Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Plank.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, and somehow I never left—and honestly, I love that. I’m a mid-Michigan girl through and through: a wife, a mom to two hilarious little humans, and someone who finds a lot of joy in simple things… like heading up north for the weekend or going on family adventures with my husband and kids.
My life is a busy mix of roles: I work full-time, I’m a mom, and I run a growing photography business. It’s a lot of hats, but they all feel like part of who I am. My daughter, Claire, dreams big—her future career goals change daily—and my son, Luke, is obsessed with anything that has wheels. Our world is full, chaotic, and so full of heart.
Photography found me in the most unexpected, perfectly-timed way. Years ago, while coaching the Saginaw Valley State University Pompon team, I picked up my co-coach’s DSLR on the sidelines of a football game. The second I clicked the shutter, it brought me right back to being a kid with my mom’s digital camera, photographing my friends in the backyard. That spark hit me instantly.
Not long after, I bought my first camera on a Black Friday sale “just for fun,” with no intention of turning it into a business. But one session turned into another, and slowly, word spread. Almost ten years later, I’m still amazed at how that little moment on the sidelines grew into a passion that lets me meet incredible people, travel to beautiful places, and capture chapters of people’s lives they’ll hold onto forever. It’s been a wild, meaningful journey—and I’m grateful every day that I get to tell stories through my lens.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road. Growing a photography business while raising a family and working a full-time job is… a lot. There are seasons where it feels like everything needs me at once—my kids, my job, my clients, my home—and finding that balance has been one of my biggest ongoing challenges. I’m constantly learning how to divide my time in a way that honors all the parts of my life, while still leaving space for myself and the people I love.
There have been late nights editing, weekends filled with sessions, and moments where I questioned if I could truly juggle it all. But the thing that keeps me going is the people I get to photograph. My clients genuinely fuel me. I’ve always been artistic at heart, and photography gives me a creative outlet that feels grounding—almost like a breath of fresh air in the middle of all the chaos. It’s not an easy road, but it’s one that fills me up in a really meaningful way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my photography work, I really see myself as a storyteller and a people-person first. I specialize in weddings, families, seniors, and branding sessions, but I’ve never been someone who limits myself to just one area. I love being open to whatever my clients need. Whether it’s a cozy in-home newborn session, a family running around at the park, or a wedding day that’s beautifully chaotic, I’m all in. My goal is always to bring my art into people’s homes in a way that feels genuine and meaningful.
One thing that truly sets me apart is the blend of my customer-service background with my creative work. Years of working with people in my full-time career have shaped the way I photograph. I’m patient, I listen closely, and I genuinely care about the personalities and stories in front of my camera. Getting to know individuals, couples, and families is one of my favorite parts of this work. I love finding out what makes them feel comfortable and making sure they walk away feeling seen and valued.
What I’m most proud of is the connections I’ve built over the years. Clients may come to me for photos, but they often leave feeling like they had an experience that mattered. That’s the heart of what I do. The images are important, of course, but the way people feel during and after their session means just as much to me.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me, personally, is my family. They’re my center and the reason I push myself the way I do. But when it comes to my business, the thing I value above everything else is my clients and the experience they have with me. Photography is such a personal thing, people are trusting me with their memories and I never take that lightly.
I’ve always believed you only get one name in this world, and I want mine to shine for the right reasons. That means showing up fully, giving people my best, and creating a space where they feel comfortable, cared for, and genuinely seen. If someone walks away not only loving their photos but also feeling valued in the process, then I’ve done exactly what I set out to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicaleblancphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaleblancphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicaleblancphotography/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jesssicaleblancphoto/
