Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaden Tolliver.
Hi Jaden, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is a bit complex — I’ve done everything from working construction to co-starring on television. Photography wasn’t always the obvious path, but it was always the thing I kept coming back to. I officially launched Jaden Tolliver Photography in 2019 as a part-time side hustle, hoping that with enough hard work and consistency, it could one day become my full-time career.
Six years later, while I’m not 100% full-time yet, I’m closer than I’ve ever been. Every year the business grows, I grow, and the vision gets clearer. It started with a shift in my mindset from just being a photographer, to an entrepreneur. What started as a creative outlet has become something I’m incredibly proud of — a way to connect with people, celebrate their stories, and create moments that last. The journey hasn’t been straightforward, but every twist has shaped the photographer and business owner I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most creative journeys, mine has been full of learning curves and moments where I questioned whether I was on the right path. Balancing photography while working other jobs has been one of the biggest challenges — trying to pour myself into my craft while also managing the realities of life and bills isn’t always easy.
There were seasons where inquiries were slow, or I felt like my work wasn’t where I wanted it to be. I’ve had to navigate self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure to grow faster than I realistically could. But every struggle taught me something — how to be patient, how to refine my style, how to communicate better with clients, and how to build a business that feels authentic to me. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s made the progress that much more rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I wear a few different hats — I’m an actor, photographer, videographer, and video editor — but the heart of what I do is storytelling. Whether I’m behind the camera or in front of it, my goal is always to create something that feels genuine, cinematic, and emotionally honest.
In my photography work, I specialize in weddings, engagements, and portraits. I’m known for a style that blends clean, timeless imagery with a natural, candid feel. My clients often tell me I have a calming presence and an ability to help people feel comfortable, which is something I take a lot of pride in. Great visuals matter, but making people feel seen and valued is what truly elevates the work.
As a videographer and editor, I approach projects with the same mindset — thoughtful pacing, emotion-driven visuals, and attention to the little moments that tell the bigger story.
I’m most proud of the consistency I’ve built over the years. No matter the project, I aim to deliver work that feels both intentional and personal. What sets me apart is the combination of my creative background in acting and my technical experience in photography and film. It allows me to understand people, emotion, and visual storytelling from multiple angles — and that blend shapes everything I create.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was ironically a pretty introverted kid — and honestly, I still am at times. I loved observing more than I spoke, which I think played a big role in shaping how I see the world today. I was always drawn to creative outlets, whether it was making little videos, taking photos on whatever camera I could get my hands on, or escaping into movies and TV shows.
I had a big imagination and a curiosity for how things were made, especially anything visual or performance-related. Even though I wasn’t the loudest person in the room, I paid attention to details, emotions, and the way people interacted. Looking back, those early traits are the same ones that fuel my work now — storytelling, capturing real moments, and finding meaning in the subtle things most people might overlook.
Pricing:
- Wedding Photography Packages starts at $1,000
- Engagement & Couples Sessions start at $300
- Portrait Sessions (individual, lifestyle, branding) start at $250
- For editing it is strictly based upon the individual project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jadentolliver.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjadentolliver/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaden.tolliver
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/jadentshoots/
