Take better photos
of your family.
Learn to use the camera you already own.
Simple lessons on light, settings, and photographing your kids.
Six chapters. At your own pace.
With Jessica BollenFamily photographer & mom of four
For the photos you take
between the big occasions.
A cuddle on the couch. An afternoon outside. The way they laugh right now. Learn a few things that make those everyday photos better.
Find softer light.
Notice where the light falls before you press the shutter.
Let them move.
Keep faces sharp without asking everyone to sit still.
Keep it natural.
Give them something to do. Photograph what happens.
Photographs by Jessica Bollen.
Start with Auto.
Build from there.
No experience needed. Watch a lesson, try it with your family, and move on when you’re ready.
Small changes. A different kind of photograph.01Get to know your camera
Find the controls you’ll actually use. Set up your camera, understand your lens, and take your first practice photos.
Pick up your camera and know where to start.02Find the light
Learn to spot soft window light, open shade, and evening light. See how changing where you stand changes the whole photograph.
Find a good spot for a photo, indoors or outside.03Make sense of the settings
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, explained with photographs. Learn what each one changes and how they work together.
Choose your settings with a little more confidence.04Keep up with your kids
Choose a focus mode and shutter speed for children who rarely sit still. Get down to their level and let them move.
Get more sharp photos while your kids play.05Make it feel natural
Look for a cleaner background, choose your angle, and give your family something to do instead of asking everyone to say cheese.
Capture expressions that feel like your family.06Finish and keep your favorites
Choose the best photographs, make simple edits, and build a habit for backing up the moments you want to keep.
Have photos you’re ready to share or print.
Hi, I’m Jess.
A family photographer.
A mom of four. A patient teacher.
I’ve been photographing families in North Texas since 2015. I also know how quickly a good photo opportunity disappears when you have kids.
This is what I’d show you if we sat down together with your camera: what to change, why it helps, and something easy to try next.
Get to know me
One window.
One better photo.
- 01Turn off the ceiling light.
- 02Find a window with soft, indirect daylight.
- 03Get down to your child’s eye level.
Take a photo with the window behind you. See the softer shadows on their face? That’s where we start.
Try another sample exerciseGet your camera
out of the closet.
Learn the basics. Practice with your family.
Start taking photos you’re happy to keep.
- Six chapters of practical video lessons
- Simple exercises to try at home
- Watch and replay at your own pace
- A classroom that keeps your place
Take It Off Auto
One payment. No subscription.
Lessons are in the works.
Leave your email and I’ll let you know when you can start.
Free to join. No payment taken today.
01What camera do I need?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with adjustable aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Start with the lens it came with. Your camera manual will help you find the controls on your particular model.
02I’ve only ever used Auto. Is that okay?
Yes. That’s exactly where we start. We’ll work through the settings in plain language, with examples to try before moving on.
03Can I fit this around work and the kids?
The course is self-paced. Pause, replay, and return whenever you have time. Practice with the family moments already happening around you.
04Is $99 a subscription?
No. The planned course price is a single $99 payment. There is no monthly subscription.
05When can I start?
Jessica’s video lessons are being prepared. Join the launch list to hear when enrollment opens. No payment is taken when you join the list.