Jess Rocco is a photographer, visual storyteller, and creative director whose work is shaped by years spent moving between different cities, cultures, and communities. Her background in media and real estate gives her a grounded, intuitive way of working. She knows how to read a room, understand the rhythm of a place, and capture the small moments that matter.

Her documentary projects include photographing Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans, street celebrations in Valencia, and quiet traditions in the Andean highlands. No matter where she is, her work centers on people, place, and the beauty of everyday life. Jess is drawn to scenes that might go unnoticed, and she approaches them with patience, curiosity, and a sense of connection.

Her series Los pueblos andinos was an Official Selection in the 2024 International Photography Awards. In 2025, her project After the First earned both an Official Selection and an Honorable Mention, and will be shown at Boulier Gallery in New Orleans from July through November. Her photography has also been featured by brands such as Anthropologie Europe, Lomography, and Window World.

Jess is originally from New Jersey and has spent more than a decade photographing across the United States and abroad. She works in both digital and film, and credits early years shooting 35mm with teaching her how to understand light and slow down behind the camera.

Today, her work includes documentary projects, interiors, and travel and street photography. She looks for honest moments, natural emotion, and a strong sense of place.

If you’d like to collaborate or talk through a project, she’d love to hear from you.