true captures of all those moments that make you and your family who you are. Ah, crap.
Feel every moment.
Play ‘em back like a record
What if you could hold those moments forever?
Have a bloody beautiful family album to look back on in 50 years (or even tomorrow). All their rich and raw beauty ready for you… To relive on repeat, like your favourite album.
You’re all like:
“Ooh yeah Jess, sounds good, ya peach! But I’m lucky to get the kids sitting, well-behaved for 5 minutes. They *look* at an ice cream and it's somehow in their eyebrows.”
Okay, you caught me. I can’t promise no ice cream eyebrows (they’re kinda cute). But I *can* promise we’ll have the best time ever. In a place that feels comfy for everyone.
Set in the wild. Inspired by good tunes. Rocked by you.
Hey! I’m Jess
Head Photo Taker Lady at Jess Porter Photography Newcastle Newborn, Family and Maternity Photographer
Photography obsessed Newcastle local
Country gal
Pizza is my love language
Closet knitter
Rock music obsessed
Mum to Little Nug (AKA Grace)
I feel most at home outdoors. Exploring dense forests, swimming in the ocean – rocking out to bands with my little fam.
Lucky for me, my little one, Grace is yet to run away when I get my camera out (which is 25/7). I’m sure she’ll roll her eyes at me one day. But on that day I’ll capture the exact moment, haha Grace joke’s on you I win 😉
Fun fact:
I’ve been snappin’ away since high school. Packing my point and shoot camera for parties (yep, I was that gal). Sneaking into the AV room at lunchtime to relive the night before. While my equipment’s been upgraded since those Myspace days, I’ve been called Paparazzi Porter ever since and I’m not even mad.
* Yes these are obviously not from high school because no one needs to see those bad hair choices *
Here for the tunes
Grace’s fave artists are John Mayer, Fleetwood Mac and Maggie Rogers if that’s anything to go by! We’re a big music-loving household. Our home’s always filled with music. And I always bring that vibe to our ‘shoot. Lemme know your fave songs, and we’ll play ‘em!
I started because...
I’m bloody obsessed with taking photos. I love it and do it all day long, regardless of if I’m working or not. Capturing the big moments, the little moments and everything in between.
Lifestyle shots in your style
My style’s not dressed to the nines, forcing cheesy poses in a stuffy studio. Nah, think more – you on an outing for the day – just having a good time in your element. Ya know, the *real* you.
True to life captures
I love light, and the way it affects your mood and the vibe of what we see. The way late afternoon rays hit buildings and make it look so much more magical than boring midday sun. Your photos aren’t edited beyond reality – they come in all your natural goodness.
Natural, that’s my style. My jam. My joy zone.
True to life colours. Love is the anchoring point for all photos.
It might surprise the flip outta you. But I don’t have many photos of my childhood.
There’s missing pieces all over the damn place. Sometimes I’ll receive a photo from my childhood from a family member, and I get so excited like I’ve discovered some magical treasure! (Except for perhaps this one – I think we can all be thankful family photography has come a looooong way since the 90s!)
Then when I had Grace, I kinda was just so in love with her, I forgot to take photos of her tiny hands, chubby cheeks – and now that time is gone (though I’ve definitely made up for it since then!).
Please don’t live with the same regrets as I do – hold these memories close, for years (and decades!) to come. To relive in raw vibrancy, over and over… For generations to come.
You’re the type who:
- Goes with the flow
- Loves the outdoors
- Are sometimes a goof
- Love casual get-togethers with your mates
- Value moments more than things
- Stop to appreciate sunrises and sunsets
No awkward poses. No pressure. And no cheese (unless it's on your pizza)
Jennifer de Haan
(^^ I didn’t even pay her to say that!)
Easy-going galleries
Getting a toddler to sit in a chair and smile politely for 20 minutes? Not gonna happen. Heck, my Grace is lucky to have matching socks on some days. But 20 years down the track, no one gets a giggle from matching socks now do they! As a mum myself, I work my magic on your little ones so the whole ‘shoot feels like play. And we capture your family in photos that show who you really are. That’s life. That’s beautiful.
Choose your adventure
Ever Googled your name and ‘glamour shot’? Because, same. For many, it’s a cringe-worthy reminder of some weird man behind an umbrella waving a grubby duck in your 5-year-old face. Yeah, let’s not give the little ones our nightmares. *Wipes sweat from brow!* Whether your favourite spot’s by the creek, exploring rock pools or 4-wheel driving down the beach. Let’s capture that instead. The true essence of you, and who your family really is.
Like hangin’ out with your friend
One of the biggest compliments I get from the parents and families I capture is – “it feels like we’re life-long friends.” And I guess that’s because when I first started out, I began with capturing friends. So I treat ya like one. Cue the tunes, snacks and bevvies (seriously though, can we?). Get ready for a day that feels all fuzzy and familiar – with a gal who gets you and your fam. It’s my ultimate aim to make you feel comfortable and damn happy.
Jayde Paterson, Newcastle
Why me, tho?
Come as you are
Sure, you can get dolled up if it makes ya feel bloody good. But you don’t have to, either. Wear something comfy. Come as the real you. Because in 20+ years, you may just fall in love with those freckles for the first time ever.
Let it be
As a mum myself, I ‘get’ kids. Don’t worry your cotton socks if they start to whine. That’s kids, right! I do everything in my power (and even use some *super* ones) to make the day a whole lotta fun for everyone.
We are family
Mums and dads. Mums and mums. Dads and dads. Families come in all kinds of beauty. Unlike many other photographers, I’m not here just for mum. I’m here for you as a fam.
I see trees of green
The wide open road. Your favourite secret beach. Down by the lake feeding all the birdies. No matter your special spot… It’s in nature you connect, explore and adventure. Let me capture your family in your element.
Nature-inspired photography of your family, newborn and bump.
Go your own way
“You’re really bloody beautiful.” – My camera. The thing about hanging out with your fam and me capturing your candid moments is that you see the *real* you. The rich love of your family… Your own way of being together.
Come together, right now
1
Get in touch
Fill in contact form
2
Choose your date
And lemme know your ideal location
3
Deposit
Once finalised, receive a contract and link to the client portal
4
Your answers
You answer a couple of qs, so we can have the very best day ever.
5
Remaining payment
You finalise the amount a week before our ‘shoot
6
Show time, baby
We hang out and have fun for an hour or so (AKA your photo session!)
7
Your fave album
Delivered within 4-6 weeks
Adventure awaits….
Fun Answered Questions
Maybe you’re still scarred from childhood photoshoots with a weird guy behind an umbrella *shivers.* But you don’t need to look at me! Look wherever it feels natural – I’ll let you know when to wink at the camera 😉
This is entirely up to you, amigo. But use bush, beach or backyard as inspo. Start thinking about places you feel comfortable in. Maybe you love Sunday adventures down to your secret beach. Or you’re looking for a newborn shoot, so would love to capture that in your home. Yep, I’ll come to your place. Wherever you have in mind across Newcastle and beyond, we’ll make it happen.
Sure do, legend. I’ve captured across Newcastle, Sydney, the Hunter Valley, up to Byron Bay and right down to Melbourne. No matter where you are, I can come to you. You’ll receive a full rundown of our plan on your official proposal.
Don’t feel like your place needs to be spotless if we’re shooting there. Sure, put away phone chargers and animal bowls – maybe that basket of washing or dishes in the sink. But you still want your home to look lived in. Usually 1-3 rooms is a good amount to prepare – these will be your rooms with the most light (think bedroom, lounge room and backyard).
I’ll always keep an eye on the weather forecast in the lead up to your ‘shoot and keep in touch with any updates. Sometimes a little drizzle adds effect to what you’re going for – a moody look rocked by you and the conditions. We might be capturing from inside instead… Or you could want to reschedule and that’s so fine too. I’m flexible, and we’ll be in touch the whole time.
If we’re capturing your family, I definitely recommend some non-messy bribes *ahem* I mean snacks, for the kids! And basically anything that makes your day out feel more you.
Golden hour, baby. That’s around 3:30pm onward in Newcastle. This changes slightly with daylight savings. If you’re booking an experience, this will generally run from around lunchtime until sunset. Check out the sunset times here.
Yes! Family photoshoots are usually on weekends, newborn and maternity can be either – but I often find weekdays work better for fams. Choose any day that suits you!
As much as possible! But ideally a minimum of 7 days.
My coffee order is an oat latte.
You guys play about, do what you do best – love each other. #cute #goals. We may do a few shots looking at the camera (and also a few shots down the hatch. Vodka, anyone? I kid, I kid… Or do I?), but in general you’re just naturally being yourselves… As you would when you spend time together. I just happen to be capturing these moments for you (that would otherwise slip by).
Sure am. Since a lot of my time is spent around little ones and babies, I’m always up to date with my whooping cough and flu vaccinations. I’ve had all Covid vaccinations and booster.
Sure do! If you’d like to pay for your photoshoots in instalments, we can absolutely arrange this. 4, 6 and even 8 payments in the lead up to the shot gives you more flexibility while still booking in for your dream photoshoot in Newcastle.
How do photographers make it look so dang easy!?
Here’s how. Steal my top 6 steps to rockin’ family photos
(All you need is your phone!)
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Photo Credit: Shan Rose Photography
