oh, hey there

Meet your new biggest fan

I have set out on a mission to empower each and every client that I work with. Whether it be my seniors, business babes, or brides-- my ultimate goal is to capture the beauty that everyone else already sees (and have fun while doing so, of course!)

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

COUPLES

BRANDS

PORTRAITS

This is how we do it:

Every client that I work with is truly unique, which is why no experience is going to be exactly the same. However, you can expect to laugh, feel love, make memories, and receive those memories in captured form. My style is warm, true to color, playful at times, classic and timeless.

Capturing life just as it is.

The JTP
Experience

The most perfect beach afternoon. Sandy fingers, wet shoes, and toddling kiddos 🎞️🌊🐚

Reminiscing on summertime senior sessions ☀️🚢

The absolute most romantic session between the stacks. Hello dark academia?! 📚🤎🎞️🍂🤍

There is nothing more rewarding than holding back tears behind the camera while capturing such a special moment for my best friend | congratulations M + C!! 💍

A peek at one little set from Emma’s senior session 🤩

Oh hey there—it’s your fav, Jess.

Just here to remind you who I am and why you should let me come hangout and take photos with you, that’s all.

I started photography a long time ago, and have captured many-a-face since then. I’ve also edited out more sweat marks, strangers, and trash cans than I can count since JTP’s conception [but I’m always happy to do it].

I have a passion for people, and photography is just one way I get to connect with others. My clients are seriously the coolest, so sessions are typically a pretty fun time.

In my 10+ years of experience, I’ve truly seen it all: bustles, boobs, beer, businesses—there’s almost nothing I can’t handle [toot tooting my own horn here].

Some people say you need a niche, but my niche is humans (and sometimes products or dogs). So if you can relate to a real-life, kind hearted, imperfect, but down-to-have-a-good-time kinda gal like myself…. Let’s make some magic happen, shall we?

aaaaand some snippets of my life if you’re curious:
•I can build a dang good bonfire
•My go-to drink is a Moscow mule
•I almost became a pre-school teacher
•Love Island is my guilty pleasure show
•I don’t go anywhere without my Owala
•I can bustle a wedding dress in the dark
•Color pallets and Pinterest boards are my life
•I dislocated my elbow at a wedding once and still finished it
•I’m a self-proclaimed iPad kid when it comes to the property brothers game
•My favorite artist right now is Ashe

Okay that’s all—let’s have some photo fun, friends!!

I’m a sucker for details. All the little tidbits that others might miss—I love. Each little detail really does add to the bigger story, and I’m here to help you tell it.

Casual headshots are always a fav. Just you—in your element. ✨

We love a bestie grad session on Bascom ❤️🎓

This is hands down the cutest gallery I have ever delivered. My sister has the most adorable little family 🥹

Warm, inviting, fall time cocktail hour 🥂🍂

Second shot for @lavenderandoakstudios

Spring is SO here 🌷

Jewlery: @boldnesswithabun
Photography: @joyfultimesphotography
Venue: @orchidandoliveevents
Hair & Makeup: @jaideco.bridalartistry
Clothing: @blackbirchco

Consider this your sign that it’s time to appreciate yourself more fully— book that confidence session ✨

A beautiful fall wedding day 🍂

Second shot for the best: @lavenderandoakstudios

This and the parent trap soundtrack on repeat 🌷☀️

I love big branding sessions:

🎀 The girlhood
💭 The conversations
💇🏼‍♀️ The hairspray in the air
🧀 The snacks
👚 The outfits
💕The new friends made
⚡️The ENERGY!!!

There is truly nothing else like it.

Hey there, I’m Jess—a photographer, marketer, and lifelong people lover. I truly believe everyone deserves to have their story captured exactly as it is, and it’s such an honor when I’m chosen to do just that.

By day, I work as a marketing content creator for the Girl Scouts, and I absolutely love it. Photography remains one of my biggest passions, and choosing not to pursue it full-time allows me the freedom to get creative and pour my heart into every session I book. Through both my full-time job and photography, I’m fortunate enough to impact women and young people—and that’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.

I’m obsessed with my clients. Getting to know them and capturing their unique essence is truly one of the greatest honors.

My style has evolved over the years, and I’m thankful to keep learning and growing. Photography connects me with others in such a special way—sometimes I forget just how powerful that is.

A little more about me:
• I got my first camera at age 9
• I’m passionate about branding
• Empowering others fuels me
• I’ll probably say “CUTE” at least 100 times during our session
• I’m currently binge-watching old seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race
• I love connecting with other business owners—it’s almost as exciting as the sessions themselves
• I’m excited to work with more queer clients 🏳️‍🌈

Thank you for following along on this journey!
<3 Jess

Gotta sample the post-spray champagne

Second shot for the best @lavenderandoakstudios

I’m curious about something!! If you’ve never gotten professional portraits taken, why not??

the most adorable little family to ever exist

• Keeping your secrets •

Getting to keep my clients secrets is one of my most favorite parts of the job. Sharing the exciting jitters and capturing special moments before the rest of the world knows is an honor. From pregnancy announcements to engagements— I want it ALL!

And I absolutely positively pinkie promise that your secrets are safe with me.

Still can’t get over this intimate garden wedding 💫

Cozy indoor confidence sessions— who’s in?!

Sunset portraits from the most beautiful day 🌅

Second shot for the incredible @lavenderandoakstudios

Simple, classic & down to earth. Sometimes all you need is a few props and some sunshine! 🎞️✨

Happy small business Saturday! 🛍️

Thank you to everyone who has supported JTP this past year, it means the world! Getting to share my passion with others is the absolute best and if it wasn’t for you all, I wouldn’t be able to do so.

I’m always looking for more small business to support, so tag a few of your favorites below!! 🛒

The most stunning bride & gorgeous venue!!

Second shot for the incredible @lavenderandoakstudios

I suppose it’s time for a re-introduction, huh?

Hi, I’m Jess— a photographer, marketeer, lover of humans, and auntie. I truly believe that everyone should have the privilege of having their life captured each year (or more), and am honored when I’m chosen to do so.

Post-college I have taken a slight step back from photography, as my full time job takes more energy and time than classes did. During the day, I work as a marketing content creator for the Girl Scouts and I love every minute of it. HOWEVER, photography has remained a huge passion of mine, and choosing to not do it full time allows me to be extra creative and pour myself into the sessions that I DO take.

I’m obsessed with my clients. Getting to know & capture people just as they are is literally the best thing ever. On the flip side— brands & businesses challenge me to think outside the box and that’s pretty darn cool, too.

My style and niche have transformed over the last several years, and I’m thankful to always be learning new things. Photography allows me to connect with others— something I often find myself taking for granted.

More about me:
• I recently became an auntie!
• I got my first camera at age 9
• I graduated from UW-Whitewater
• I’m passionate about empowering others
• I will probably say “cuuuuute” 100 times during our session
• I think getting to meet other photogs is almost as cool as meeting new clients
• I love trying new things!
• Tik tok is my guilty pleasure
• I’d love to serve more queer clients

Thank you for being here,
<3 Jess

The warm, sunny, summer nights are slipping away a bit too soon 🌅🍂

The absolute most perfect day | Effie + Ryan 💍🎀
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second shot for @megadamikcreative

Have you ever considered an in-home session?

Getting the chance to photograph family is always the best. Auntie duties here I come! 🍼👶🏼

Before we know it, @boldnesswithabun will be MARRIED 🎀🌷🩷

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Follow us on Instagram

@joyfultimesphotography

Joyful Times

Our story-- how it all started

Hey there, I'm Jess-- or Jessica Joy to be exact. I came up with the name "Joyful Times Photography" in 7th grade during math class and started designing my first logo on the whiteboard I was supposed to be writing answers on. My middle name is joy, and I strive to create a joyful experience for my clients-- thus "Joyful Times". Now, about 11 years later, that same name has remained for the same reasons I came up with it in the first place.

Let's capture joy together

Testimonial

"Jess was amazing during our session! It was so hot outside, yet she was positive and engaging the entire time. My fiancé and I are not the best photo takers, and Jess knew how to position us so that we would get the best shots! I would recommend Jess to anyone looking for a fun, helpful photographer!" -Allie