Today we’d like to introduce you to Rilee Jackson.
Hi Rilee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always loved playing with a camera. I would make my own stop motion videos with my friends in middle school and taught myself how to edit videos. Then, I went on to taking art and photo classes in high school. In 2016 when I lived in Orlando at the time, I started shooting photo and video for music mainly focusing on concerts and then some behind the scenes work on music videos. I have a deep passion for music but don’t have a musical bone in my body so the idea of capturing people doing what they love was something that was captivating to me. I worked with a lot of local artists and some touring acts as they came through for about 4 years, then I briefly lived in Philly and started interviewing touring acts which I really enjoyed. Human connection and just learning what makes a person unique is something I repeatedly find myself being drawn to. I loved that work so much and even got to shoot some Florida festivals and Warped Tour a few times; but it was unfortunately not sustainable financially or mentally for me. It required late nights and very, very rarely any reward. But I loved it. And being in my early 20s, that was the perfect time to do it. After a few months in Philly, I moved back to VA to be closer to my now 7 year old nephew (now I also have a niece)!
In 2018, I decided to book my first wedding for one of my mom’s co-workers at the time. I did video for their day and made my mom help me since I had no idea how it would go. Almost 10 years later and I’ve shot photo and video for over 100 couples and no longer need to recruit my mom to be my assistant.
I never pictured myself shooting weddings because of the weight and pressure that kind of day carries which isn’t lost on me. But I think my ease with it comes from that human connection I always long for. Thankfully I myself and my work has evolved greatly over the years. For instance, in the last five years I’ve learned how much I value experience over tangibility. I live for them. Anything can be an experience, even the mundane. So I’ve really tried to extend that into my business to give that same mindset to my couples throughout their time with me.
My business tagline is “for those who dream of being the main character.” It reminds me that storytelling is my superpower, my why, and hopefully conveys to my future clients what kind of person I am. Sure it can include the fancy and bold things, but it can also include the quiet and everyday moments that make up your story and who you are. I think that’s something everyone can take with them in the day to day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If I could send an audio message of me laughing, I would. Absolutely not. Owning your own business is a constant uphill battle. It requires you to be on 24/7 and you always see the areas you can improve. You’re your own worst critic. Covid was definitely a wake up call for the industry as a whole. Couples became more particular on how to spend their money and re-assessed what actually matters to them, which I think is great. But with that, it usually meant more last minute bookings opposed to the year in advanced we were used to. Funnily enough, I went full time during Covid. I got furloughed from my job at the time and went on a solo cross country trip for a month. I decided on that trip that was the best time to take the leap otherwise I don’t think I ever would have.
Aside from the usual ebbs and flows, comparison really is the thief of joy. I’m one of those people who can easily fall into that trap of feeling like I’m not good enough or my work isn’t good enough if I scroll on Instagram for too long. But like I said, thankfully I now know when to stop myself and what to dedicate my energy to. Sprialing into the comparison games doesn’t help my business.
I was also recently diagnosed with ADHD and that explained a lot of daily struggles to just keep afloat. In addition to that, I’ve had many personal setbacks that were really blessings in disguise, some I’m still rebuilding from. On the flip side, finding support in circles inside and outside of the industry has been helpful. Having some support on the inside is great to talk about your worries because they’ll get it which is super comforting. The friends on the outside typically have no idea what all it is you do so they really do think you are a superstar which is a great boost. Balance. Balance is key. I don’t have it all together, no one does. I still mess up, but I’m growing all the time (thankfully).
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in weddings, elopements, and couples photography and videography! I really do love it and have accomplished more than I thought I would when I started. Based on my work, a lot of my clients say it’s “true to color, yet warm” and that each photograph they see on my social media is personable to the couple and they feel that. That makes me very happy and gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I’m proud of myself for simply trying and taking the leap. Even with the ebbs and flows of the industry and my own life, I’ve never given up.
I’m really bad at talking highly about myself, so I’ll try to answer that last question as best as I can. I think from creating genuine connection and interest with those I work with on a human level, first. I don’t want to talk about the weather, I want to know about you. Specifically with my couples, what they like to do together, how they like to interact with each other, what little things make them go “that’s my person” because I want to play with that when they work with me. Using all of that info makes you that much more comfortable in front of the camera. Almost everyone believes they aren’t photogenic and my response is always the same: you are photogenic, you just haven’t been given good direction. Pretty and perfect photos are great, and trust me I make to sure to get those, but I like the messiness that comes when truly candid moments happen. That’s where that magical feeling lies. And I think in today’s world more and more of us are craving real and messy, not so much perfection.
What does success mean to you?
You guys are really bringing out the hard hitting questions! This is something I battle with, not exaggerating, almost daily. I’m about to be 30 and that question is looming over more and more as each day goes on. I think the one thing that has grounded me a bit is that everyone is on their own timeline and there is no “right” way to do life. Everyone has something they’re working toward no matter how “successful” they might seem. If you asked me this 5 years ago, I’d say by the amount of money in my bank account. But now? I’d say doing what you want, learning from the highs and lows, and being better than you were yesterday. It sounds cheesy, but man is it true. Again, you’re your own worst critic. What’s successful to you might not be perceived as successful to someone else and that’s ok. That’s something that has definitely been a learning curve.
Pricing:
- I travel (and love to) and have my passport ready!
- Every wedding collection I offer is customizable.
- I’ve never been internationally and would love to. I’d happily offer a hefty discount for my first international wedding or elopement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rileejacksonvisuals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileejacksonvisuals/
