Jess Takes Photos

My friend Jess and I met in college. From the start, it was a natural, easy-going connection fueled by mutual childhood friends and a tequila shot or two. We hadn’t talked for several years after as we both grinded away working big city jobs. It wasn’t until a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a green corduroy Mighty Ducks hat that we reconnected and discovered our budding interests in the outdoors, travel, and photography. We had a chance to catch up after her move to Portland, ME and featured some of her recent travel photos below. - Mike Lamagna

“At a very young age I had a fascination with the photos my mom would print from family vacations. As I grew up that interest and passion only grew stronger with every trip. During my own travels over the last 5 years I’ve continued that tradition my mom started by taking photos along the way, using my camera to discover new cities and create new experiences.” - Jess Borislow

“Easily one of my favorite photos I have ever taken. I worked in Downtown Boston for almost 7 years and walked by these buildings daily. One day I brought my camera into work to take headshots of co-workers and took a peak outside at the afternoon light. I snuck out of the office before 5pm and wandered the streets a bit. Snapped some pics and needless to say - sneaking away from my cube was the right choice.” - Jess Borislow

“Since moving to Portland (Maine) the Portland Head Light has become one of my favorite spots. The first month I lived in Maine I made a plan with another photographer (@maxgeorgem) to shoot sunrise at the Head Light. After that morning, it was a place I constantly returned to for more sunrises and sunsets. It is a Portland landmark. One of the best parts about living in Portland is being able to drive out to the lighthouses whenever you please.” - Jess Borislow

“This was the beginning of my big road trip to Moab & Zion. One of my good friends showed me around his home in Aspen and took me miles into the mountains to spend the afternoon at a friends cabin. There was a shock factor when we got to the cabin and walked in the backyard. No cell service, no wifi - just quality time with friends enjoying the view.” - Jess Borislow

“Doing this road trip from Moab to Zion was one of the best trips of my life. I decided to do this trip alone. My first big trip, hiking, road tripping, and seeing something new by myself. It ended up being one of the best trips of my life.” - Jess Borislow

“Not your typical Lake Louise photo. During this trip to Banff, we visited the famous Lake Louise. Pulling up and seeing the big crowds was a little disheartening, but as we were walking to find some space of our own, two of my friends pulled out some pumpkin seeds and showed me how friendly the birds were. That’s when I was able to snap this shot - which ended up being one of my favorite photos from my entire time in Canada.” - Jess Borislow

“I chose to do Banff a little differently than most people. On a whim, I signed up for a photography "camp". Myself and 60 other photographers from around the globe stayed together on a ranch, had camp fire conversations, and learned from each other. This trip really sparked my love for outdoor and travel photography.” - Jess Borislow