Originally from Mahomet, Illinois, Jessica Colla is a primarily self-taught photographer. Jessica Colla has a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Sciences with a minor in Ecotourism and Global Sustainability. She maintains interests in conservation biology and global cultures, which are the primary influences in her art. Her photographic experiences began locally, where she was determined to fin
d the extraordinary in the ordinary. Beginning in community parks and local farmers markets, her portfolio has expanded greatly since then. Jessica became a student photographer with National Geographic in Yellowstone National Park and the American Prairie Reserve after high school, and was employed as an athletic and outdoor recreation department photographer in college. She is currently employed as a wildlife, landscape, and event photographer, traveling extensively to capture her art. While remaining loyal to the beauties of home, she finds joy in exotic lands and has found herself kayaking the barrier reefs of Belize and hiking through the Amazon rainforests of Peru to capture her images. Her travel experiences have found her around the world, including locations such as Fiji, Jamaica, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Peru, and Belize. Jessica is currently expanding her photographic horizons to include underwater subjects as she dives into being a certified PADI Scuba Instructor. She continues to capture and share her passion through her craft, exploring new and creative ways to photograph the natural world.
