We have been shooting together since 35mm was all the rage. In fact, the first anniversary gift to Jessica was a Nikon film SLR camera. We joined forces specializing in weddings seven years ago and never looked back.
#teamj
Jessica & John HAVE TWO LITTLE GIRLS THAT ARE ALMOST EXACTLY THREE YEARS APART, AVERY & TEGAN. ON THE RARE OCCASION THAT AVERY, OUR THREE YEAR OLD, ACCOMPANIES US ON A SHOOT, DON'T BE SURPRISED IF SHE ENDS UP PHOTO-BOMBING A FEW OF YOUR IMAGES. WE HAVE A SMALL COLLECTION OF HER DOING JUST THAT. OUR LITTLE EXTROVERT CONSIDERS HERSELF TO BE QUITE THE ART DIRECTOR AND WILL NOT BE SHY ABOUT HELPING TO POSE OUR CLIENTS.
Jess Carlson
IF business had a heart beat, Jessica would be the heart of Wonderland Photography. She truly takes her love for capturing memories seriously, and strives to deliver the best possible product to our clients.
It all started with a 35mm camera and a B&W photography college course. It did not take long for Jess's unique style to show, and both her instructors and peers took notice. She was highly encouraged by professors to find where her passion in photography would take her.
Jess shot her first wedding in 2005. One thing that she did not expect was the adrenaline rush that comes from striving to capturing fantastic images in a fast moving wedding environment. She was hooked and found her focus. Soon following that first wedding, Jessica began to build her wedding portfolio and launched what is now known as Wonderland Photography.
Her excitement for life does not end with photography though. This wife and mother of two (#averyawesomecarlson #sweetTcarlson #teamj #carlsonfarmlife) takes the world by storm by raising her two little girls and going on big adventures to the Phoenix Zoo and the Phoenix Children's Museum. Look for Jess in the stands or in the living room cheering on her Arizona Cardinals and rocking her lucky #11 jersey #mymanfitz. John and Jess have also had some success on their urban farm life project. Raising chickens, rabbits, and growing their own vegetable gardens is only the beginning on their little backyard farm. ...anyone say goats? Other interests range from catching a wake on the wake board (still working on that landing) to catching the latest novel from her favorite authors. No matter which side of Jessica you meet: Momma Jess, the Sci-fi Nerd, the Unapologetic Sports Fan, or Ei-Ei-O Jessica, you can be sure that Artsy Jess will always be there waiting to talk Photography!
Come along and follow Jessica on FB and Instagram @JessCarlson for a peek into her day to day fun.
John Carlson
Meet John, the "yang" of the Wonderland Photography duo. But you can call him "Yona", a nickname given long ago by his baby sister Elizabeth. When Jessica decided to open a wedding photography business, John did all he could to support her dreams and also gave her what every loving husband can readily give, constructive criticism. Always challenging Jessica to reach new heights in her photography technique and business.
Spending time together as a family is always #1 on John's list and if you have ever been married to a photographer during the height of Arizona's wedding season you quickly learn that every weekend is packed solid with work. Seeing the business as a great way to enjoy doing something together, John decided to pick up a camera and as it turned out he had a real eye for it. Jumping in the business head first, John had a shallow learning curve and got right to work. It did not take long for him to realized he really enjoyed the journalistic/fine art blend style of photography. There is something that really shines when a candid moment is caught with the help of strategically placed lighting.
Outside of photography, anything outdoorsy suits this redhead.
