Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jillianne Bartholomew. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jillianne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

You know that saying “life’s too short”? As cliche as it sounds, it’s so very true. Life IS too short, so take risks while you can. Every good adventure starts with a risk. If it scares you, then it’s the one that will help you grow, one way or another.
Born and raised in a small town in Ohio, I’ve always dreamed about leaving and living my life outside of the cornfields I grew up by. Fast forward to the summer of 2021, I got a taste of life in the mountains. While visiting family in Priest Lake, Idaho, I quickly fell in love with the feeling that place gave me. This trip happened right after my engagement fell through, so it was truly a breath of fresh air. I got the chance to clear my head and figure out my next life path, all while being surrounded by what my soul craved. Shortly after that trip, an opportunity to move out west presented itself to me. I sat on this opportunity for nine months… After all that time, it was still on my mind, so I knew the risk was worth taking. I was scared, but felt in my bones that it would be life-changing. The event to drive me to my final decision was losing my grandfather right before Christmas in 2021. That man lived such a long and good life, with a plethora of stories, life lessons and adventures. His passing reminded me, again, that life’s too short. It was then that I knew what I truly wanted.
Jumping to March of 2022, I visited Idaho once again & made the official decision that I would be moving. When June arrived, I packed up my car, picked up my best friend & started the drive across the United States. Exploring different states and seeing national parks with my best friend and my cat was an adventure all in it’s own! Those are memories I will forever cherish. As soon as I got to my new home in the PNW, my life was a legit rollercoaster. No, the road was not easy. (It never is, right?) There honestly was a long period of time where I didn’t even pick up my camera. I was in a new place, my emotions were all over the board, I was very far away from my family and I had NO clue what I was doing. Did I regret taking that risk? HELL NO. It pushed me harder to become the person I am today.
Now, after living in the PNW for a little over two years, I have truly made a life for myself. Currently living in Spokane, I’m happy to say that I’m gaining traction with my photography again. I have a wonderful support system here of friends and family, I’m living my best life in the mountains, and it’s honestly all thanks to taking that risk.

Jillianne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello there! (General Kenobi.) I’m Jillianne Bartholomew and yes, I’m a huge Star Wars fan (which explains my opening line… I couldn’t pass it up.) As a small town girl from northeast Ohio, I grew up chasing lightning bugs and chasing dreams. I always knew there was something meant for me out there, and I eventually found it.

Before diving into the story of how I became a photographer, I’ll tell you a little bit about myself. You can call me Jillianne or Jill, I go by either! I just moved to the PNW a little over two years ago, & have been living in the Spokane area for almost one year now. (Time sure does fly by!) I grew up in a little town called Burton, Ohio. We’re known for maple syrup, Ohio’s oldest fair and beautiful autumn views. To start off, I’m an introverted extrovert, a bookworm, a nerd, a plant lady, a cat mom, nature explorer and a concert junkie all in one. I love a little bit of everything, and am not afraid to embrace it. I am unapologetically myself! I’m always down for a good cup of coffee and learning something new. This leads into how photography came into my life.

I found myself always being intrigued by cameras; the way you can capture memories & make time stand still for just a moment. Ever since I was a young child, I loved taking photographs. My parents (somehow) trusted their camera in my hands and from that point, my new favorite hobby began. Entering high school, I took photography classes and eventually got my first DSLR camera. Learning the ins and outs of that camera and the craft of photography itself really sparked something within me. I knew right then & there that photography wasn’t just a hobby anymore… it was what I wanted to continue doing as an adult. Low and behold, I followed through. I attended college at Kent State University, studied Photo-Illustration and graduated with a Bachelor’s in 2016.

I’ve been a freelance photographer for eight years now, and although I’ve been in the game for a while, I will continue to grow as both a photographer and person. I’ve definitely come into my own, however. From living in different cities, trying new styles, becoming more confident and taking more chances, I’m happy with where photography has taken me. As for my services, I’m a “Jill of all trades”, if you will. I primarily photograph portraits, lifestyle events and music. However, I have a whole slew of photography experiences under my belt. I guess that’s what sets me apart from others; the fact that I don’t have just one set niche. I know I’m not the only photographer that works multiple avenues; we’re all out here trying to make a name for ourselves all while having a common love for a beautiful form of art. The passion in this industry is forever growing and I am here for it!

I’m proud to be a photographer and to share my passion with those around me. I’m also proud of how far I have come thanks to photography. The clients and friends I have made on this journey, the places I’ve been, the skills I’ve gained… it’s all been 1000% worth it, and I would choose this path again if I could.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Putting yourself out there, networking and being present. Hands down. If I didn’t have the support of my family and friends, pushing me to exert myself, to be in the moment and do the dang thing, then I wouldn’t be where I am today. When you first start off in this creative endeavor, it’s intimidating. I can’t tell you how many times I sat there wanting to do so many different shoots, but didn’t, all because I thought I wasn’t good enough and didn’t have a following. Once I eventually got past that fear, put myself out there and ran with it, I flourished. I took on multiple shoots, gained traction, met new clients and jumpstarted my career. I said yes to many different opportunities, worked with other creatives, became vulnerable and made mistakes, all in order to create myself as a professional. In this industry, you build each other up. Those who trusted in me when I took my first few steps into photography, and those who supported me throughout the process are the ones who truly helped build my reputation as a photographer.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, to me, is the lasting impact my craft has on others. Honestly. Seeing how people react to their photos, feeling the love they have for those moments in time, and the fact that they’ll have those memories forever… It’s truly priceless. I appreciate photos so much, and I find myself often wishing I had taken more throughout my earlier years of life. Like I’ve said previously, life is short, so appreciate every single moment as it comes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.j-bartholomew.com
• Instagram: @j.bartholomew_
• Other: Lifestyle IG: @j.bart_photography