My why…

When I started Pix by Jill, it was mostly for me to have my own thing, a creative thing. At the time, baby number four was on the way, so the idea of extra cash was a good thing too. There were a few things I was determined to buy, plus all the baby things.

Never would I have imagined what Pix would do for me and my family. I’ve learned so much about business, marketing, branding, website design, SEO, social media, and algorithms; tried so many new things; and pushed myself outside my comfort zone.

This doesn’t even include the photography stuff: cameras and lenses, cards, hard drives, editing, posing, client management, location scouting, lighting, client experience, and on and on. I remember saying, “I know how to take pictures; it can’t be that hard.” Ha!

It’s been so hard and so, so good! Growth: I never want to stop growing and learning. My husband has supported me through this journey and gets excited about photography stuff even when he doesn’t know what I’m talking about. My kids get to see what it’s like to work hard to create something from nothing and what it’s like to push yourself when there’s only you and no boss to keep you going. 

Self-motivation, discipline, passion, and drive.

AND that’s not even the best part. The best part is you! IT’S YOU!!

When people are asked what they would grab if their house was on fire, aside from people and pets, it’s photos and videos. These are our treasures, preserving our memories that we can never get back. Capturing the here and now, which will be gone tomorrow.

I’ve been a part of the excitement and announcements of precious little ones, new beginnings with newly arrived babies. So fresh and new. 

Engagements!! The start of a new family unit.

Now let’s talk about kids and how they never stop growing, do they? Today I read someone’s words that said, “Time is a thief.” And so it is, but there are pictures! Pictures are the pause button.

Milestone birthdays, graduations, and now second shooting weddings, another joyous occasion.

I’m not trying to sound morbid, but unfortunately, I know this firsthand. We never know when it will be the last family photo. Unexpectedly, the last. Or, as I’ve also had the privilege of capturing, expectedly the last family photos. Knowing they would soon say goodbye to their loved one and wanting one last picture of them all together. When our loved ones are gone, all we have are photos and videos. Tangible memories.

Privileged, sacred…

Helping you capture these moments has been the absolute best and most unexpected thing to come from this whole job. It’s so much more than a job, and it’s truly an honor to photograph each and every family, event, and moment that you invite me to capture. Love it!!

TAKE THE PHOTOS! Print and hang the photos too; I would love that so much! 

Make this the year you make it happen. This moment, this season, these people you love so much. Don’t wait until you’ve lost the weight; kids, sit still (that might never happen). TAKE THE PHOTOS! I promise you, you will be happy you did. 

It’s my business, my joy, and my passion. Photography is so important and is a gift to yourself and the people who come after you.