April 17, 2017

Meet Jill Doty of Jill Doty Photography in Brookhaven

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Doty.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jill. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My love affair for photography has evolved over the years. It started at a young age with thousands of images of sunsets shot through Georgia pines on a Kodak disposable camera developed at the local Wal-Mart. Capturing memories with friends and family was always fun for me, but the importance of documenting loved ones became even more apparent during those hard times when we had to say good bye. Having something tangible to remember someone by that brings forth wonderful memories is comforting and life giving even in the hardest of times. This love of capturing moments big and small stayed with me through the years, but it wasn’t until my own wedding photographer agreed to show me a few tips after I bought a “nice” camera for a trip to Italy for my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary that I felt drawn to photography.

I shadowed Lacey Gabrielle Photography on a few engagement shoots and something sparked in me. I never considered photography as a career option, but I knew I HAD to shoot more. Lacey and I looked through some of my images and she encouraged me to pursue it… after investing in professional gear. You could say it was a sign from God, fate or mere coincidence, but the day we had that conversation was the last day I could return the camera I purchased. And I did. That day I ordered a professional quality camera and lens, created a website, started a Facebook page and Jill Doty Photography was born. I remember refreshing my Facebook page to see my “Likes” go from 2 to 100, asking all of my friends and family if I could take their pictures …and taking a million pictures of my dog. Technically I still do that.

While my business grew, I was also working full time at Georgia Tech in Admissions. Juggling a full-time job and trying to kick start a business proved exhausting. After almost a year of doing both jobs, I made the leap to pour all of my energies (blood, sweat and tears) into Jill Doty Photography in May 2014. Since then, my business has continued to grow and bring the most amazing people into my life!

Great, 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?
Nothing worth having comes easy right? There are a lot struggles when opening and running a business. Just getting off the ground in your business is a major hurdle! Being a creative entrepreneur means that you don’t have a boss or manager to advise you, so you have to rely on your own judgment and whatever education you can find out there. However, what works for one photographer doesn’t necessarily work for another – there are a million different ways to run a successful business! If you’re able to get the business up and running, growing or even maintaining that business is tough! Honing your business skills and photography skills takes work and dedication.

There is also an emotional side of being a business owner! Because your livelihood is dependent solely on you – self-doubt can pop up at the most inopportune times. Comparison is another pretty big obstacle in any creative industry, but in a super saturated (and incredibly talented) market – it’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing. Thankfully there are many amazing communities out there for photographers to collaborate and lift each other up such as TriggerHappy, where I serve on the leadership team.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jill Doty Photography – what should we know?
My business is a pretty accurate reflection of who I am as a person. I’m a wedding photographer to couples that are looking for more than just beautiful images. I truly want my clients to feel like they’re working with a trusted friend and provide them comfort and ease to something that doesn’t always feel super natural. Planning a wedding can be stressful and during the chaos of a wedding day, I bring a sense of calm and flow to the day. This has meant re-doing hair and makeup, pinning bridal gowns, dancing with flower girls and telling inappropriate jokes to get groomsmen to get them to laugh. More than any award could ever highlight, I am so proud of the relationships I have built with my clients that last long after the wedding day. I’m incredibly grateful to the couples that support me and my business!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think I owe a large part of my success as a photographer and entrepreneur to my ability to really connect with my clients on a personal basis. Thankfully, the right people seem to be drawn to my photography and business style, and those people turn in to great friends!! Many businesses try to reach the broadest audience possible while I work really hard to find the clients that are the best fit!

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