Community Highlights: Meet Jillian Brown of Jillian Brown Photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Brown.

Hi Jillian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Cameras have always been a huge part of my life – I can remember my dad always recording, on his old camcorder and one of my favorite memories was how during the holidays we’d always bust out all of his film and photos and reminisce. I loved how powerful it was to capture those moments and that is when I realized my passion for documenting. I have burned through many cameras in my day, but I got my first official “big girl camera” in 2011 and the rest is history! I started doing creative shoots with friends which turned into taking family photos for people I knew and then I was booking senior sessions every weekend, shooting for my high school yearbook and even skipping homecoming dances so I could take everyone’s photos instead. When I booked my first wedding I was still in college and will forever be thankful for that couple that took a leap of faith and jump started my career in the world of weddings. There is truly nothing like them and being fortunate enough to witness two people dedicate their lives to each other on a weekly basis is something I still can’t believe. It’s truly an honor to be a part of, knowing that I hold in my hands (& camera) the memories that they will one day sit around and reminisce on.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say smooth, there has definitely been challenges. The two largest of which came in the same year, the year many creatives and wedding workers will never forget, 2020. I was previously based in Southwest Louisiana with my business and on top of the hardships that the pandemic brought, we also were hit in August of 2020 with a major Category 4 Hurricane that brought Lake Charles to its knees, as well as many of the local businesses. I even had my own wedding under a tarp covered church, so it was hard to watch my brides make so many changes to their big day, both for the safety of their guests due to COVID-19 and because of the destruction around them. It definitely taught me resilience and re-centered my focus on weddings to the important part: the marriage.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
In my business and with my clients, the goal is always connection & experience. Connection with me and with each other and that is what I think sets me apart. I always tell my clients that I don’t want taking photos to just be something to mark off of your planning checklist, but to be an integral and fun part of the process. I specialize in Weddings & Elopements, and it is definitely not something I take lightly – I am always honored to be a part of someone’s biggest day. My clients and I will often dance, listen to music and completely goof off with each other while becoming best friends in the process. Whether we’re hiking up a mountain or frolicking around a field, my goal is to showcase what the couple has built together with photos that will make them fall in love all over again.

Pricing:

• Weddings start at $2500
• Elopements start at $800

Contact Info:

• Email: jillianbrownphoto@gmail.com
• Website: jillianbrownphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianbrown.photo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianbrownphoto

Image Credits:
Jillian Brown Photo