the photographer
jessica merolillo
As a working mother of two, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the ins and outs of everyday life. Morning routines, drop off at day care, eight hours (or more at the office) and evenings full of dinners, play and trying to fit in all the "fun things" in the small window before bedtime. Some wonder how I have time to fit in photography. The answer is: for awhile I didn't but I decided to start prioritizing the things I loved - the things that made me feel good.
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A little over three years ago, I had my first daughter, Sophia. She was a gift we waited so long for and after she arrived, I couldn't get enough of her. Just as quickly, my love for her turned into a mountain of anxiety about how to keep this little girl safe and healthy. Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) was real for me and after weeks of trying to deny it, I finally took control of my mental health. Part of that involved picking up a camera and creating art.
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Fast forward to the present, now with my second child, Amelia, my love for photography has grown and evolved into something more. It helped me through a second, very difficult, period of Postpartum Depression (PPD) and helped reinforce the joy photography brings to my life. I'll be the first to admit that sometimes I wonder if I really chose photography or if photography actually chose me.
fun facts about me
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh - I live in the North Hills but grew up in the South Hills... so I'm not afraid to cross the rivers!
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Previously worked as a special education teacher for seven years, so I have lots of tools in my tool box that help me with wrangling little ones and maintaining patience in the midst of the unexpected.
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I'm a mom of two little girls and wife of a small business owner, so multi-tasking and working hard is a non-negotiable in this family.
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I love to sing and listen to music of all kinds. I won't hesitate to turn on some tunes during a session to get everyone relaxed and full of smiles.
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Dogs are my favorite. I have one and will stop to say hello to one on the street without hesitation.
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After a full day of work and mom-ing, I find the most joy in laying on the couch with my husband and watching a crime thriller movie or tv series.