I shoot with a Canon 6D body and only a couple lenses at this point. For outside, I use my 85mm 99% of the time, and for inside I typically go for my 50mm since it gives me more room than the 85.

What type of editing programs do you use?

Oh editing! My favourite place to play! I use a mix of everything really: Lightroom, ACR, Photoshop (primarily PS), and LR mobile.

Do you do photography as a business, hobby, or both?

I used to be in business, but quickly learned I don’t enjoy taking photos for other people, and moved to capturing my own family, so I am now more of a hobbyist. I do however love helping other people learn how to do the same. Like the saying goes, “give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. But teach a man to fish, he’ll eat forever”.

What are your favorite things to photograph?

Definitely my kids. They love to play along and get so excited when they see their photos once I have them edited. They’ve all turned into great little models!

Do you have a specific style?

My style would probably best be described as lifestyle photography with a hint of fine art. I also really enjoy magical/fantasy composites where we bring my children’s big imaginations to life with art.

Any advice for other photographers?

I have three big pieces of advice:

1. Never stop learning. No matter where you’re at in your photography journey, there are ALWAYS new things to learn to help you grow.
2. Try not to take constructive criticism to heart. I learned this the hard way. Feedback is tough for me, but once I let it settle, I realize I need it, and some of my best work happens after have a body of work assessed by peers. It’s a necessary evil to help push us beyond our comfort zone and start creating art we love!
3. Don’t stop shooting. I know creative ruts happen. It’s natural, and also frustrating. But keep going. Trust me, you’re on the verge of something GREAT!

What’s your favorite part about being a mentor?

I’ve always had a teachers heart, so this is my way of fulfilling that part of my soul. I absolutely love seeing people develop and get excited about work. Honestly, nothing beats the feeling of helping someone push through to a new level of confidence!

Tell us one fun fact about yourself!

When I was younger I took karate classes. I reached a brown belt level in Chito Ryu, but never completed my black belt training because, well, college happened, then kids shortly after.

Jill was so gracious to give us her time and some insight into her life and her photography. If you are interested in having Jill as your “Big Tog,” and are a current Hello Storyteller member, contact Angie Mahlke; if you are not currently a member and would like to have Jill as your “Big Tog,” please register for the membership (see below)  and then reach out to Angie.

If you’d like to see the full list of Big Togs that are currently offering the mini-mentorship, you can find the list here.

The Hello Storyteller Membership includes: 25% off ALL workshops & Full Elective Courses, 24-hour enrollment priority on course releases, access to exclusive mini lessons, tutorials, presets, private membership community and more! Check it out here.