Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Cox.
Hi Jill, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well, I would say it started about five years ago formally, but that wouldn’t be true. When I was nine, I won a small Crayola camera during a coloring contest. I think I bothered my parents every weekend to drive me to the drugstore to develop the film, and that’s where my love began. I’ve had a camera of some form in my hand practically ever since. I learned photography on film and practiced in a dark room, which I believe is still an art form much like painting. I never owned a high-end camera; I always shot 35mm cameras or what I could find. So then, my real first steps into more professional work for me was when my son was born. I wanted photos of him as a newborn, but as a new parent, a few hundred or thousand dollars on a photographer wasn’t in the cards. I thought, “I can’t be the only parent who feels this way,” and about six months later, I bought a semi entry-level Canon DSLR camera I could afford and I began shooting anything I could at home and asking friends to shoot their babies, parties, you name it.
I’ve come a LONG way since those photos, but those photos I’m proud of and I wouldn’t be here if those few people didn’t let me into their lives to capture some memories. I learned how to make my low-cost gear work and truly how to know a digital camera. I just kept driving forward, spent most evenings editing until midnight and shooting everything I could, but eventually, I got to a place where I was being sought out. To this day, that feeling of being sought after I don’t take for granted. It’s my art and my passion and the fact that someone wants me to provide that to them still humbles me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it was not a one-track road, and it was honestly never a goal of mine! It just sort of happened, and I think I’m glad it did. I didn’t pressure myself to launch a business young. And then Covid had a lot to do with it as well. When the world shut down, so did all work. Careers like photography that require being near others were especially hit hard. We had no way to “work” remotely, so we all had to pivot and get creative. I started selling prints, stock photos, photographing products from home, and taking online courses. And oddly enough, it has really led to me working with a lot of small business owners who ironically formed a business during Covid, and now they need professional photo work done. It’s just funny how things turn out…
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in lifestyle photography, meaning I primarily photograph as it’s happening. If I shoot a family session, I like to have a fun park in mind and the kids will feed ducks or tickle the parents, then I merely watch it unfold and shoot. I believe life is best captured that way and in that season of life. Having done so many families too, I always tell clients, “it may not be the perfect posed photo, but it will show this phase of your life in 20 years” and they resonate with that. That may be an older child just had to hold a certain toy, someone had a new haircut, a dog is looking at a squirrel, or the nursery isn’t ‘perfect.’ Candid is my absolute favorite way to shoot, and most of my clients know this about me. Sessions are fun, creative, and I try my hardest to make them feel comfortable since being in front of a camera is not easy, either. Even a branding session we have on music, I get to know their favorite shows, and we just have fun so I am able to get my client at their most natural and happiest state. I bring a few tricks up my sleeve to help any age, gender or body type feel confident and like how they look in a photo.
I actually take a lot of pride in that, I think. It’s the compliment I hear most; “I didn’t know I could look like that!” or “my daughter never smiles for anyone, but you captured her total joy.” It’s those moments; you know it’s where you’re meant to be.
How do you define success?
I have always defined success on happiness and how I choose to pass that on. Others may not define it the same, but we’re all driven in different ways. I am driven by a good work/life balance and knowing I am doing something for others. I am a huge empath, so I’m drawn to emotions and words and memories. Life isn’t meant to simply work in a job to pay bills, and I believe we all have a unique skill or talent we bring that others need from us.
Contact Info:
- Email: jcoxphotographs@gmail.com
- Website: www.jcoxphotography.net
Image Credits
My portrait: K Rae Films
