You know how you have that moment in your photography career where it all kind of comes together? It took a while, but that moment finally came for me. I was the owner of a studio in town, was in business for about 4 years when burnout and stress took hold. I started to not like photography anymore. Something I was so passionate for most of my life, I now saw as a chore.
I closed my studio. Was it an easy decision? No! But, it was the best choice for me and one that took me on a whole new journey that now leaves me more fulfilled, more creative and more successful.
I took a hiatus for a couple of years to really figure out what I wanted out of photography. I wanted to feel happy, I wanted to make a difference, I wanted to make people smile with the art I create. Fast forward to 2011 when I rebranded and relaunched my photography business, but with a whole unique perspective and a large focus on pet photography. My style is very editorial – I am still working on that and learning to let go of what “people want” versus “what makes my heart sing”.
My goal is to find clients that fit my style, not making my style fit my clients. This is an ongoing journey, but I am confident I will find my way to the right clients!
I spend many hours a month working with a variety of rescue groups and take photos of animals that are looking for homes, this more than fills my need to make a difference. This has been the one truly wonderful thing that photography has brought me. I am also a member of HeARTsSpeak which is a fabulous group that does wonderful things for the animal community. I am also the creator of a Pit Bull advocacy website called Goodpit.com and my images are telling amazing tails of these incredibly misunderstood dogs.
I am inspired by so many photographers it is hard to list them all. I tend to be drawn to photographers that really create outside the box type images. As a family and pet photographer, I of course need to set myself apart so I am constantly pushing myself to be creative with my style.
Long term I hope to be able to create a viable business from my pet photography to be used commercially and for licensing. Photography is so much more than a career, it is a passion and a lifestyle – but we have to learn to be true to ourselves, that has been the most instrumental lesson I have learned to bring me to the great place I am today!
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/jillcarenphotography
http://jillcarenphoto.com
http://www.heartsspeak.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Goodpit/154728644614079
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