Jessica Clark received her first camera when she was twelve years old. This sparked a life long dream of being a photographer and owning her own studio. “Being a photographer is all I ever wanted to be – taking pictures is all I ever wanted to do,” explained Jessica Clark (Jessica and Robert Clark own McGraw Clark Photography). Jessica still owns her very first camera and displays it proudly in her studio.

Jessica was born and raised in Blooming Grove, Texas and graduated from Blooming Grove High School. In high school she was on the yearbook staff as well as on the journalism staff.

After graduating from high school Jessica attended Elkins Institute which was a trade school that offered photography. From there she worked for Hemmi Photography studio in Dallas for seven years. “I learned so much from Robert Hemmi (owner of Hemmi Photography). I had a lot of hands on training,” explained Jessica.

After Robert retired Jessica took a week long course on photography where she met her husband – Robert Clark. After they married they lived in El Paso for about two years and decided to come home to Blooming Grove to look for a building to start up their photography business.

In 1998 they bought a house located at 413 Highway 34, in Italy for their studio and have been there for eleven years.

Jessica said, “Our first client was a cat. A lady called and made an appointment for her cat and wanted a portfolio done. She never had any children. The cat was her baby, so we took lots and lots of pictures of her cat!”

McGraw Clark Photography specializes in school photos, sporting event pictures, class pictures, senior pictures, family portraits, baby pictures, wedding pictures, graduation pictures and the list goes on.

Jessica said, “I feel a tremendous sense of pride to be able to do what I love and make people happy. The new digital revolution is great to a point – too many pictures never get printed, computers go down and photos are lost, and the moment is gone. Over the years people are going to change and the only thing you have to remember them by is that particular photograph. I love Italy, it is my new adopted home town. The people are great and have been very kind and welcoming. I try to do everything I can to help the community. We help where we can with donations.”

Eleven years later they are still living their dream and loving life.

If you are interested in getting pictures taken just call: 972-483-6704 for an appointment. Their website is: www.McGrawClark.com