There’s an amazing movement happening in the photography industry right now and it is the movement of the Showiteers. :) Now, this is very hard to explain if you are not currently a Showiteer, but easy to understand if you are. And let me just tell you, if you aren’t, you should be. Like, right now. :) So many amazing things have happened in my business in a very short amount of time and I firmly believe that much of it is thanks to Showit. Having the ability to showcase my images and my brand on a killer website really is amazing. Add in the awesome staff and users who have become more like an extended family and the entire experience has really just been priceless. :)
Being a Showiteer has given me a sense of community in the Photography industry. I’m not sure if you are all aware of this, but Photographers I feature each week are all Showit users and people that I talk to on Facebook, and sometimes Skype, on a daily basis. :) I am so excited for this week’s feature with Jackie Gannon of Jacilyn M Photography, based out of Missoula, Montana. Happy Monday everybody- be inspired!
photo credit: Karen Stott
My name is Jackie, I own Jacilyn M Photography, and I LOVE my life!
What are 3 things we should know about you?
1. I’m a mom to a gorgeous 2 year old, ah she’s almost 3!
2. I’m a big hockey fan! I love my Vancouver Canucks, I do not miss a game. Of course I don’t live there so I don’t miss a game on the tv :) And I certainly don’t miss a game when I am visiting Vancouver, my favorite city!
3. I love sandals. I wear sandals almost everyday. I live in Montana and we definitely have 4 seasons and I wear sandals throughout all of them!
Define your style in 5 words:
Fresh, Bright, Modern, Bold, Stylish :)
What is your specialty?
Weddings but I do portrait sessions when I’m not doing weddings. This year I’m trying to aim more of my portrait work towards high school seniors!
What inspires your work?
Fashion and passion! I’m inspired by catalogs such as Urban Outfitters and J Crew. But, I’m also inspired by the passions of my clients. I want their photos to have my style but reflect them and who they are. Their drive and passion inspires me to really showcase them!
Where is your dream location to do a shoot or wedding?
I am DYING to photograph in Akumal, Mexico. My husband, Joe, and I were married on the beach in little Akumal, Mexico and it would be a dream come true to photograph a wedding there! I get excited just thinking about it maybe happening one day!
Divulge one of your dreams for your business:
I would love to see my business become geared just towards destination weddings. A destination wedding boutique studio? Haha because I’m a destination wedding bride destination weddings are so near and dear to me. They speak to me, I love everything about them and would love to spend my life photographing them! I’d love to start workshops or help with workshops for photographers. Specifically on marketing. I think a lot of photographers feel lost in this area. I believe that word of mouth is the biggest advertisement you can have and I’d love to share how you can really get your clients talking!
What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love capturing moments that will last lifetimes! Yes, lifetimes, lasting longer than I’m around to enjoy. My father passed away almost 12 years ago. Recently his father, my grandfather passed. This was extremely hard for me. But, I realized the items I cherish the most, the one that make me feel like I’m still connected to them are photos. Specifically their wedding photos. I have realized that the moments I have the opportunity to photograph are moments that will be enjoyed for lifetimes to come. There is so much value in them. It’s such a great priviledge to know how important my work is. I love it, and I hope my clients love the images and that their children, grandchildren and so forth will love them just as much!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Wow! I don’t know! I hope that we have finally moved to our location we plan to call home forever! I’d love to have a studio and I hope by then I’m booking my ideal clients regularly, and sharing with others through workshops and more!
If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be & why?
Oh my goodness. How to decide! Oprah. Do I need to say her last name? The story of this woman’s history and where she is now is so inspiring. She is so influential. I hope someday I can influence people the way that she has, She is always giving. I seriously believe in the power of giving back and my business gives a certain percentage of every session to those in need. She changes peoples lives in many different ways. I hope that someday I’ll have the same influece on someone else!
As a fellow Showiteer, tell us what you love about Showit:
Showit is awesome! In my mind it’s be the best website service out there. I could start listing off all of the INCREDIBLE features but I won’t. I’ll just say my favorite. The community! Showit Studs and Showit users are some of the best people in the world. So incredibly talented and gracious. Some of my closest friends are Showiteers. They are there to steup immediately and help each other, support one another, encourage one another and there is always a good laugh in there. And, I love to laugh! I love this group of people possibly more than any other group!
What advice do you have for new photographers?
Be YOU! Really! What I love about photography is that it’s not black and white. Just because say I do something one way doesn’t mean that it’s the right way, for everyone. What I do is what seems to be right for me at that moment. Experiment! Don’t be so focused on how your favorite photographer does everything. Experiment and decide what you like, what works for you. Showcase yourself and your style. Do not be afraid to be unique! Be proud of who you are and the images you create! Own it!
photo credit: Karen Stott
Jackie, thank you so much for the fabulous interview! :) You are an amazing person, as well photographer! You are very inspiring! :)
Be sure follow Jackie:
Website: http://www.jacilynm.com
Blog: http://www.jacilynmblog.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacilynm
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jacilynm
