Photographer captures testimonies, stories with free photoshoots
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A picture is worth a thousand words. What would your picture say about you?
Jess Juhas is the owner of Jessie Janelle Photography. She's a photographer who's using her skills to help people tell their stories of struggle and triumph. She came up with the idea of 'Freedom in Focus: Capturing Faith-Based Stories of Redemption and Recovery'.
'Freedom in focus is a project that I started, to glorify God,' Juhas said.
Her personal experiences helped her to realize her true passion; storytelling and sharing testimonies. She also takes photos of those recovering from addiction, struggling with marriage and relationships, or with mental health.
Juhas takes those photos for free.
'I feel as though I am inspiring people. And when they get the finished product like they I, they absolutely love their photos. They're excited to do it. They want to be a part of the project,' Juhas said.
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Larissa Dneaster was the first person to be part of the project. She's been sober since July 2014 and said the photos made her feel empowered.
'I wanted to show people that not only there was a dark side to me, but also the brighter side came after. You have to have the dark to see the light, and without the light, which is God for me, you have nothing,' Dneaster said.
Using their photo session, Larissa and Jess are setting an example for other people to share their stories too.
'Not many people get to, like, show that side. They're kind of scared to be vulnerable and show the scary, dark side of the addiction. But that's why we did a bright side as well,' Dneaster said.
Thanks to 'Freedom in Focus' the two have also become friends.
If you're interested in sharing your story, you can message Jessie Janelle Photography on Facebook or email her at Jessiejanellephotog@gmail.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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