We recently had the chance to connect with Jessica Mims and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’m not sure if it really counts as “outside of work,” but lately I’ve been having so much fun creating elaborate sets for shoots at no extra cost to clients. There’s something so rewarding about bringing a new, tangible idea to life and watching it transform the photos. The tradeoff is that my home is slowly filling up with the odd art pieces and backdrops I’ve built—but honestly, it’s been more than worth it
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a photographer and creative producer with a passion for designing experiences and visuals that feel both thoughtful and unforgettable. My work often blends architectural landscapes with storytelling, drawing inspiration from spaces and details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
What makes Bells and Whistles productions special is the commitment to going beyond the expected—whether it’s curating elaborate sets for shoots, crafting custom backdrops, or bringing big ideas to life on a realistic scale. For me, it’s about creating something meaningful, and lasting for every client or project.
Right now, I’m especially excited about building out more immersive set designs that allow people to step into a fully realized visual story. It’s a rewarding mix of artistry, problem-solving, and production, and I love sharing that with others.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
So many people believed in me long before I felt fully comfortable calling myself a photographer, recommending me and trusting me with incredible opportunities. The Paramount Theatre took a chance by hiring me as their house photographer when I was just starting out, which not only helped me sharpen my skills but also gave me the chance to photograph major stars and build a strong following. The Garden Design Studio trusted me to capture massive, stunning architectural projects despite my lack of prior experience in that field. And I’d be remiss not to mention my friend Madison Pope, who immediately brought me on to photograph large-scale events and to this day is still the first to recommend me. She has consistently pushed me to grow while reminding me that I truly deserve to be in these spaces. In short, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people willing to take big chances on me, and I’ll never take that for granted.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It gets SO much better. You won’t be able to believe how much better.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I don’t really have a ‘public’ self versus a ‘private’ self, I just show up as me. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I think people can feel that. What you see is really what you get.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Literally nothing. I try and live every day to the fullest. I travel as much as possible, spend tons of time with friends and absolutely love being able to capture special moments for people as a profession!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bellsandwhistlesproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellsandwhistlesatx
- Other: Gallery: https://bellswhistlesproductions.pixieset.com/
