About
Meet Jessica Wilding
Austin Lifestyle Family Photographer
Most mornings in my house start the same way: my daughter tucked against me on the couch, Paw Patrol saving Adventure Bay in the background, and me easing into the day with sleepy eyes and the NYT games app open on my phone. Nothing fancy, just one of those cozy, ordinary moments of motherhood that I know I’ll look back fondly on when Chase and Skye are no longer her greatest heroes.
A little about my family, since you’re inviting me into yours:
I’ve been married to my husband, Dillan, since 2019, and this business actually started with the two of us side-by-side. In the early days, we’d head to sessions with Lyra strapped to me in a carrier — Dillan behind the camera, me directing and posing with a baby on my chest. Now that Lyra’s older, I’ve taken on most of the photography, but Dillan still jumps in for some behind-the-scenes technical magic (he genuinely loves researching gear) and joins me whenever we need videography or a second shooter.
Lyra is three and currently living her best Paw Patrol–obsessed life. She’s deep in the “why?” phase, a total social butterfly, and forever asking who’s coming over or where we’re going next. Some days all she wants to do is scroll through my Facebook Messenger trying to video call friends and family. She keeps us laughing and on our toes.
I’m also a dog person to my core. We have two pups, one older sweetheart who thinks everyone is her best friend, and one classic cattle dog who prefers a life of minimal social obligations. (You’ll likely never meet him… and he prefers it that way.)
Motherhood shapes the way I photograph
People often assume a photographer’s child is used to being in photos, and is therefore easy to photograph. Not my kid! Lyra went through a whole phase I lovingly call “photographer’s child syndrome,” turning away or sprinting off the second I lifted my camera. But the moment I lowered it? Big smile. Every time.
That little irony taught me something important: kids don’t perform on cue, they settle in when they feel safe. During your session, I’m not looking for perfect behavior. I’m looking for the real stuff. The comfortable stuff. The “this is who they are today” stuff.
When I’m not photographing families, you’ll probably find me…
Walking the trail at Walnut Creek Park while Lyra rides her balance bike up ahead, our dog (the friendly one) trotting beside her
Wandering the Mueller Farmers Market for horchata cold brew and pierogies
Sipping a slow coffee at Meanwhile Brewery while Lyra conquers the playscape
Squeezing in some editing time in Lightroom or Photoshop while Lyra lays on the bed next to me watching Paw Patrol (proving daily that the “no-more-naps era” is very real. Send coffee.)
Before photography, I was an elementary school teacher
Which basically means I’ve seen every flavor of kid energy: the shy, the spirited, the sensitive, the bold. That background helps me read your child quickly, whether they need playfulness, patience, connection, or space. Nothing surprises me, and nothing bothers me. We go at their pace, not mine.
Your family’s real-life energy isn't a flaw, it's the point
I don’t expect your kids to be predictable or perfectly behaved. I expect them to be human! And when we stop trying to control every moment, the good ones, the real ones, always show up.
If we work together, here’s what I can promise:
You can expect a calm, kid-savvy guide who knows how to read the moment and adapt, whether your child needs silliness, patience, or a quiet break.
My role is to create a judgment-free environment where everyone can relax and be themselves. From there, I’ll guide you into moments that feel real and flattering, so your photos look like your family at its most genuine and most beautiful.
