Jessica Sim

Auckland based photographer Jessica Sim, shoots Commercial work as well as Weddings. She's had covers on magazines and her most memorable assignment was a gorgeous wedding in the Australian bush, but she still has dreams of shooting a destination wedding in Italy. As a new mother, Jessica likes to spend most of her free time with her little man, going for walks and helping him learn.

 

Where are you based?
Auckland, NZ.
 
What inspired you to become a photographer?
In school, I was always drawn to the classes where I could create. I don't think at the time I realised that I was going to be a photographer, but I immersed myself in it. The feeling of accomplishment I got when I created something I found beautiful inspired me the most.

 
How would you describe your style of photography?
Romantic, soft, and feminine. I love to use light and shadow to help create a depth of feeling.

 
When did you first pick up a camera and what was it?
When I was in high school, it was a basic Nikon film camera. We developed and printed all of our work. It was a very different process to what I am used to now!

 
 
What gear do you use?
I'm shooting with a Canon 5D Mark III and Mark II and I'm only ever found with prime lenses on my cameras. I use a variety of L series lenses.
 
If you had to choose only one lens, what would it be and why?
That's such a hard one! But the 85mm f/1.2 is the lens that seems to be glued to my body. It gives that beautiful soft look when I use it with natural light, and the colours it creates are beautiful.

 
What has been your most memorable assignment and why?
My most memorable assignment was one I had a whole lot of fun shooting. I shot a wedding in the Australian bush, which was perfection.

 
What would your dream photography job be?
When I got into photography, my dream was always to shoot editorial spreads for fashion magazines, and while I have done some of this, it will always be in my dreams to shoot something for a globally prominent magazine such as VOGUE. Now with shooting weddings too, my dream would be to shoot a destination wedding  - perhaps in Italy!

 

In your opinion, what makes a good photograph?
A lot of my commercial work is all about beauty and perfection, but when I really love an image it's because it evokes a feeling.

 
Can you briefly take us through your average day?
I feel like there is no such thing as an average day when you're a photographer. There is so much variety to this job! A stay at home day usually involves a morning walk and a coffee followed by admin work in the morning and creative work in the afternoon.
 

 
What has been your most challenging moment as a photographer?
I find it very challenging to keep up with the business side of the job. It's not something I enjoy!
 
What do you feel has been your greatest photographic achievement to date?
I was pretty happy about having images on the cover of Remix magazine.

If you weren't a photographer, what would you be?
I'm quite into what goes on during prep work for photo-shoots and have always thought it would be great being a makeup artist or a hair stylist.
 
 
What do you enjoy doing to take a break from photography?
As I am a new mama, I spend most of my free time with my little man going for walks or helping him learn. Before he came along, I would always try to take a break by getting out into nature, travelling, cooking or catching up with friends and family.

 

What tips or advice do you have for budding photographers?
Find your own voice and place in the market, rather then emulating others work you like. It's a saturated market, and to stand out you need to display a point of difference to others. Shoot as often as you can to learn, so that your craft becomes second nature to you. Stay positive and believe in yourself and your abilities!

You can see more of Jessica's work here