top of page

ABOUT 

Wurmwood Photography LTD is based in Dayton Ohio and owned/operated by Jess Hess.
I am a highly experienced, professional, award-winning, and internationally published photographer. I specialize in conceptual portraits, portfolio work, and darker more alternative styles. I can and do work skillfully with any and all traditional styles of portrait photography. With a background in retouching, graphic design, and special FX, I know how to produce stunning and elaborate shots that may seem unobtainable to many. What many others cannot do I can, and no idea is too challenging or scary for me. I'm always willing to go the extra mile to make a good portrait, even if that means lighting something on fire, building an elaborate set, or creating one of a kind accessory pieces for our session. I work with top of the line gear, models, and designers to hone my craft and hope to add you to my list of satisfied clients.
Thanks for visiting!            

Awards & Publications:

2019 - Professional Photographers of America - International Photo Competition: Bronze Medalist / 4 Merits
 

Fstoppers Photo of the Day Awards: Feb. 28th 2019 , June 5th 2019 ,  Feb. 26th 2021, June 1st 2021, Feb. 10th 2022, Aug. 29th 2022, & May 23rd 2023.

Other FStoppers Features:
April 2nd 2019, April 26th 2019, June 5th 2019, Sep 11th 2019, April 7th 2020, February 1st 2021, March 29th 2021, May 14th 2021, July 26th 2021, September 6th 2021, November 29th 2021, April 3rd 2022, July 29th 2022, August 14th 2022, September 28th 2022, March 31st 2023

2019 & 2020 Viewbug Choice Award

2019 Shoot & Share Contest - Fashion Finalist 

2020 - Professional Photographers of America - International Photo Competition: 2 Merits. 1 Showcase Image.

2021 - Professional Photographers of America - International Photo Competition: Silver Medalist / 5 Merits

2022 - Professional Photographers of America - International Photo Competition: Silver Medalist / 5 Merits

2022 - Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize | INPRNT Photography Competition Finalist 

2022 - Life Framer Open-Call Competition - Editor's Pick Award

2022 Creator Series (Sponsored by Shutter Mag, Canon, & Westcott) - Participant & Second Place Winner

March 1st, 2023 - Canvas Rebel Article about me & my business

March 1st, 2023 -Canvas Revel Article about uncertainty in business, featuring me. 


 

I've been featured in a number of publications. including but not limited to:
  • La Petite Alternative Magazine - April 2010

  • Interview with Necro Girls Magazine - Issue 1 Jan. 2013

  • Sublime Rush Magazine - Issue 8

  • Interview with fiXE Magazine - April 2013

  • Interview with Necro Girls Magazine, Issue 1

  • Featured Artist - Crazy Bitch Magazine, Issue 4 March 2017

  • Realm Magazine, April 2017

  • World of Goth Magazine, April 2017

  • Imirage Magazine "Floral Fantasy" Issue, June 2017 + Back cover

  • World of Goth Magazine Back Cover - July 2017

  • Avant Jardin Magazine Back Cover - July 2017

  • Videnoir Advertisement, passed out at Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2018 

  • Dark Parlour Magazine - October 2017

  • Propulsion Magazine (multiple issues)

  • Apartment Earth "Phobia" Gallery Showing - Charleston, WV - 2 Photos Displayed - October to November 2017

  • Jazzy Magazine  - January 2018

  • Duende Magazine - March 2018

  • Realm Magazine June 2018

  • Space Babes Calendar - Self Published

  • Fire & Flow Calendar

  • Behind The Shutter Magazine August 2018

  • Behind The Shutter November 2018 - Article and 10-page spread

  • Vampirella Comic Books - Vampirella Dejah Thoris #5 Cover (Variant E & Variant K) Released: 02/13/2019

  • Dark Beauty X Issue 8.18 May 2019

  • Dark Beauty X Issue 10.18 May 2019

  • Shutter Magazine July 2019 Inspiration photos section

  • Shutter Magazine August 2019 - Article and 11-page spread

  • FEMME Rebelle Magazine September 2019 -  4 Page spread

  • Shutter Magazine October 2019 - Article and 11-page spread

  • Shutter Magazine December 2019 Inspiration photos section

  • Shutter Magazine January 2020 Inspiration photos section

  • MMMora Magazine - November 2019 - Front & Back Cover + Spread

  • Dreamy Magazine Issue 105

  • Shutter Magazine February 2020 Inspiration photos section (x2)

  • Shutter Magazine May 2020 Inspiration photos section

  • Shutter Magazine June 2020 Inspiration photos section

  • Shutter Magazine July 2020 Inspiration photos section

  • Shutter Magazine September 2020 - Article and 13-page spread

  • World of Goth Magazine - September 2020 Cover 

  • Shutter Magazine October 2020 Inspiration photos section

  • Cervena Fox's 2021 Calendar - January, October, & December

  • Retro Lovely Magazine - January 2021 Iss. # 13

  • Gothic Culture Magazine - May 2021 Cover & Spread

  • Shutter Magazine February 2021 Inspiration photos section

  • Shutter Magazine July 2021 Inspiration photos section

  • Gothic Girl Magazine - August 2021 Cover & Spread

  • Shutter Magazine August 2021 Inspiration photos section

  • Shutter Magazine September 2021 - Article & 13-page spread

  • Shutter Magazine October 2021 - Article & 16-page spread

WATCH ME ON TV