Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Rollins.
Jillian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always considered myself an “artsy” person. My high school did not offer any photography courses so I spent most of my free credits on any art class I could. Then in college, I took my first darkroom course and I was hooked.
By sophomore year, I had dried up every photography course my college had to offer too. I had then taken a year to study abroad and ultimately landed my first photography gig as a photographer for Sea World. When I returned stateside, I knew I had to dive in, head first, to photography so I could start the career I knew I was meant for. I applied and was accepted to Hallmark Institute of Photography.
Although the school was only a certificate program, the education I received was unbeatable. We were taught how to photograph everything; weddings, portraits, pets, commercial work, fine art, etc. In ten short months-which seemed to fly by- I graduated in the top 10% of my class. I opened my business just shy of 21 years old and never looked back.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think any business owner will tell you that starting a business is never a “smooth road.” Day to day business needs just don’t come easily to me. I’m a photographer but I also have to be a bookkeeper, a web designer, a marketer, etc. I feel like I wear many hats and that sometimes can be a challenge or even a learning curve. Aside from the behind the scenes issues, I feel being a photographer has its own set of struggles.
Photography is an extremely saturated market. With technology continuing to evolve, nearly anyone with a camera can be considered a photographer. Being able to differentiate myself from other hobbyists is key. It’s not good enough to be great at my craft I have to give the best experience when they hire me!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jillian Rollins Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I’ve been in business for a little over 8 years, and I absolutely love what I do. I believe in capturing real people with authentic emotion. I love, love and all of the great cheesiness that comes with it; forehead kisses, bear hugs and dancing to no music. My clients can attest that I spend most of my sessions laughing with them or yippee kicking when I see a magical shot on the back of the camera!
Same goes for my kiddos, it can take a little bit of time for a child to open up to this crazy lady with a camera in their face. A good game of hide and seek or tag usually solves that pretty quick. Being able to capture a family as naturally as they are, or a couple the happiest they have ever been is a huge task and I don’t take it lightly.
Giving these families tangible memories that they can pass on for generations to come is why I do what I do. The best compliment I can ever receive is a referral or a returning client, I want to be their photographer for life!. I am so lucky to see these families grow year after year, and be apart of so many important moments!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would say my business came into a bit of bad luck three years ago when I got into a serious car accident. I shattered my pelvis and part of my bone wrapped around my femoral artery. I spent about a month in the hospital and 6 months in a wheelchair/walker. I had to cancel the biggest wedding of my career in Bermuda, 3 additional weddings and countless portrait sessions.
My business took a huge hit, I was so close to having to declare bankruptcy at 25 years old. Thanks to my family, friends and amazing clients who believe in me, I was able to photograph my remaining weddings and portrait sessions in a wheelchair/crutches. It’s a big decision to agree to have someone who can’t even walk photograph the most important day of their life. But because of them, I was able to keep my head above water.
After 5 years in business, it was devastating to feel like I was starting over. In the grand scheme of things, I am lucky to have made it past that. With lots of physical therapy, I was able to learn how to walk again and get my business back to where it was. I absolutely believe I am lucky to be able to continue to do what I love every day.
Pricing:
- Weddings starting at $3950
- Portraits starting at $450
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jillianrollinsphotography.com
- Phone: 5087891355
- Email: jillian@jillianrollinsphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianrollinsphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianrollinsphotography/
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