I Have Always Been a Photographer
A little back story about your family photographer
Since my elementary school-aged self owned her first Kodak camera, a blue and yellow camera with a springy yellow strap, I’ve loved capturing the moment. I had bins of photos as a child and teenager. It seems like I’ve always been a family photographer. Capturing the memories to keep and treasure has always been something I’ve loved to do. Taking photos is even how I met my husband. More on that in a little bit. There were many other cameras and lots of photos between then and now. Never did I imagine I’d turn this passion into a business.
The camera looked similar to this one.
My old camera, but with yellow.
How Things Have Changed for This Family Photographer
The camera gear (I no longer have that little blue camera), style, technique, and skill have all changed and grown, but the love of photography and the importance of taking photos have always remained the same. Being a family photographer is the best! At family gatherings, I’m always the one taking photos. When we are out in public and I see someone trying to take a family selfie, I always try to offer to take the photo. When my own little family is out and about or just hanging at home, I’m the one taking the photos. These memories matter, and one day, that’s all we will have of that moment.
Go here to take a look at my family gallery: https://pixbyjill.com/family-gallery/
Not Knowing What I Was Getting Myself Into
Photographing families, seniors, newborns, and second shooting weddings have all brought so much joy into my life. I never could’ve imagined what a privilege it would be. Starting Pix by Jill has allowed me to meet new people, celebrate with so many, capture so many memories of kids who never stop growing, and help our family financially. We all know how every little bit helps, especially with four children. I remember when the first thoughts of shooting other people were mentioned, I thought, “How hard can it be?” Ha! That is such an understatement! So much more goes into capturing people professionally than just pointing and shooting the camera. Through it all, I have learned so much and will continue to learn every time I hold my camera.
How I Met My Husband
Enough about family photography. For those still reading to find out how I met my husband through photography, here you go. In my senior year of high school, I was a photographer for our school newspaper. This was legit. Film camera, dark room, chemicals, and red light, rolling our own film. One of the stories was about graduates who had done something great. I mean, that wasn’t the actual title, but it was along those lines.
Well, my hubby was a radio DJ in the “big city” next to our tiny town. This was a huge deal for us, and on top of that, he was also well known when he still attended our school because he did the school news on TV!! I mean, famous to us high schoolers, right? Anyway, the story was about him, and I went along to shoot pictures while he was on air. He invited me and the writer to his house to meet some of his friends, maybe to play games; those details are not as clear. We went, and the rest is history.
Here we are, 25+ years later.
Now you know a little bit more about your family photographer.
Capturing your memories and telling your story is still just as important to me now as it was when I was an elementary school girl with a blue and yellow Kodak. Moments you will never get back with people you love—moments that are worth celebrating, and all the beautiful chaos this life brings make it worth the effort of photographing. This family photographer will have her Canon with her this time.
