Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Denny.
Hi Jill, 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 pretty simple. I started in photography back in my hometown of Cincinnati. I got my degree in photography and shortly after began working for a local wedding and portrait photographer. It was the perfect fit from the beginning and it went from there.
I moved out to San Diego in 2004. I quickly learned that a big move like that put me squarely back at the starting line. So, I got myself a steady job waiting tables while I began to build relationships working with other photographers. I always found that collaborating with others was the best way to learn new things. It’s also a great way to form lasting relationships in this industry and over time it proved to be an excellent avenue for referrals.
I shot weddings for more than 20 years and I still take the occasional second shooter job and small elopements but these days the main focus is on portraiture. Family portraits are my bread and butter but I am finding such joy in all forms of portraiture these days. I find inspiration in following the work of other photographers and trying to infuse those ideas into my own work. There is always something new to learn when it comes to photography. I have slowed my pace from those days of shooting weddings every weekend but my love for this work will always be my motivation. I will never stop learning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say that doing anything you love will have its bumps in the road. But if you’re asking me to look back on anything and admit it was difficult I can’t because the desire to learn, to shoot, and just be out there doing it was the thing that kept me going.
I certainly didn’t like having to go back to waiting tables when I moved to San Diego. That was a very humbling experience especially after feeling like I had just begun to establish myself in Ohio. Sometimes life gets in the way of our dreams so we have to do what we need to do to pay the bills. I worked almost every weekend and holiday back in those early years after moving to California. I took every shooter opportunity I could because it meant I was still pursuing my dream.
Looking back, I’m glad those days are over but without all that time and experience I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have shot weddings and portraits for 22 years. I am focusing mostly on offering small elopements as well as family and other forms of portrait photography.
My family photography focuses on fun. It’s something I am super proud of because it wasn’t always easy for me to work with families. I honestly didn’t know what I was doing and I think I kept trying to shoot the way I thought I should be shooting but it wasn’t fun for me. When I ditched anything, I considered traditional or boring and started focusing on what made kids smile and laugh, that’s when I started having fun. My family portraits are about connection, interaction, and laughter. I am so very proud of this work.
I have also started dipping my toes into the world of fashion photography. This is by no means high fashion. A good friend of mine owns an online clothing boutique and needed some help working with models and photographing all the clothing. I feel like this is more of a passion project because I get to collaborate with a friend while also pushing myself to work on my posing, lighting, etc. I’ve also really enjoyed seeing the wins my friend has been having in her business. While this isn’t the big moneymaker for me, it has fueled me and been an inspiration to push myself in my other forms of photography.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have had many people that have lifted me up over the years starting with my first two mentors in photography. Gary and Laura Leppert of Leppert Photography in Cincinnati, OH. They gave me the foundation in wedding and portrait photography. The relationship was one of great value that I still honor to this day.
My parents of course were always in my corner. When I was still in school my dad bought me a brand-new camera bag and told me he got it because I was gonna go all the way. It’s still a heartwarming moment when I think back on it. My mom was also a big supporter. She was always a willing model while I was in school or just needed to practice my posing. She encouraged me to call myself a photographer even when I didn’t have the confidence to say it myself.
There is also a slew of photographers here in San Diego. I have a great network of local photographers that I send referrals to as well as receive referrals. I love the community here and how we can really lean on one another. I am forever grateful for the kindness.
And of course, last but not least my husband. He has endured many years of weekends and holidays without me. We’ve had opposite work schedules, especially early on in our relationship. He works 8-5 and I always had jobs working second shift or later. He never doubted me and he was always there for me at the end of a very long day on my feet. He’s still my number one supporter.
Pricing:
- Portrait pricing starts at $250.
- Elopement pricing starts at $1200.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@jilldennyphoto.com
- Website: www.jilldennyphoto.com
- Instagram: @jilldenny
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JillDSoto
Image Credits
Jasmine
http://letsfrolictogether.com
