Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Willard
Hi Jackie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I fell in love with photography when I was a freshman in High School. I took my first photography class then, and lived in the dark room! I continued taking as many photo classes as I could until I graduated, and when my parents asked me what I wanted to go to college for I responded “photography!” They did not approve and responded that I needed to get a real job out of college and they wouldn’t support me forever. Well, being the stubborn and highly motivated person that I am, I went to college and got a degree in Interior Design, which is what my mom wanted, but I minored in photography. I also started working with photographers, doing everything I could to learn, and mostly working for free. So when I graduated college I got a “real job” as a civil engineer (talk about the least creative job ever!), but I still continued to work with photographers: 2nd shooting weddings, filling wedding proof booklets and working in studios and learning. I worked hard and poured everything I had into building my own business, and once I got to a point where I felt I had enough courage to take the leap and go out on my own, I went for it! My husband (boyfriend at the time), was my biggest supporter and was the one who encouraged me to go for it. That first year of business was the hardest and scariest time as my mind was filled with so much doubt but also so much growth.
That was 18 years ago! I have continually grown this little big business of mine. I have had 2 studios, my last one being my dream studio which was 1500 square feet and the most beautiful natural light. I was in that space for 9 years and it served as such a blessing to my business and my clients, but my family and I needed a big change. So towards the end of 2024, we left the area we had raised our kids, grown my business and created a tight-knit community in Northern California and have begun planting roots in East Tennessee. I have such high goals to have a beautiful studio once again, potentially built on our property. I am so excited to be here and for what the future holds for my family and my business!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road being a small business owner. There are highs and lows, and can be such a roller coaster. Income is never guaranteed, yet I could never go back to working for someone else, or giving up this passion of mine. The winter months tend to be quiet and it’s when I really yearn for that creative outlet, so that’s when I usually work on my own photography projects.
I learned early in my business that I needed to create a way to have a consistent flow of income from photography, especially in the slower months. This is when I realized the power of packaged sessions, where clients purchase multiple sessions in a package that they can use over 12 months. I carefully crafted this package, which became my most popular baby package, and shortly after it’s creation I had the majority of my clients booking or upgrading to this package. I had created a consistent flow of income!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My photography is a heartfelt blend of storytelling and professional artistry. With over 22 years of experience, I’ve developed a style that combines the structured elegance of posed photography with the genuine emotion of candid moments. Whether I’m capturing family milestones, the beauty of maternity, the tender beginnings of newborn life, or the joy of marriage proposals and elopements, my work reflects authenticity and timelessness.
I strive to create an atmosphere where my clients feel at ease, allowing their true personalities and emotions to shine through. This approach results in images that are both natural and deeply personal. Every session is carefully tailored to reflect each client’s unique story, ensuring they receive photographs they will cherish forever.
As a creative professional, I bring warmth, approachability, and a deep passion for my craft to every shoot. I’m dedicated to making each session seamless and enjoyable because I genuinely care about the people I work with. My studio wardrobe offerings and scenic prints highlight my versatility, and sharing my knowledge through my photography course allows me to inspire others and foster a love for this art form.
In everything I do, I aim to preserve life’s most meaningful moments with grace and authenticity. I’m not just a photographer—I’m a storyteller and memory-maker, capturing life’s beauty and creating images that stand the test of time.
What makes you happy?
My family makes me most happy! I am a mama of 2 boys and my husband is my best friend. We love traveling, especially camping in our travel trailer. We have traveled all over the U.S. and I absolutely LOVE combining our travels with photographing sessions, and have captured weddings, families and couples in some really epic places! I still have a lot of places on my bucket list to visit and photograph, like Greece, Switzerland and so many other places.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Jacquelinephotography.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline.photo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jqphotos
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JacquelinePhotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jacqueline-photography-knoxville
