Doers and Dreamers – Jessica Baloy
Anyone that can drive across this country with four kids and return with the same four kids can obviously handle a jacked up wedding party, overly energetic juveniles, or a Nervous Nellie as photography subjects. Say ‘hello’ to this week’s Doer and Dreamer, Jessica Baloy, who is one of our local photographers that has the ability to meld with her subjects and extract images that are instant treasures. Check out some samples from her portfolio below and you’ll see what I mean.
Your name: Jessica Baloy
Business or organization: Bellissimo Fotography
Occupation: Photographer
What is your approach to your business or occupation that makes you unique?
I was always the girl with the camera! My family always took a ton of photo’s so the making memories side of being a photographer is a huge thing to me. I have a deep heart and passion for emotion and moments which makes my eye for capturing them natural. As a people person and a mother of four children it’s second nature working with kids and families. Also I love making people laugh which I seem to be pretty good at so sessions are never boring. We always have a good time, and children always remember me! I love hearing how someone’s child will talk about me before they go to bed, or when I run into them in a store or a baseball game they run up to hug me. I’ve always had a love for kids, probably why I have four of my own now. I’ve always been an artist on the creative side in most aspects of my life. When I see a tree on the side of the road with the sunlight streaming through I have a vision and I create it! I always say I didn’t choose photography, photography chose me.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Titusville, Florida but both of my parents are from Long Island so they moved back home after I was born.
What brought you to the Kingston area and keeps you in this area?
I moved to this area when I was about 4 years old. I was raised half of my life in Rifton, NY and then in West Hurley, NY. My kids now go to the same schools I did which I really love!
What is your favorite hangout in this area and why?
I love the outdoors! I’m usually hiking, four wheeling, or playing sports. There’s so much beauty in the Hudson Valley I’m always finding new places to see.
When you’re not in Kingston, what’s your idea of a wonderful city to visit, and why?
I love traveling! I’m all about a good road trip since I’m not a flyer. This past year my husband and I traveled from New York to California by car ( with my four kids and our small dog). We got to see wild horses in Wyoming. Quite an experience! I also took a cross country trip from Florida to California and San Antonio, Texas was beautiful as well as the Grand Canyon!
Tell us something that we never would have guessed about you.
I have my Bachelors in Psychology and originally wanted to continue my education and work counseling troubled children. Maybe someday I can continue that!
