Woman setting a table outdoors with black wine glasses and floral centerpieces, in front of a stone house with trees and rocks in the background.
Group of four people, three women and one young boy, standing on the side of a mountain road surrounded by trees and mountain scenery. They are posing for the camera with cheerful expressions and gestures.

ABOUT JESSE LIZ

Hey there, I’m Jess (but sometimes I get a little confused when people say "yes" — happens all the time, especially in grocery stores, and it’s awkward every single time).

Anyway.. I am the person behind Authenica By Jesse Liz, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born and raised on the East Coast, I made the move to Utah in the middle of 2020 (yes, that year). Now, I call Salt Lake City home, where I live with my son, Grayson, and my partner, Jay. Coming from an Italian background, I have a deep love for family, good food, and, of course, a cold drink on the beach (a true Jersey girl at heart).

If you’re wondering about my sense of humor, it’s safe to say I could’ve probably had a comedy career …had Amy Poehler not beaten me to it. I’m the type of person who’s always cracking jokes, making people laugh, and keeping things light. And yeah, you can probably catch me rewatching The Office (for the 50th time) while I’m editing your photos.. it’s my go-to for background noise.

When it comes to photography, my style is all about capturing what’s real. I’m not here for stiff, posed moments. I want to catch those genuine laughs, the real connection, and those little moments that tell your story. Whether it’s a wedding, a family session, or even a mountain climbing adventure (because yes, I love getting outdoors), I make sure the experience is fun, relaxed, and, most importantly, authentic.

No matter where you are, I’m ready to capture your moments. With experience working in over 28 states… from Alaska to Arizona, New York to Hawaii… and internationally in stunning locations like the Azores, Italy, and Costa Rica, I’ve learned how to adapt to any environment and make it feel like home. Whether it's a remote mountaintop, a city skyline, or a cozy corner of a small town, I'm all about making your story shine wherever you are in the world.

I know that being in front of a camera can be awkward for some… it’s like, "How do I stand? What do I do with my hands?" But here’s the thing: my mission is to help you forget the camera’s even there. In fact, I’m probably the first one to crack a joke or do something a little ridiculous if it means making you laugh and feel at ease. My goal is to show you that the most real moments come when you’re relaxed, and that’s when the best photos happen… when you forget the camera is even there.

A black and white photograph of a man standing in a recording studio, holding a piece of paper in front of a microphone. There is an old television on a small table and a large vintage camera with 'WPTZ' and 'Television' written on it.
Black and white photograph of three men, two sitting and one standing behind, in a television studio setting. One man is holding a book titled 'The Last Great Show by Bob Hope.' The man on the right is wearing a suit and striped tie, while the man on the left is also dressed formally. The man in the middle is smiling and wearing a white shirt.

Photography has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. My grandfather Louis, a set designer and photographer in the film industry, is my main inspiration. He taught me the magic of storytelling through images.

That’s what I do today: I tell your story, but I also make sure we have a blast while doing it.

Black and white photograph of two men standing together in a studio or newsroom, one wearing headphones and a microphone, the other in a checked blazer, with a TV station logo on a monitor in the background.
Black and white photo of a weather woman holding a globe, standing in front of a map of the United States, with a cameraman filming her.