Recent posts

Some words, mostly pictures

photo book made from iphone pictures - chatbooks

I've been told that I write like I speak - full of caveats and commas. I have a strong appreciation for words and for the beauty of complex things stated simply, but unfortunately my natural writing style tends to include a healthy (some may say unhealthy) dose of run-on sentences, side notes and tangents. 

This blog is a collection of some of my favorite creative projects - mostly personal, some professional - and I'll be doing my best to find balance between letting the pictures speak for themselves and sharing the backstory, rationale, and my wandering thoughts along the way.

downtown omaha portrait studio - familiy photos by jess lightner photography

A personal photo share: downtown photography studio portraits

September 11, 2024

I’m slowly catching up on sharing more of the beautiful time I’ve spent shooting our dear friend “Baby Benji”. Here’s a peek at about 3 months and about 8 months – and some snuggles from mama and daddy along the way! I love capturing the … Read more

brand photography - Chevelle Behrns of The Fern, Omaha

Branding Shoot | The Fern, Omaha

July 12, 2024

I’ve been loving the experience of shooting in new locations and pushing myself to take on more personal and meaningful projects, so when my friend needed brand photos, I jumped at the opportunity to shoot in her dreamy new event space: The Fern. Nestled in … Read more

maternity photos in Omaha, NE

A personal photo share: people I love pt. 3

May 31, 2024

The baby from this baby bump photoshoot is now 9 months old so this story already has lots of updates! I haven’t shot as many bumps or newborns in recent years because I’ve focused on senior portraits and professional and pet portraits, but I make … Read more

Sam and Cale - Brother and Sister family portraits at Standing Bear Lake in Omaha

A personal photo share: more people I love

November 3, 2023

I joked in my last post about my 5-year-old tagging along for photoshoots with friends and finding wonderful opportunities to photobomb with love. I’ve had so much fun having her along with me for a few more shoots this fall, and I am so grateful … Read more

A personal photo share: people I love

August 5, 2023

I did a maternity photoshoot a couple weeks ago for one of my very best friends and my 5-year-old daughter insisted on tagging along. She understands the concept of a photoshoot quite well by now, and had fun providing entertainment for my subjects and finding … Read more

ashton caniglia mma fighter

Ashton’s Quest for the Dynasty MMA Championship Title

May 26, 2023

Though I definitely don’t consider myself a professional when it comes to sports photography, I had the incredible opportunity to capture some beautiful moments of my friend Ashton as he gears up for his upcoming MMA fight. From intense training sessions to relentless workouts, Ashton … Read more

valentine's day mini sessions - valentine's day portraits for children and pets - bennington

My first and last garage studio shoot | Bennington Photographer

March 3, 2023

Most of my photography experience over the last 10+ years has been shooting outdoors using natural light. I love the look and simplicity of shooting in natural light, but I also find beauty in the simplicity of a neutral photography backdrop. The focus stays on … Read more

bff photoshoot by jess lightner photography at Standing Bear Lake. Two girls running and playing.

A personal photo share: BFF photoshoot

March 1, 2023

A friend of mine became interested in photography a few years back, and we started doing BFF shoots with our girls. They’re a little over a year apart, so it’s been fun to watch the way they play and interact together over the years. This … Read more

photo book made from iphone pictures - chatbooks

Documenting life with photo books and albums and framed photography

April 28, 2022

If you know me or have been roped into a conversation about photography with me before, you know I’m a huge advocate for printing photos in all forms – frames, albums, Valentines, you name it. I’ve always enjoyed a good photo collection. As a child, … Read more

portrait of my niece blowing bubbles in omaha, nebraska

A personal photo share: then & now

April 25, 2022

Today I share the first set of photos I ever took on my brand new “big camera” in 2011. It was one of those random warm fall days. My niece, Jayciona, who then referred to Danny and I as a collective unit “Uncle Danny Jessica,” … Read more

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