Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Hillery.
Hi Joshua , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Hillery’s Photography over eight years ago. In the beginning, I took on every type of photography you can imagine—from family portraits to maternity sessions. Like many new photographers, I struggled to be profitable and didn’t fully understand the business side of the industry.
Determined to grow, I began educating myself. I dove into learning about marketing, building systems, and creating a client-centered experience. I attended seminars, read countless books, invested in courses, and even worked under other experienced photographers. I did everything I could to understand not just the art, but the business of photography.
Fast forward to today, my primary focus is wedding photography. However, as a company, we also offer professional videography services.
What sets me apart from many photographers is that Hillery’s Photography is a true business—not just a solo operation. I work with a talented team of photographers, videographers, and assistants who share the same commitment to excellence. We’re dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences and timeless visuals for every client we serve.
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?
Like any other successful entrepreneur—from Elon Musk to Jeff Bezos, or even our president, Donald Trump—the journey to building something meaningful isn’t easy. There are always struggles, setbacks, and growing pains.
One of my biggest challenges in the beginning was finding clients who truly valued photography. Many people were only interested in getting things for free or as cheaply as possible. But when someone doesn’t value your product, they won’t respect your work. I had to learn how to attract clients who saw the worth in what I offer—not just in the images, but in the experience.
It wasn’t easy. But through everything I’ve learned—developing systems, mastering marketing, and building a strong customer experience—I discovered the blueprint for building a million-dollar business.
Of course, that didn’t mean the struggles stopped.
I’ve always been all in with Hillery’s Photography. I don’t do anything halfway. I’m either fully committed, or I’m out. Not too long ago, I went through one of the toughest seasons of my life. A client booked a big-budget wedding—but later, I discovered he had used a stolen credit card. My account was frozen, and I couldn’t access any funds while the investigation was underway. That, along with a few other unfortunate events, ultimately caused me to lose my home.
Just a week later, my car was stolen.
Thankfully, my brother let me borrow his vehicle—but even through all of that, I refused to give up. The very next day, I had a wedding to shoot. And you’d never know what I was going through—because the moment I step behind the camera, everything else fades away. Photography is where I find purpose, focus, and peace.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a wedding photographer who puts the customer experience first. That’s why the tagline at Hillery’s Photography is: “It’s All About You.”
While I have a deep passion for photography, I’m more than just a photographer—I’m also an innovator. I’ve developed a system that allows my business to scale beyond just what I can do alone. On my own, I can only shoot one wedding per day. But with a talented and dedicated team behind me, the possibilities are endless. We’re able to serve multiple couples on the same day without compromising quality or experience.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
While Hillery’s Photography is best known for wedding photography, not many people realize that we also specialize in creating promotional videos for businesses. One of our recent projects was a promotional video for Guardian Glass, where I had the opportunity to serve as the director.
I truly believe that to be a great photographer, you also need to know how to direct. Whether it’s a wedding or a commercial shoot, strong direction ensures the vision is clear, the message is powerful, and the final product exceeds expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hillerysphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillerysphotography/profilecard/?igsh=MWg2MWFscnk0MHFtcw==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HillerysPhotography/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-hillery-036b6819b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/hillerysphotog1?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hillerysphotography?si=aV2y7FrMobaU5UU6
Image Credits
Hillery’s Photography
