We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jerry Hill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jerry below.

Jerry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned to do what I do through a mix of hands-on experience, curiosity, and the drive to improve. I started tinkering with cameras and tech early on, diving deep into photography, videography, and DJing. Being self-taught, a lot of my learning came from trial and error, experimenting with different gear, lighting, and techniques over the years.

Looking back, to speed up the process, I would’ve sought out mentors earlier—people who could guide me and share their experiences. Networking with pros and investing in structured education or workshops would have probably shaved off some time. I could’ve also gotten more comfortable asking for help when I hit roadblocks.

The most essential skills I developed were technical proficiency with cameras, mastering lighting, and understanding composition—especially natural light and how to work with it in different scenarios. Learning to listen and capture the story behind the images is key too.

Obstacles? Honestly, myself. Overthinking things, being too perfectionistic, and not seeking help sooner were big hurdles. Also, balancing all my creative pursuits with the business side of things took a while to manage efficiently.

But every part of the journey built me into the creative I am today, blending my love for storytelling with the technical skills I’ve honed over time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hey, I’m Jerry Hill, and if you haven’t come across me before, I’m a photographer, videographer, and DJ based in St. Louis, Missouri. My journey into this industry has been a mix of passion, hustle, and a relentless curiosity about how we capture moments and create lasting impressions. I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling, whether it’s through photography, video, or even music. Starting out, I spent countless hours experimenting with cameras, lighting, and sound, trying to understand how these tools could evoke emotion and tell a story. Over time, that curiosity turned into a full-blown career where I now help people and brands capture their most important moments.

In terms of services, I offer a wide range of photography and videography options. This includes professional headshots, event coverage, wedding photography and films, lifestyle photography, and even product shots. On the DJ side, I provide music services for events, specializing in creating atmospheres that match the energy of the moment. Whether it’s spinning for a wedding or producing a video series, everything I do centers around creating authentic and engaging experiences.

What sets me apart? I think it’s my approach. I see every project as a chance to tell a unique story. I’m not just snapping photos or filming scenes—I’m capturing the emotion, the vibe, and the little details that often go unnoticed. I bring in a mix of technical skill, creativity, and a deep respect for the craft, ensuring that each image or video feels both professional and personal. I also pride myself on making the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible for my clients. Whether you’re a couple looking to capture your wedding day, a small business needing professional headshots, or an organization wanting to tell your story visually, I aim to provide a seamless experience with great results.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way and the trust my clients place in me to capture their most important moments. I’ve worked with a variety of clients, from small businesses and local teams to wedding couples and aspiring models. Each project is different, but what remains constant is my commitment to delivering work that exceeds expectations.

Ultimately, my goal is to make sure that when someone looks back at a photo, video, or even listens to a mix I’ve created, they feel something. It’s about preserving memories, telling stories, and helping my clients connect with their audience in a meaningful way.

At the end of the day, I want my potential clients and followers to know that I bring heart, technical expertise, and a genuine desire to elevate their brand, story, or event through the work I create. Let’s make something memorable together!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the connection I get to foster between people and their memories, emotions, or even their own stories. Whether I’m behind the camera or behind the DJ booth, there’s this incredible moment when I know I’ve captured something real—an expression, a movement, a feeling. It’s in that space where creativity and authenticity meet that I thrive.

As a photographer and videographer, being able to preserve someone’s wedding day, a brand’s story, or a special moment in someone’s life feels like more than just a job—it’s a responsibility. I get to take part in their most important moments and present them in a way that does them justice. Seeing the reactions when clients first look at their photos or videos, knowing I’ve helped them hold onto that memory forever, is something that never gets old.

But it’s also about problem-solving creatively. Whether it’s figuring out how to use light to create the perfect shot, or setting the right mood with music during an event, every challenge is an opportunity to push my skills and artistic vision further. There’s an energy in the process, especially when I’m working with clients or on projects that have personal significance.

Ultimately, what drives me is knowing that my work has an impact—it’s part of someone else’s story, and that’s both humbling and exciting. Creating something meaningful that resonates with people, whether through a photo, video, or DJ set, and knowing that I’ve made that connection, is what makes this path so fulfilling for me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that perfection equals success. Early in my career, I was obsessed with everything being flawless—every photo perfectly lit, every video frame perfectly composed, every DJ set meticulously planned. I thought that if I didn’t nail every technical detail, I was somehow failing. But here’s the backstory: the more I chased perfection, the more I realized I was missing the *real* moments.

It all hit me during a wedding gig. I was so caught up in trying to get the perfect shot of the couple’s first kiss that I almost missed the real magic—grandma tearing up in the corner, the flower girl giggling, and that unscripted burst of laughter from the best man. It was in that chaotic, messy moment that I realized: *people don’t connect with perfection; they connect with authenticity.*

I had to unlearn the idea that every frame needed to be polished and instead embrace the raw, imperfect moments that tell the real story. This shifted everything for me—not just in photography or video, but in how I DJ and how I approach my creative process overall. Some of the best moments I’ve captured were unplanned, spontaneous, and, yes, far from perfect. But they were real, and that’s what matters.

Now, I let go of that obsession with technical perfection and lean into the moments that breathe life into my work. It’s been freeing and, honestly, a little wild—but in the best way possible. That was the game-changing lesson: perfection can be the enemy of creativity. Sometimes, you’ve got to let the messy, unfiltered moments shine, because that’s where the magic really happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jerryhillphotography.com
• Instagram: @jerryhillstl
• Facebook: jerryhillstl
• Linkedin: jerryhillstl
• Twitter: i dont fuck with twitter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CaptureCrafttuts

Image Credits

Jerry Hill