PHOTOGRAPHER | Jess Diaz
With more than ten years of experience in wedding photography, Jess Diaz thrives in environments full of joy, affection, and creativity. Based in Chicago, she travels for weddings, offering a welcoming, documentary-driven, and film-forward approach to capture spontaneous moments. Jess Diaz is available for weddings across the United States and is particularly drawn to the desert, the West Coast, or any destination her couples desire.
Tell us about your business!
Weddings have been my life for over a decade now. And while I never considered this path a possibility until it fell into my hands, it’s impossible for me to see myself doing anything else. I thrive in an environment of celebration, love, dancing, living freely, and with the freedom to make art. No matter the room, no matter the size of the wedding, I’m exactly where I want to be.
I am a photographer because photos are all we will ever have left. They stop time, they bring you back to a time you only experienced once, and they give you a glimpse into the past and what came before us. Photos live forever.
What would you like couples to know about you?
I’m a simple soul, independent, and happiest in the little moments. I live life knowing that everything that happens, happens exactly when it’s supposed to. Life challenges us when we need to grow, and our desires come to us when the universe knows we’re ready. The key is not to rush through it all; to be present and embrace the journey. I do my best to bring this energy to each wedding day to help everyone feel at ease.
Where are you based?
Chicago, IL.
Do you travel for weddings?
Always!
How would you describe your style?
I provide an experience that is welcoming, calm, documentary-driven and film-forward that leaves room for things to happen naturally. Believing the best images come from the spontaneous moments, I blend candid interaction with timeless portraits and direction whenever it’s needed. My approach is always intentional, and never overly produced.
What is your most memorable career moment?
I’m a big hockey fan (I know, you’d never know unless you’re reading this), and I photographed the wedding of a player from my hometown NHL team.
What inspires you?
Architecture, fashion, human interaction, and especially old family photos, wedding photos and portraits from the decades before ours.
How would you describe your working style?
My goal is to feel like a part of the crowd. I get to know family and friends, and interact with guests which brings a level of comfort to the environment where the camera is forgotten and interactions come naturally.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
Both! But mainly film.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Absolutely! Every wedding day is different and I do everything I can to accommodate everyone’s desires.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Prints! Photos aren’t meant to live forever on a screen.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
I have a soft spot for the desert and the West Coast. But I’m always willing to go anywhere anyone would like to take me!
Who is your dream client?
Humans who value presence over perfection, while also valuing design, florals, fashion, and the overall visual feel of their wedding, but never at the expense of actually experiencing the day. They love to get weird, they embrace the unexpected, and the good chaos, and give themselves permission to let go, and live freely.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Make your wedding day yours. Be intentional about everything you do leading up to the day so that you can completely let go when it’s here. Be fully there with your people. Dance too much. Sneak away together. Embrace it all and let the photos tell the story.
Jess Diaz
Website: jessdiazphotography.com
Instagram: @jessdiazco
