Meet Jill Blake of Jill Denise Photography in Erie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Blake.

Jill, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always wanted to travel. When as a young girl of 10 who had recently moved from MI to Florida I experienced extreme prejudice for the first time. I was shocked. I didn’t understand why someone would dislike you because your accent was different then theirs.At the same time, I was given a camera and I discovered it was easier to be behind the lens. Often you became invisible to those around you.I felt a measure of safety and control when I was behind the camera. I feel the same today.

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?
Photographing in Third world cultures when you are a woman as well as a minority can have its disadvantages. You are frequently treated rudely. Your words are unheard. Your requests ignored. You can easily find yourself in a dangerous situation. You have to be prepared for anything. Finding a venue that speaks to the issues you are trying to address is often difficult.

Perseverance is key. Keeping your vision in sight keeps you on track.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jill Denise Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As a photographer, I try and take an ordinary situation and make it extraordinary. I love the every day of the world. A woman pulling up a bucket of water from a well, or carrying a load of wood on her head. Selling her wares in a marketplace, or working in a field with her child on her back. Documenting the every day of women all over the world. Elevating their struggles to an art form.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I can only hope that my future holds more of what I have been doing for most of my life. Traveling to remote areas of our world and taking more pictures. I have a five year plan, Morocco, China, Mongolia, Russia, and Egypt. I am looking forward to the challenges and rewards of traveling to these and hopefully many more countries

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