Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Tam.
Jillian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey with photography had a rocky start. When I was a child I was always very visual and tried to express what I saw or how I felt through drawing. As I got older I wasn’t happy with what I was creating and stopped drawing because I thought they weren’t good enough.
I took an introduction course to film photography in high school. I was the only senior and everyone else were sophomores. I needed one more art class and thought it’d be fun. My instructor was flat out horrible. She didn’t help or push me instead she belittled me and repeatedly told me I was only in the class for credits and didn’t care to learn. After that I thought photography wasn’t for me for the longest time.
It wasn’t until my senior year at Temple University where I delved into the world of photography once again. My friend and I wanted to take an elective course together and she was very adamant about us taking a basic photography class through the journalism department. I was stubborn about it at first, but ended up taking it and fell in love with the art form.
When I graduated from Temple my mother realized how happy photography made me and showed me the New England School of Photography and pushed me to apply, I’m so glad I did. The professional program not only developed my skills, but grew me into the person I am today.
Has it been a smooth road?
A constant theme is not feeling up to par. But, this is a struggle that I think all artists will go through, it’s only natural.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jillian Tam Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I just graduated from school, so I’m still in the middle of figuring things out. In school I focused on documentary and architecture. I’d love to find some architectural work specifically institutions and hospitality. I’m working on some personal documentary work as well, taking a break from shooting on the street.
In the future I’d really like to take on long term projects whether focusing on one person or place. Traveling outside of Massachusetts or even the United States for such projects is a goal of mine.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think it really depends on the new technology that’s been constantly coming out and the updates to photo editing programs. When it comes to architecture the designer’s, or, client’s tastes are always evolving. Street photography has more or less stayed the same over the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jilliantam.com
- Email: jilliantamphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliantam.photography/
Image Credit:
Bio photo courtesy of Allison Burns
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