We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Crowley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
There are so many ways for people to help the community, and in doing so they inevitably help the world. Bit by bit, and every time generosity and kindness are lived out, they are impactful and changing to individuals, in business or life in general. In business I try to focus primarily on people, and to be in relationship and really understand their needs and desires continually. I hope each time we meet, speak, or even email they feel appreciated, considered, and well loved.

On a larger scale I have improved and benefited the community by planning fundraisers and blessing local charities- in different ways throughout the years, from supplying Christmas gifts to domestic violence shelters and foster homes, to putting together groups for social enjoyment and outreach to the population living with developmental delays and other varied learning styles and abilities. I currently serve on three vastly different boards, all of which I wholeheartedly agree with the work they do and want to play an active role in assisting as they move forward in service to others.

On a smaller scale I give hugs and handshakes to those willing and comfortable to accept them. I listen to them speak in an unhurried manner and am open and honest, even vulnerable while getting to know them. I pray each client is cared for as I would like to be cared for and in turn shares that feeling of being valued with others. This is true both in capturing and making memories with photography or in simple daily conversation.

All of this is relationship, and without relationship business is not truly successful or worthwhile.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My first art interest is photography. It has been a way to help my heart be heard for years now, and I can use it to help others be heard too. I love that. At the age of 16 I was allowed to take photography classes at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in the evenings after school. Enamored was an understatement. I took photos of anything I could, learned on film, developed in a darkroom (totally addictive), and made every friend I knew pose and practice with me. I simply cannot help noticing light. It can be read now as obviously as the words on the pages of any book, and sometimes has even more to say. I hope that what sets me apart from other artists is a true interest in my subjects. There isn’t a time that I don’t take moments to play with the children, ask questions and really listen to answers, and let my compassion for them as a person come out in their portraits. I never want to hurry what should be a full experience of being seen.

There is a certainty inside of me that I am a photographer. Through it being a hope for my future, from it becoming a side job to it being the main income and expression of how I see life, I have always known that imitating and interpreting what has been created and placed in life’s path to share with others is my goal. I want people to feel as important as they truly are. And in that see their own undeniable beauty.

Along the way I have learned that it isn’t always important how I’m viewed, if my vision is understood, or if there is agreement with what I place value on. If I am doing what I have been called to do in love, then all is alright. Being open to change and welcoming to critiques and criticism so that improvements and forging forward can happen is everything needed to resist a stagnant art practice. I’ve learned taking photos for myself is a way I can rekindle excitement for the world around me when I tire, and that the best camera I can ever have is whatever one is in my hands at the moment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Any friend who comes to visit stays with us! At our sweet little historic 9 Mile Schoolhouse we have plenty of room, and this is the heart of the 9 Mile valley in true Montana style. All the most delicious food, best wine, and comfortable ambience are right here on our own property. However, if it was a must that we leave our little patch of heaven here, we’d certainly float the river, visit Missoula and all her charms, meet up with other friends to eat and laugh and cheers to life together, and spend the evenings singing and enjoying a fire outside. Hiking, happy hour, and kayaking would be sure to ensue!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Have you ever lived in a place with energy that is almost magical? I have. I live there now, in a family I absolutely adore, handsome husband, kind kids, delightful dogs, and a historic home that I literally dreamed about living in since I was a young teenager. Charmed? Yes. But living out the favor and blessings of a God who cares and loves more deeply than I can imagine is more like it. We are surrounded by neighbors and friends who have more fun than the law allows, but who are also so real with each other that life is truly felt and shared and experienced in a way that support isn’t ever a question. To the family who raised me to understand life is for living and not to waste moments, that success and love are always synonymous, and the Lord who keeps me striving to be humble and serve out of the abundance he gives instead of from my own strength that wanes, to all those sweet names and hearts I cherish, and all the encouragers along the way, I want to shoutout to all of you! May I proceed in deed and goodness, caring and kindness all the days of this adventure and forevermore. They should know who they are, and how loved.

Website: https://www.5crowphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5crowphoto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5crowphoto

Other: 9mileschoolhouse.com and https://jessiecrowley.passgallery.com/client

Image Credits
5 Crow Photo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.