What is your name and occupation?
Jill Person — Photographer
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year.
What is your Instagram handle?
@JillPersonPhotography
What is your LinkedIn URL?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-person-photography/
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
Yes — born and raised just north of Boston and currently residing in Wilmington. I’ve also had an office on Newbury Street in the Back Bay since September 2005.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
Since the age of five, when I received my first camera, I’ve been capturing life through a lens — and never looked back. I grew up surrounded by photographers on my mom’s side of the family and quickly developed a love for the art.
In high school, I ran the darkroom and served as yearbook photo editor for three years. At Salem State, I helped manage both the color and black-and-white darkrooms while earning my Bachelor of Arts and Science with a concentration in Photography.
While still in college, I began working at a major photo and video store where I trained under regional and national camera brand representatives. Soon after graduation, I joined a photography studio shooting portraits, weddings, and sports photography.
In 2004, at the age of 25, I co-founded Person Killian Photography, LLC with Laurén Killian. Most recently, I launched Jill Person Photography, continuing my passion for capturing people and moments that matter most.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
Supportive, patient, calm, organized, funny, and energetic — these are just a few words my clients use to describe me. They often call my work superb, high-quality, and exquisite. I’ve been fortunate to become one of Boston’s most sought-after photographers for all these reasons and more.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
This advice was given to me in my first year of business and it still holds true today:
Network, network, network. Friendships and industry respect don’t come instantly. It may take years to earn trust and credibility, but when you truly love what you do and put in the work, it will pay off.
What is your favorite book?
I love getting lost in any good book during the quiet season.
What is your secret weapon? An app, a tool, an organization method, anything?! (Can be a personal or professional life tool)
Recognizing that growth never stops. If you get too comfortable, you stop learning. As soon as you think you’re at the top of your game, the only way to go is down. Keep challenging yourself, set new goals, and always make space for personal and professional growth.
What is your most recent WIN? How are you slaying in your career or business?
Rebranding my company with a fresh new website and a new office location.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Never stop dreaming and working toward those dreams — they really do come true!
How do you enjoy your free time?
Spending time with my wife and our three rescue pups, cooking, and tending to my giant vegetable garden.
What is something that not many people know about you?
In 2014, I received my black belt in the mountains of Colorado after training under several 7th and 8th degree national instructors in Kung Fu and Tai Chi. In 2015, I became a certified Medical Qigong Instructor.