An Inspired Chat with Jessica Stasik of Southeast Michigan

We recently had the chance to connect with Jessica Stasik and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now? OOF.
Waking up early to sneak in my daily workout before my two little ones wake up.
Then it’s hurrying around to get my four year old to preschool.
From there I’m hanging with my (almost) two year old, our two dogs (one being a 3 month old puppy), and balancing mom life, work life, and home life all before it’s bedtime and I do it all over again tomorrow.
If there’s editing to do, I’ll get that done during nap time.
If not, I’ll either sneak in a little tv or video game time for myself, or if needed, take a little nap too!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jessica Stasik, and I’ve been a photographer for over a decade, serving families and couples here in Michigan since 2012. My business is built around creating meaningful, timeless images that don’t just document a moment—they tell a story. I’ve been honored to be a 5-star rated, award-winning photographer, consistently recognized in Detroit’s “Vote 4 the Best” and featured in multiple publications, including Photograp.her Magazine.

What makes my work special is the experience I create for my clients. I believe photography should feel effortless, fun, and personal, so I work hard to make sessions comfortable and natural. Many of my clients come back year after year, which is the biggest compliment I could ask for—it means I’ve become part of preserving their family’s story.

Right now, I’m especially excited about my seasonal sessions, like my Holiday Nook Christmas minis, which tie in both photography and community by encouraging families to donate toys for the children’s hospital. Photography has always been about more than just photos for me—it’s about connection, impact, and leaving behind something that truly lasts.
I’m here to tell your story, one photo at a time.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most defining moments in my life was when my father passed away unexpectedly, when I was just nineteen years old. It was such a painful season, but what stood out to me was how our community rallied around us and how much comfort we found in the memories we had—especially in photos and videos.

In that moment, I realized just how important it is to preserve those pieces of our lives, because one day, that may be all we have left. That experience deepened my purpose as a photographer. I don’t just take pictures, I help families hold onto the people they love and the moments that truly matter.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: you are strong, and you are enough.
I grew up being bullied for my size, and at the time it made me feel unloved and unworthy. But what I didn’t know then was that those painful experiences would give me the empathy and sensitivity that now shape the way I see people.

As a photographer, I don’t just aim to create pretty pictures—I strive to capture people in a way that makes them feel truly seen, valued, and beautiful. I know how important it is to be reminded that you’re beautiful, exactly as you are, and that’s the gift I try to give to every client I work with.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say the public version of me is very much real, but it’s just one part of who I am. When I’m working I bring a louder, more extroverted energy. I’m that person who knows how to get a family laughing, hype you up, make kids feel comfortable, and keep things moving so we get real moments on camera.

At home I’m quieter and more reserved; I need that time to recharge and be present with my kids. Being authentic to me means honoring both sides: the warm, energized photographer people see at a session and the introverted mom who needs calm and boundaries. Both are true, they just show up in different places as needed.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who truly saw them. Someone who noticed the small, beautiful details in life and in the people around me. I hope they say I made them feel valued, celebrated, and loved, whether in front of my camera, through quiet acts of kindness, or simply by showing up.

I hope they remember that I lived with intention, followed my passions, and tried to leave a little light wherever I went— capturing fleeting moments that become lasting memories, helping families hold onto what matters most, and giving back to my community whenever I could.

In the end, I hope my story is one of love, a lot of humor, connection, and the lasting impact we can have on each other’s lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jlboonephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlboonephotography
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/jlboonephotography