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.
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.
authenica
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Between clients, running multiple businesses, Grayson, and balancing family/friends… it’s a lot to juggle. For the longest time, it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. My assistant and I joke about our little kitchen table office — we always think back to that viral photo of Jeff Bezos working in his first "Amazon office," with a cardboard "Amazon" sign taped to the wall. At the time, anyone who didn’t believe in what he was creating probably would’ve laughed at that humble setup… kind of like our own kitchen table desk. And the thing is, anyone who doesn’t see the value in what I’m doing won’t understand what we’re building here.
Now, I’m not saying I’m on my way to being the next Amazon, but because of my community, their belief, and support, I keep going. Being an entrepreneur is a selfish thing. I miss dinners, Grayson’s in daycare, I’m away for weeks at a time, and I often fall asleep at my desk. But because I have a supportive partner and team, I get to keep pushing forward. For a long time, I was surrounded by people who told me I couldn’t do it…and for a while, I didn’t. But here we are, cardboard sign and all.
When there is no room at the table; don’t be afraid to sit alone.
A Journey of Reclaiming Me
It’s been a long journey to this point. The point where I can finally be happy and comfortable with who I am again. To be honest, my career and life haven’t exactly been a smooth ride, but there were moments I never thought I’d get to, like this one. The ease. The confidence in being me, and not apologizing for it.
From a young age, I was the woman who was creative, driven, bold, and fearless. A warrior at heart, someone who knew she could change the world in her own way. But, as we do when we’re trying to make our way, I found out the hard way that to fit into what society called “success,” you had to reshape yourself… change your natural, authentic form into something that could “fit the box.”
I didn’t fit in. And it broke me.
My ambition led me to places and people who valued conformity over individuality. I worked in environments where tattoos showing were more of a concern than workplace harassment. I tried, with all my heart, to mold myself into something I wasn’t. I changed how I spoke, how I looked, and how I carried myself. I wore my hair a certain way, adopted a tone of voice that felt foreign to me, erased my Philly slang, and drowned myself in A-line dresses, stockings, and the most hideous heels you’ve ever seen.
And I endured the abuse that came with it, all for the sake of fitting in… of being what they wanted me to be.
Each day, a little bit more of the woman I knew myself to be slipped away. I became someone else. I was lost. I was so focused on being what everyone else expected, I couldn’t see who I was becoming anymore. I kept pretending to be this polished version of myself, but deep down, I was just wanting to be me again. The constant chase of this elusive “professionalism” landed me in a cold, sterile cubicle, surrounded by people who couldn’t even acknowledge the hurt they caused.
I remember sitting at my desk, hiding my tears, and realizing something crucial: I was just a body in a chair — a person being molded to fit a role that didn’t belong to me. It was like being stuck in a toxic relationship where every day you’re reminded you’re not enough. Not pretty enough, not polished enough, not professional enough.
But we’re past that now. And yes, the scars of that time haunted me for a while, but I eventually found my way back to myself.
Then came the chance for me to reclaim my body, soul, and mind. I had a photoshoot scheduled with @starynight__photography, and I needed headshots — a symbol of professionalism, I thought. But for me, it turned into so much more. This was the moment I realized I no longer cared about fitting into the “box.” That idea of perfection was no longer my goal.
That headshot was me finally saying: I’m enough just as I am. No longer am I angry that I don’t fit into the “box.” In fact, I’m thankful I don’t.
I’m more than the mold they wanted me to fit into. I am finally, unapologetically, me. And that’s the person I’ll always be from now on.