Get to know the photographer
me, Jo!
Hi I'm Jo. I love taking photos, I *love* love, and I have absolutely no chill. Joy is what I strive to capture the most and photography itself gives me so much joy. When I'm behind the lens, I feel so lucky being present to human connections in so many different forms. With me as your photographer, you can expect exuberant praise and a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself and trying new things. You can also expect many giggles, squeals, and exasperations as I marvel at the beautiful people in front of me!
Identity
I'm queer, nonbinary, and absolutely love my queer community here in the Oakland. I want everyone to have access to photography with someone who they can be comfortable around. Trans and gender queer folks deserve to be celebrated!
Work
From 9-5 I work as a speech-language pathologist specializing in AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication). I strive to advocate for students with disabilities and always work with neurodiversity frameworks in mind. I'm neurodivergent myself! I best connect with students through play, and when they have fun, their true smiles come out! A pretty good skill to have when photographing kids :)
Hobbies
When I'm not working I delve into a myriad of hobbies, including ceramics, birdwatching, hiking (with many stops for photo ops), movies, reading, puzzles, and dodgeball! Anytime I'm at home, I typically have a cat on my person or within arms reach : )
Book a session with me
Let's gooooooo!
Cece
I rarely feel comfortable with a camera pointed towards me, but Jo’s warmth and infectious laugh made me forget to feel awkward. Jo has taken all the photos I have that look most like how I see myself. They gave just the right amount of direction; enough for me to know what to do with my hands while still feeling at ease during the whole process. I laughed throughout the session and left with much more confidence than I started with. Cannot recommend enough!
Annalise
Jo is an extraordinary photographer who has documented some of the most important moments of our lives. When our beloved dog Lady was diagnosed with cancer, Jo created an incredible photoshoot that captured our family in a way we'll treasure forever. They were so thoughtful and creative -- getting down on the floor with treats on their hat to capture Lady's attention -- and made the entire experience feel warm and natural rather than staged.
Jo also photographed my engagement when my partner proposed, and the results are breathtaking. What sets Jo apart is their remarkable ability to be fully present and celebrate with you while also giving you space to experience these profound moments authentically. The photos are powerful and emotional, but what I remember most is how the experience itself felt real and unforced. I myself am a bit camera shy and Jo makes it so easy and natural and the photos always turn out great.
I'm so grateful to have these memories, and I genuinely can't recommend them enough. If you're looking for a photographer, hire Jo!
Nicole
Jo is an incredible human who brings a joy and an ease to every photoshoot that I’ve booked with them. I’ve asked Jo to capture several incredibly special moments for me, both alone and with my partner and pet, and I’ve never felt more seen or comfortable in front of the camera than with Jo helping guide the session.
Time is the one thing we will never get back: Jo has a gift of capturing those moments in the most authentic way. I can’t recommend them enough!
Violet
Very smooth, very fun, very easygoing and natural! I used their photos on my dating profile (met someone!) and on my resume (got a job!). Thanks, Jo, for making me look good!
