A newlywed couple kissing outdoors by a river, with the groom lifting the bride in a white wedding dress, on a grassy field with trees in the background and dark clouds overhead.

Quad Cities Photographer Preserving Your Most Meaningful Moments

A moody vibrant photography business in the Quad Cities!

Every great photo begins with a vision. As a Moody, contrast-rich & vibrant Quad Cities photographer specializing in family, engagement, wedding, senior, maternity, portrait, boudoir, and creative photography, I bring your story to life through an intentional and personalized experience.

I create timeless, emotional, natural light images that capture who you are and the moments you never want to forget. From intimate connections to life’s biggest milestones, my goal is to make your photography experience feel effortless, meaningful, and uniquely you.

Let’s create beautiful, lasting memories together.

LGBTQ-friendly | Proudly serving the Quad Cities & surrounding areas:

Muscatine, IA • East Moline, IL • Galesburg, IL • Bettendorf, IA • Rock Island, IL • Geneseo, IL •Silvis, IL • Davenport, IA • Moline, IL • Dixon, IL & Surrounding Areas

A couple sitting on a sandy beach during sunset, facing the water, with a bridge and sky in the background.

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  • A couple standing on a leaf-covered path by a lake in a forest with orange fall foliage, holding ultrasound photos, smiling at each other.
  • Couples Photography at Geneseo Prairie in Geneseo, IL
  • A woman sits on a path in a garden of red tulips with a boy and a girl, smiling and enjoying a sunny day.
  • Elopement at the Henry County Courthouse in Cambridge, IL
  • Grandma with grandkids in Geneseo, IL
  • Maternity Photoshoot at Sunset Marina in Rock Island, IL
  • Family Photoshoot at Geneseo Prairie in Geneseo, IL
  • Maternity Photography in Kewanee, IL at Johnson Trail
  • Woman with pink cowboy hat holding heart-shaped cake with "thirty four" written on it, surrounded by candles, ornate furniture, and a balloon dog sculpture.
  • Family Photography at Black Hawk State park in Rock Island, IL
  • Mother Photography at Linen and light in Eldridge, IA
  • Family in a field of Sunflowers in Aledo, IL
  • Gender Reveal photography on a rooftop by the skybridge in Davenport, IA
  • Maternity Photoshoot at Vander Veere Park in Davenport, IA
  • Couple Photoshoot at a studio in Rock Island, IL
  • Engagement Photoshoot at Johnson Trail in Kewanee, IL
  • Maternity Photoshoot at Black Hawk state Park in Rock Island, IL
  • Wedding Photography at Shadow lake in Geneseo, IL
  • Couples Photography at the Figgi in Downtown Davenport, IA
  • Engagement Photography at Shadow lake in Geneseo, IL
  • Senior Photography in Geneseo, IL
  • Fantasy Couples Maternity at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL
  • Wedding Photography at Duck Creek in Davenport, IA
  • Senior Photography in Geneseo, IL
  • Family fall time photography at Richmond Hill in Geneseo, IL
  • A woman in a black dress and glasses stands between two children in pink shirts, all smiling and laughing, in front of a leafy wall and a gravel path.
  • Couples Maternity Photography Johnson Trail in Kewanee, iL
  • Senior graduation Photography in Geneseo, IL
  • Engagement Photography at Vander Veer Park in Davenport, IA
  • Beach Maternity Photography at Devils Glenn In Bettendorf, IA
  • Senior Photography downtown Geneseo in Geneseo, IL
  • Family Photoshoot at Geneseo Prairie in Geneseo, IL
  • Gothic Maternity Photography in Geneseo, IL
  • A group of four women embracing in front of a blossoming tree with pink flowers, appearing happy and smiling.
  • Three people standing outdoors in an autumn setting with fallen leaves and orange trees in the background, dressed in elegant, dark-colored evening gowns and suits.
  • A couple standing in a grassy field with trees in the background, during sunset or late afternoon. The woman is wearing a black dress with a slit, and the man is in a white shirt and jeans. They are posing closely together, with the woman's arm around the man's shoulder and the man's arm around her waist.
  • Family of three outdoors during fall, with the mother and father holding their young daughter, who has light brown hair and is wearing beige dress and orange shoes, while the mother wears glasses and a red dress, and the father is in a plaid shirt.
  • A man and a woman standing outdoors during sunset, looking into the distance.
  • A couple, one pregnant, stands close together near a river at sunset, with trees in the background.
  • Three women hugging in a sunflower field at sunset, smiling.

Get To Know Me

A creative collage-style digital profile of Jess, a 34-year-old Capricorn, featuring her photo, hobbies, favorite colors, and personal details, with decorative elements like flowers, butterflies, and drawings.

Hi, I’m Jess, the photographer and creative behind Jessica Smith Visual Arts.

My photography journey began in 2017 as a hobby, rooted in a lifelong love for art, storytelling, and creating. At the time, I was working as a graphic designer, building my creative foundation while photographing on the side. I later graduated from St. Ambrose University with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, with additional focus in painting and bookmaking. These disciplines continue to shape how I see light, color, texture, and composition in my photography today.

For years, photography lived alongside my design career, growing steadily as a passion. In 2024, everything changed. After having my son, I made the decision to step away from my graphic design career to stay home with him and pursue photography full time. What once began as a hobby became something undeniable. Photography revealed itself as my true calling and passion.

I am originally from Geneseo, Illinois, and while I now travel frequently to the Quad Cities to photograph most of my clients, I continue to serve Geneseo and surrounding areas as well. I love working across both locations and beyond, following stories wherever they take me.

Photography allows my creativity to flow freely. It gives me the space to tell real stories and create with intention. My purpose is simple. I want to give my clients photographs that truly represent who they are, not just how they look, but how their moments feel.

My editing style is moody, vibrant, and contrast driven, with rich tones, intentional grain, and a finished glow that ties everything together. I believe deeply in quality over quantity, both in the images I deliver and in the experience I provide. When you work with me, my goal is for you to feel relaxed, confident, and fully taken care of throughout the entire process.

During sessions, I blend guided posing with natural, unposed moments, allowing movement, interaction, and emotion to create images that feel alive and authentic. This balance creates photographs that feel cinematic, emotional, and timeless.

Photography is not just what I do. It is how I tell stories, express creativity, and preserve moments that deserve to be remembered. Have questions Click Here FAQ

Services

Just married couple photographed at the Henry county court house in illinois

WEDDINGS + COUPLES

As a Quad Cities engagement and wedding photographer, I capture genuine emotions, romantic moments, and timeless images that reflect your unique love story. Let’s create memories you’ll cherish forever.

Starting at $300 | NOW BOOKING FOR 2026!

Quad Cities wedding photographer

Rates + Portfolio
A family of three, including a woman in a red dress, a man in a plaid shirt, and a young girl in a cream dress, enjoying a playful moment on the grass outdoors in autumn.

FAMILIES + PORTRAITS

As a Quad Cities family, maternity, and senior photographer, I capture your most meaningful milestones with warmth and authenticity. My relaxed, personalized approach creates timeless images that celebrate your unique story.

Starting at $275

Quad Cities family photographer

Rates + Portfolio
A woman wearing a pink hat decorated with rhinestones is sitting at a decorated table with a heart-shaped red cake, surrounded by candles and ornate furniture, in a room with red curtains.

Moody Quad Cities Boudoir Photography: Embrace your confidence and unique beauty. Book an empowering, tasteful, and artistic photo session to capture your strength and femininity.

Starting at $350

Quad Cities boudoir photographer

SPELLBOUND BOUDOIR

Rates + Portfolio

Testimonial

  • Kaitlyn & Divine Calderon - Rock Island, IL

    Me & my boyfriend did a shoot with her and it was a blast! She’s the perfect mix of professional & fun! Definitely plan on working with her again & her pictures turn out beautiful!

  • Erin Frederich - Geneseo, IL

    Jessica does amazing work! She is very diverse in her portfolio so you are going to get something that stands apart for the rest! She makes sure everyone is relaxed and comfortable during the sessions even if they hesitate to be in front of the camera! Would recommend to anyone looking for some great photos!

  • Sara & Derek Ward - Rock Island, IL

    This girl can snap a beautiful pic! Not just one either, somehow she manages to get all of the best moments and during all of the madness of our wedding she was having a blast every step of the way. I mean her portfolio speaks for its self. I will recommend her every single time.

  • Brittany Welch - Moline, IL

    I loved my maternity shoot with Jessica. I didn't get just photos, I felt like I got true art. She made me feel so comfortable because I generally freeze up in front of the camera, so her guidance and great vibes really helped me open up. I highly recommend Jessica! I will definitely be booking with her again in the future.

  • Mrs. & Mrs. McIntyre - Davenport, IA

    My new Wife and I booked Jessica as our wedding photographer due to the quality of her work and all the positive reviews! Well we were BLOWN away! She was absolutely amazing on our wedding day, we both were extremely nervous but she made us feel comfortable and we had a blast! We absolutely love all of our photos. Jessica has serious talent and we are so excited to be able to share all our photos and re-live what was the best day of our lives! Thank you so much for going above and beyond on our wedding day!

  • Jen B - Davenport, IA

    Jessica is not just a photographer; She’s a brilliant artist! Our family has had the pleasure of working with her for family photos and our wedding! We couldn’t be more happy with her creative direction and her timely responses. If you’re considering hiring her for your event, I guarantee, she won’t disappoint!

Maternity Session at Vander Veer Park in Davenport Iowa

Let’s work together

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!

A bi racial couple being photographed by the Mississippi rive at Rock Island Illinois