Ladies and gents, introducing the first of the Made in Montana series.
I met Jess through the awesomeness of the World Wide Web and the more I learn about her, the more I like her. I think y'all will too.
Check on her online portfolio and follow her on Twitter for sure.
Jessica Lowry, Montana Photographer
Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a professional photographer?
I took an intro to photojournalism class my junior year in college on the recommendation of a friend. It was a perfect match for what I wanted to do. I ended up doing internships and becoming the photo editor of the college newspaper at The University of Georgia. I've been working in photography in some capacity ever since.
Q: What brought you to Montana?
My husband is originally from Missoula. We met each other when we were both staff photographers at a newspaper in Tennessee. He was smart and brought me out to Montana in the summer -- a perfect escape from humid and hot Southern summers. After briefly moving to England for grad school and deciding it was too expensive, we decided to make a move to Montana. It was a major transition for me but over time I have really grown to love it here. And it is wonderful being near my husband's family.
Q: Montana is a bit different from George, what were the biggest adjustments for you? (I spent a few years in Alabama, then went back to Virginia before coming to Montana, so I'm loving that other people have made similar moves!)
There were a lot of adjustments for me. It isn't as diverse here as Atlanta and that is something I really miss still. And the whole winter thing is a 180 out here. But the people and how friendly they are is a perfect match for a Southerner. I have made quite a few friends out here that are also Southern and I feel like there is a common bond there. You are tied to two places (Montana and the South) that are both full of pride about where they come from. I will forever be from Georgia, but Montana has been a great place to make a home.
Q: You travel internationally and around the country for photographs, what are some of your favorite destinations? (I saw you were in Rome last year, so was I!)
Oh man -- Rome is up there as a favorite. Italy was really amazing and I can't wait to go back. I also really love coastal Georgia. It is old and completely different than anywhere else I've been. The moss and the people and the history -- it's just a really captivating place. I also really love London. I think it still holds a place as my favorite city.
Q: What are the challenges and the most gratifying parts of working abroad?
Most of the time my work abroad has been self driven. So -- being motivated to decide where you want to go and what you want to work on -- and then figuring out how to pitch that or connect what you are working on with people who are interested -- that's challenging. But I love travel and I can't imagine my life without it. I am never the same after a trip and I find travel has a way of simplifying my life. You are forced into the present moment. It's something that photography does for me too -- and probably a reason I love them both.
Q: Thinking back, say 5 years ago, are you where you thought you'd be?
Umm..no. I never in a million years would have guessed that I would be living in Montana. But it is a great fit. I thought I would be living outside of the United States and 5 years ago I thought I was going to switch to being a graphic designer. The older I get, the more I love travel, but the more rooted I am in the places where the people I love live. I love coming home more and more.