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family photoshoot downtown omaha

A Framily Photoshoot: Capturing the Chaos and Connection

By jlightner / December 3, 2024

There’s something magical about finding friends who feel like family, and I made it a goal this year to capture our big, joyful “framily.” The shoot was a perfect mix of heartwarming moments and hilarious chaos. While the group photo is a precious keepsake-everyone smiling, looking … Read more

downtown omaha portrait studio - familiy photos by jess lightner photography

A personal photo share: downtown photography studio portraits

By jlightner / 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 beautiful … Read more

brand photography - Chevelle Behrns of The Fern, Omaha

Branding Shoot | The Fern, Omaha

By jlightner / 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 the … Read more

maternity photos in Omaha, NE

A personal photo share: people I love pt. 3

By jlightner / 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 exceptions … Read more

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

A personal photo share: more people I love

By jlightner / 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 to … Read more

A personal photo share: people I love

By jlightner / 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 opportunities … Read more

ashton caniglia mma fighter

Ashton’s Quest for the Dynasty MMA Championship Title

By jlightner / 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 is … 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

By jlightner / 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 the … Read more

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

A personal photo share: BFF photoshoot

By jlightner / 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 was … Read more

photo book made from iphone pictures - chatbooks

Documenting life with photo books and albums and framed photography

By jlightner / 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, I … Read more