YOU SHOULD KNOW: PHOTOGRAPHER JESSICA WERTHEIM
photo via Heath Thompson
You've probably already seen some of photographer Jessica Wertheim's work—whether it was Posh Pua's Resort/Spring 2016 swimsuit lookbook featuring Hawaii beauties Amanda Paige and Kaitlyn Hitsman, or the crochet-clad models (including Rocky Barnes) for Mila Bikinis. This Haiku-born, Haleiwa-based self-taught photographer has lensed bikini babes from Hawaii and beyond—but she's since added a new notch to her belt.
Growing up in the picturesque, jungle-like setting of Haiku, Maui, with world renown surf breaks just a few minutes away, Jessica has always had a keen eye for natural beauty. More than seven years after moving from one island's North Shore to another, Jessica's client roster includes a drool-worthy mix of brands: think Disfunkshion Magazine, Volcom, Spy Optic and well-known Hawaii companies such as Manuheali'i, Hawaiian Island Creations and BYCHARI, to name just a few.
Throughout her photography career, Jessica has simultaneously been scouting and helping develop new models that have then signed with reputable agencies such as Wilhelmina and IMG. Recently, having discovered some of her best talent to date, two up-and-coming Oahu-based models Breeana Winters and Jordan Blaire, Jessica got the push she needed to begin her next venture: her own talent management company. (Somehow, Jessica finds time in between being a mom, surfing and photography to add this to her resume!)
Jessica handpicks models that not only have potential, but the drive—models that she believes have what it takes to work in Hawaii, and quite frankly, in any major market. And though there is no shortage of beautiful people on the beaches of Hawaii, that's not where Jessica found her first two signed models. "I scouted Breeana as she was sluggishly walking in to Costco in Waipio, and I spotted Jordan walking on the bike path in Waialua. I was driving, so I quickly turned around to go and talk to her," she says.
When you see the very first editorials shot of Breeana and Jordan, you'll agree that Jessica is on to something...