Jessa Balough

Here’s to unbecoming all the things we thought we were “suppose to be"

Here’s to just Being

ST. LOUIS

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

Self-Portrait | The Kitchen Table | 32nd Birthday

Hey! I’m Jess

I’m a St. Louis-based Photographer who loves helping Women and Creative Folks show up boldly online and in their life. My approach is colorful, intuitive, and a little unruly, because the best moments in life rarely ask you to stand still.

If you’re a playful human, a family, an artist or a small business owner craving an artful take on your story, you’re in the right place.

When I’m not documenting other’s lives, I’m soaking up the sun, singing at the top of my lungs, dreaming about wild flowers, smushing our cats with kisses, collecting art supplies, laughing and crying, all while witnessing my kid grow into the coolest person I know. Life is chaotic, hilarious, complex and deeply beautiful… so I pour my heart into making sure you feel seen and celebrated, exactly as you are. Right now.

BEING HUMAN IS ART

This work is about People. All People. Every background, belief, identity, and family shape is welcome here. I believe in community, in showing up for one another, and in standing firmly for inalienable human rights. Black lives matter. Love is love. No one is illegal on stolen land. Love y’all 🖤

I am so happy to exist alongside You.

☕️ Grab a cup and chat with me

Group of people hugging outdoors in casual clothing with trees in background.
Smiling woman and child cuddling a large dog on a bed.
Smiling woman and child hugging outdoors in a forest setting.
Person smiling outdoors holding a floral bouquet over a Nikon camera.

MEET EMMA

Two people smiling for a selfie, one wearing glasses and a yellow top.

SISTER IN LIFE & ASSOCIATE PHOTOG

Surprise - we’re not actually related! Shocking, I know 😆 But for the past decade, we’ve been inseparable. Together, we co-own French Press Boudoir, while also running our own individual photography businesses :) You can learn more about Emma, Wedding Photographer Extraordinaire, and see her incredible work here!

Em has been documenting my little family’s life since we met, since before Pia was even born - she took every photo you see here. It makes a girl weep!!

If you book a portrait session, event or brand project with me, there's a good chance Emma will be right there, cheering you on. If she’s unavailable, I’ll let you know ahead of time and introduce you to my equally awesome support team members 🔥

WITH PORTRAITS SEEN IN

IN STUDIO

GOLDEN HOUR

AT HOME

REAL LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY IN ST. LOUIS MO

INVESTMENT GUIDE
Person laughing and holding camera at outdoor event
Person smiling indoors with a camera, lemon-themed wallpaper, and yellow chairs in the background.
Person smiling and holding a DSLR camera inside a wooden room with a window in the background.
Person smiling and holding a Coca-Cola bottle
Two women smiling and posing for a photo, one playfully sticking out her tongue. Both are holding drinks in a social gathering setting.
Person smiling and holding a DSLR camera at an event.