Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Therkildsen.
Hi Jill, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My love for photography actually started before I ever picked up a camera. Some of my earliest memories of photography are from looking through my grandparents’ wedding photos. I never had the chance to meet my grandmother, but there was one portrait of her that always stuck with me. Somehow, even though I never knew her, that photograph made me feel like I could connect with her. It showed me just how powerful a photograph can be, not just as a picture, but as a way to preserve a person, a feeling, and a piece of a story long after the moment has passed.
Years later, I took a photography class in high school, and I was hooked. I couldn’t put my camera down. I was constantly asking my friends to model for me and dragging them all over the place to take photos. Honestly, I was probably insufferable!
After high school, I continued pursuing photography and took on just about every opportunity that came my way. But eventually, life got busy. Between college, work, and everything else, I slowly pushed photography and my creativity to the back burner.
It wasn’t until years later, after becoming pregnant and having my daughter, that I realized how much I needed that creative part of myself. I struggled with postpartum depression and desperately wanted something that made me feel like me again. I wanted an outlet that allowed me to create, but I also wanted to show my daughter that it’s never too late to pursue something you love and that, when you put your heart into something, so much is possible.
So I bought some secondhand equipment and picked up my camera again. I figured it was better to have a “whoops” than a “what if.”
Nearly three years later, photography has become so much more than a creative outlet. It has taught me about myself, my creative process, and the kind of stories I want to tell. It has allowed me to meet incredible people, experience moments I never would have otherwise, and create photographs that I hope will mean something to someone years from now.
In a way, I think that’s what keeps me so passionate about photography. I know firsthand what it feels like to look at a photograph and feel connected to someone you can no longer know. I want to create that same feeling for other people, to give them photographs that don’t just show what a moment looked like, but remind them of what it felt like.
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?
This has been one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, things I’ve ever done. Balancing work, family, and everyday life is something I’m still learning to navigate. Some days, I feel like I’m being pulled in a million different directions, and if I don’t have my calendar and a handful of notes nearby, I’m completely lost!
Something I’ve learned along the way is that being a creative comes with its own set of challenges. When you pour so much of yourself into your work, it can be hard to know when to step back. Sincerely, Jill Photography is something I care deeply about, and because of that, I’ve had to learn that setting boundaries is just as important as showing up and putting in the work. Protecting my time, making room for my family, and allowing myself to rest are all necessary parts of creating a business I can sustain without losing the passion that started it all.
I have an incredibly supportive village behind me, and I truly believe that having people who believe in you is such a huge part of making your dreams possible. Just as important, though, is learning to believe in yourself, especially on the days when everything feels a little harder.
Even with all the growing pains, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Photography has taken me all across Virginia and even to South Carolina, introducing me to some of the most wonderful people, all because they connected with and loved my work. I’ll always choose the bumpy road if it means I get to keep showing up as my most authentic self. Because at the end of the day, building a life around something I love is worth every twist, turn, and growing pain.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Sincerely, Jill Photography specializes in couples, elopements, weddings, portraits, and maternity. My work is dreamy, whimsical, and a little moody, with a strong emphasis on movement, texture, and light. No matter the environment I’m working in, I’m always looking for ways to incorporate those elements and turn an ordinary setting into something that feels like a scene from a film.
It took me a while to find my style, but I think one of the most rewarding parts of growing as an artist has been developing a perspective that feels entirely my own. Now, I have friends, family, and clients tell me they can recognize my work without even seeing my name attached to it. They describe it as having a distinctly whimsical feel, and that means so much to me. It’s a reminder that I’ve created something recognizable, something that feels like me, and that my artistic voice is coming through in the stories I tell.
Over the past year, I’ve also begun exploring film and Super 8, incorporating both into my work. I love the nostalgia, imperfection, and emotion they bring to an experience, and I feel they add another layer of depth and storytelling to a final gallery.
I think what sets me apart most is my approach to directing and editing. I’m not interested in simply having someone stand in front of my camera, smile, and look at me. I want to create an environment where people can let their guard down, move freely, and genuinely be themselves. I use prompts and direction to bring out authentic interactions, then blend those moments with my own artistic perspective. I want my photographs to feel like them, not just a collection of pretty pictures. My goal is to preserve the way a moment felt while adding my own creative touch, creating imagery that feels personal, nostalgic, and a little bit cinematic.
What I’m most proud of is the fact that I’ve built a creative business that allows me to tell people’s stories in a way that feels true to who I am as an artist. Every gallery is an opportunity to create something meaningful, and I never want to lose that feeling.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The easiest way to work with me is through my social media pages or inquiry form! I love working with people who are excited to create something together, whether that’s a couple wanting to celebrate their engagement, an elopement or wedding, maternity portraits, or even fun, creative portraits just because. You don’t need to have every detail figured out before reaching out, either! If you have a feeling, an idea, or a vision you’ve been dreaming about but aren’t quite sure how to bring to life, I’d love to help you figure it out. Some of my favorite sessions come from collaborating with people and turning little ideas into something entirely their own.
I’m also always open to connecting with other creatives and exploring opportunities to collaborate, experiment, and make something a little different. I love anything that allows me to step outside the box, try something new, and tell stories in unexpected ways. As I continue exploring film and Super 8, I’m especially excited about opportunities to experiment with different mediums and create something that feels nostalgic, imperfect, and full of life. I occasionally share creative projects and model calls on social media, so following along is a great way to stay in the loop if you’d like to be involved!
As for supporting my work, sharing my photographs, recommending me to friends and family, leaving a review, or simply engaging with my work on social media makes a bigger difference than people may realize. Every inquiry, referral, share, and kind word helps me continue growing a business built around something I genuinely love. If a particular photograph or gallery resonates with you, I’d love to hear what you love about it! Knowing what people connect with in my work means so much to me as an artist and encourages me to keep growing, experimenting, and developing my creative voice. Supporting small businesses doesn’t always have to mean making a purchase; sometimes, simply sharing someone’s work with the right person can mean the world.
More than anything, I love connecting with people who see something in my work and feel drawn to it. If my photographs make you feel something, spark an idea, or remind you of a story you’d love to tell, I’d love to hear from you. You don’t have to know exactly what you want your session to look like; sometimes, all it takes is a little conversation to turn an idea into something beautiful.
Pricing:
- Couples sessions start at $325
- Weddings start at $2,000
- Portrait sessions start at $275
- Elopement’s start at $800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/sincerelyjill
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincerelyjilll/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jilliantphotography
