The Artist
Meet Jess
Photographer, Travel Fanatic, Aries, Certified Professional Photographer
Those words pretty much sum me up, but here are a few other interesting tidbits that you might not know. I've never had a cup of coffee in my life, I have lived in 13 different states (a couple of them more than once) as well as overseas, I’ve visited 49 states (I still need to get to Nebraska) and have been to 5 continents + Central America. I grew up in Vermont climbing trees, milking goats and playing in the swamp and I suffer from severe wanderlust (especially in the Spring and Fall).
I left Vermont in 1995 and eventually graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in psychology and something to do with computers. To this day, I have never worked in the Criminal Justice field, but I have done lots of work with both in-patient and out-patient Psych.
After spending a couple of years overseas teaching English, I returned to the states and decided to attend Hallmark Institute of Photography, where I graduated in 2007. Since then, I have been working in photography in various fields.
I started Jessica Marie Photography in 2007, which leans on the travel photography/commercial side of things. In 2014 I started Dark Light Portrait Studios, which focuses on portraits, weddings, sports and events and received my Certified Professional Photographer certificate in 2017.
Today, I am living in Williamsburg, VA and continuing to learn, improve and perfect the art of Photography.
The Awards
Recently named a Top Ten Photographer of the Year, as well as Commercial & Social Function Photographer of the Year for Tampa Bay, FL
Recently named a Top Ten Photographer of the Year as well as a member of the Court of Honor, with images in the prestigious Commonwealth Collection for Virginia Professional Photographers Association.
The Story
After graduating from Hallmark Institute of Photography in 2007, where she received classical training in all types of photography, Jessica Wakefield spent years working on her craft, building her knowledge base and honing her skills. In 2014, she moved to Monroe, Louisiana to start Dark Light Portrait Studios with fellow photographer Tony Romo. They remained in Monroe until 2017, then re-located to Tampa, Florida, where they remained in business until the middle of 2023. At that time, Tony decided it was time to explore other avenues, stepped away from the business and moved back to Oklahoma, where he is originally from. Jess took over as the solo owner of Dark Light. As of July, 2024, Jess has moved further north, to live in the beautiful city of Williamsburg, Virginia, where she hopes to meet tons of new people, enjoy having seasons and hopefully get to wear some cold weather clothes!
At Dark Light Portrait Studios, she creates art, custom designed to decorate the walls of your home. She works hard to make sure that you have an enjoyable time and that your portraits are exactly what you need for your home.
Award winning, published, and unforgettable portrait and wedding photographer based in Williamsburg, VA. Certified Professional Photographer and member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Tampa Area Professional Photographer Association (TAPPA) and Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA). Jess works hard to give you an amazing experience that you will never forget.
