I’m not the kind of photographer who just shows up with a camera and a shot list. Before I even start clicking the shutter, I’ve usually memorized 15–20 names. Sometimes more.

Why? Because I’m not just capturing what people look like. I’m capturing what they mean to each other.

jessicakaplan-family-portrait-mitzvah-day-chicagoThis portrait happened quickly - but you’d never know it. Because everyone already felt at ease, and we could get right to what matters.

Using someone’s name changes everything.

It’s simple, but powerful. Have you ever noticed what happens when you say someone’s name? They light up.
It’s connection. Recognition. Respect.

Kids feel seen. Teens start to engage. Adults let their guard down. It builds trust before I ever lift the camera. 

When someone knows I took the time to learn who they are, they don’t just pose for the camera. You can actually feel the tension leave the room. And that’s when I catch the good stuff: the inside jokes, the subtle gestures, the “I didn’t even realize you got that” moments.

jessicakaplan-bar-mitzvah-emotional-moment-with-momA quiet moment between mother and son, just before the bar mitzvah began.

Why I ask for names before every session

Before every session, I ask for names and relationships. Not just the immediate family, but the siblings, grandparents, cousins, and anyone else I should know.

Because when I know who everyone is - and how they’re connected - I can move through the session with more intention. I can anticipate quiet gestures, spot the in-between moments, and know where to be before something meaningful happens.

People aren’t just more comfortable. They’re more themselves. And that changes the photos completely.

jessicakaplan-extended-family-photo-outdoor-sessionExtended family sessions can feel like chaos - unless you know who’s who. Learning names helps me create portraits that feel effortless and connected.

You’ll see it in the final gallery.

This is why, when I deliver images, my clients don’t just say, “These are great photos.”

They say things like:

“I can’t believe you caught that look between my dad and my daughter.”
“How did you even see that moment?”
“That hug… I didn’t even know it happened.”

That doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from being fully present, fully engaged, and fully committed to knowing who everyone is - not just what they’re wearing.

jessicakaplan-evanston-grandparent-connectionThis moment was posed—but the warmth between them was real. I knew how special their bond was, and that helped me capture more than just a smile.

This isn’t a party trick. It’s the heart of how I work.

Learning names is how I build trust.
It’s how I disappear into the background while capturing the most important moments of your life.

If that’s the kind of photographer you want- someone who sees your people as more than just guests - I’d love to be there for you.

Let’s talk

jessicakaplan-bimah-group-family-photo-mitzvahKnowing who everyone is means I can help organize a moment like this efficiently - so you get the full group shot without missing the next moment.