Honor the mess. Embrace the chaos. That’s where real life happens, and those moments are worthy of being remembered.
Well hello!
I’m so glad you’ve found me. That must mean you’re crazy in love with your crazy life, and are interested in having someone document it. Why should you pick me? I’m a trained photojournalist with a passion for the REAL.
As a mom of two boys, I know how quickly life flies by, and how easy it is to get lost in the thick of things. I treasure the thousands of images I’ve made of my boys, and yet I still have times I’ve regretted not picking up my camera. I want to help you keep track of all the little things you want to remember about their childhood, so you will never forget.
What the heck is
Documentary Photography, anyway?
Documentary Family Photography is real
I have a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism, which doesn’t do me a whole lot of good with the state of newspapers being what it is these days. I won’t even get started on how sad that makes me feel. But what that means is that I’m trained to observe, and document, life as it’s happening. That means no posing, no rearranging of your stuff, just pure documentation.
Documentary Family Photography is unscripted
No posing and no scripting means your family just gets to be truly, authentically you! How many times have you caught a glimpse of your little one clutching their favorite stuffed animal, hair a fuzzy mess, thumb in their adorable little mouth. Wouldn’t a real picture, a tangible memory, of that moment be better than just a picture in your mind’s eye?
Documentary Family Photography is an investment
I get it. I’m asking you to spend a significant amount of money. But aren’t your memories worth it? Picture yourself 30 years from now, flipping through an heirloom album with your grown children. How much more impactful will a book of documentary images that conjure REAL memories be than a series of pretty portraits taken at some forgotten park? While those images are good and valued and have their place, I hope you can see how important it is to capture your real, extraordinarily ordinary life!
“Time stands still best in moments
that look suspiciously like ordinary life.”
What are you looking for?
Documentary Sessions
Lifestyle Sessions
Small Business Branding
Product and Food Photography
I promise, your life is beautiful, even in the chaos!
Kind Words
I have the BEST clients! I truly enjoy working with every family that grants me the honor of making lasting memories with them. Here are a few lovely things they had to say about working with me. (No one was bribed for these comments, I swear!)
Erin M.
We found our 'forever family photographer' in Jill. Choosing Jill was, hands down, the best investment we could have made for our family memories.
Jill is able to take your vision for a shoot and make it a reality to cherish forever. We have two small children and the way she interacted with them, put them totally at ease as well as had the adults laughing the entire time. She made the entire experience relaxing and enjoyable (which I didn't realize was possible with family photos ;)
I was amazed with Jill's ability to capture the candid beauty, laughter, and unique personalities of each family member... furry ones included!
Carrie B.
I’ve thought about this for years–what makes Jill so magical at photography. I’ve tried to write adequate thank you notes to Jill conveying in words the speechlessness I feel each time after our 15 or more photo shoots when I see her photos, whether of my family, brand, fabric collections, or for my book.
Jill looks deeply into the moment and finds the beauty, honesty, vulnerability, tenderness, and treasures. She is dedicated to her craft, extremely fast when she is capturing images, and has such a delightful calming presence that she makes it fun and easy. She has captured our world for almost thirteen years, and each time we work together she excavates more and more beauty through her camera’s lens.
The alchemy of Jill is her heart. In terms of photography skills, she is trained and educated in photojournalism and is wildly in talented, but anyone with a camera and an education can be that. She has such a rare gift for knowing exactly what part of each moment is special, and she looks at just that thing. I continue to be in awe of Jill and truly can’t wait for our next shoot together.
Katie M.
Jill has been our family photographer for the past 5 years and I honestly can’t say enough wonderful things about her. We have had several family photographers in the past, but no one has captured our personal traits and character better than Jill.
Even with the chaos of a toddler, young girl, and stressed parents, Jill’s shoots are truly effortless. Our favorite photos have been a mix of posed and natural. But there are always several photos in our gallery that are just jaw-dropping…and most of the time I had no idea Jill was taking them! Her eye for photography and natural talent are unparalleled.
Family photos are an investment, but Jill’s pictures are considered treasures in our family. We can never replace these years when our children are young, and I’m truly grateful we have Jill to capture these irreplaceable moments.
christine W.
I am the person who typically doesn’t love the way I look in many photos, but from our very first photo shoot with Jill I was hooked! We have had her photograph our family at least once a year for the past 5 years and I am always absolutely in LOVE with how our photos turn out.
She captures our family’s personality in the best way, and I am so grateful for these memories with my boys. They truly are priceless. I have always heard about photo shoots being a stressful event but Jill is such a calming, sweet presence it makes the experience fun and easy for everyone. I always look forward to them, and I can’t wait for many more!!!
Ready to book?
Or have some questions?
Get in touch! Find me on social media, use the form below,
or hit me up via email at jill@jillmcnamara.com.
You can also call or text me at 602-499-0049.
