Genuine. Selfless. Inspring. Kind-hearted. Talented. Supportive. These are just a few words that come to my mind when talking about Jackie Gannon of Jacilyn M Photography. I have followed her work for a while now, but recently had the insane pleasure of meeting her at UNITED 2013 out in Santa Barbara, California. Her energy, excitement and love for all others is so refreshing and just draws you near her. She was on a panel answering some really awesome questions about self discovery…both in herself and her business. We got into the nitty gritty of choosing to specialize and how life and business has improved for her since then. She has so much to offer anyone and I encourage you to stick around for one heck of an interview below! 

Without further ado—the wildly ADVENTUROUS Jackie Gannon!

 

 1.Tell us something about your business and how long you   have been a professional photographer?

Well my business was a happy accident. I literally stumbled into it, but I couldn’t be happier. July of 2010 a friend came to me saying she loved the photos I took of my daughter and would I photograph her wedding. I thought “why not?” So I did and then another friend, and 2 of my sister-in-law’s friends asked and I said yes. As the inquiries kept coming I realized, girlfriend you’re in business. So this summer will be 3 years in business!

 

2. What equipment do you use?

I’m a canon shooter. So I’m running around with a 5dMarkII along with the 35mm, 50mm and 100mm macro. Occasionally the 24-70mm will make an appearance. I like to keep it simple and travel light. Most travelers do though

3. Where are you located? 

I’m based out of Missoula, Montana. However specializing in mountain resort weddings has me traveling to locations like Tahoe, Canada and more. And I wouldn’t change it for anything.

4. What is your approach to photography? Define your style?

I seek out adventure. What makes them tick? And I try to incorporate it in their images. Adventurous, bold and playful or authentic images. I believe in photographing the in-between moments, the real emotion and only flowing through posing to create that emotion. But mostly my approach is to have fun, no matter how ridiculous we have to be.

5. When did you notice you had a passion for photography?

Honestly just this last year I really became passionate about it. Prior to that it was something that kept me busy and brought a little extra money in. Not until I specialized and gave my business purpose did I actually become passionate about it. Now it fulfills me.

6. Most REWARDING part of your job is?

Each day I get to live out my dreams. Push myself further. Seek out adventure. Photograph/preserve couples stories, THEIR adventures. Show my daughter that following your dreams is possible. And help support my family. Is there anything in the world more rewarding than that? My “JOB” does allows all that to happen.

7. What is the scariest thing that ever happened during a photo shoot?

Scariest thing. I’m a scare master so it’s sorta hard to scare me  However one wedding a couple years ago we had this idea to cross this field in the middle of the night to an abandoned barn with lights and such. This field had tall grass and was full of snakes. I was crossing my fingers I wouldn’t encounter a rattler in the middle of the night on a day I chose to wear sandals. Fortunately I didn’t run into one. Sadly the photos were not worth that trek!

8. Best advice you have been given in your photography career?

Self-Trust is the first key to success.

To love and trust myself. Stop comparing myself and basing my “success” off someone else’s success. Doing that will end in failure on my part every time.

9. Best advice that you could give someone else that is pursuing a photography career?

Be yourself. Accept, trust and value yourself. You are good enough. Learn, learn, and learn. It may not be easy, but it is most definitely worth it.

10. Since deciding to specialize, what are some of the best things and biggest changes about it?

Everything has changed. I’ve given my self permission to be 100% me. Specializing is allowing me to pursue dreams I didn’t ever think would be possible as a wedding photographer. And work with my dream clients. I now photograph with purpose. It’s so fulfilling.

 

Jackie— WHAT A FANTASTIC INTERVIEW! Thank you for allowing me to feature all your FAB-ness on my blog this morning so all my friends/fans can share in your talent. You are going so so far Jackie and I am the one that feels blessed to have had our paths cross…even if it is only once a year at UNITED…I appreciate you and your heart!

xoxo, Kaitlin Noel

To follow Jackie, see below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacilynm

Website: http://www.jacilynm.com

Blog: http://www.jacilynmblog.com

Are you looking for a PASS invite? This morning at 10AM PST Jackie will be sharing how PASS helps her book more clients, and will be answering your PASS questions live.

We’ll be hosting this SHOWIT Live right inside the PASS Facebook Group, so make sure to join the group.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_113241748757129