About Me

I’m Jennifer* Alice Jackson, an artsy nerd who loves photography because it allows me to merge my technical skills and creativity to make amazing photographs. I have a lot of energy and the spirit of a comedian; if you're looking for a mellow photo shoot, I'm probably not the photographer for you. If you're ready to have an enjoyable photo shoot while we create some visual deliciousness - contact me! I’m open to shooting all kinds of subjects, but most of my experience has been in dance, event and portrait photography.

Dance Photography

Dance has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. My first sleeping bag had a giant picture of Snoopy on it with the phrase “To dance is to live, to live is to dance.” I’ve been dancing in some form (modern, jazz, African and ballet) for the past 35 years and was the Administrative Director of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater for five years.  Now I'm a competitive amateur Latin dancer (mostly Salsa, with a little Bachata and ChaCha in the mix). When I have a dance photography assignment, I’m not just looking to get a technically good shot. I’m looking to showcase your brilliance as an artist. You won’t get technically beautiful photographs where your form looks “off” because I snapped the shot a fraction of a second to early (or late). Nope. Not on my watch. You deserve photos that will make you, your mother AND your dance instructors proud!

Event Photography

Before becoming a professional photographer, I had a job where one of my responsibilities was event planning. My law firm didn’t have a full-time photographer and I wanted good pictures of my events – so I started taking them myself. I’ve been the event photographer for a number of organizations including Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, the National Association of Women Lawyers, Cook County Bar Association, ALPFA, and the Chicago Committee. When I’m covering your event, know that I’m thinking like an event planner. You’ll get a good blend of detail shots, the featured guests with event organizers, and candid shots of the attendees interacting.

Portrait Photography

I think of portraits very broadly – pictures of people being themselves. Sure I take headshots, but I’m more of a lifestyle portrait photographer. My first portraits were of my friends on vacation. I ambushed them with impromptu photo sessions – but they each connected with their inner model and their personalities shine through in the portraits. My goal with any client is to create an environment where you’re comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.

*  You can call me Jennifer, Jenn or J. I love my first name, but my business is J. Alice Jackson Photography because there are too many other Jennifer Jacksons in the world (and at least one of them is also a professional photographer).