We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jordan Cigelske a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jordan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Taking the leap into running my own business was, without a doubt, one of the most daunting and exhilarating risks I’ve ever taken. There’s something about the idea of stepping out on your own, away from the comfort and security of a regular paycheck, that just eats at you. It’s that constant voice in your head asking, What if I fail? What if it’s all for nothing?
The backstory? Well, I was working at a job I didn’t hate but didn’t love either. It paid the bills, kept me comfortable, but deep down, I always knew I wanted to do something of my own. I’d spent years juggling side projects, exploring passions, building skills on the side, but fear kept holding me back. It was always easier to say, “Maybe later, maybe next year,” but the itch was always there. I just didn’t know how to scratch it.
Then, everything changed one evening, after I’d been laying awake in bed for what felt like weeks, mentally plotting out every little detail of a business idea that kept surfacing. It wasn’t the perfect plan. In fact, it was messy, incomplete, and even now, looking back, I can see all the things I should’ve prepared better. But something clicked. I was done waiting for the right moment, for the perfect time. The truth was, it was never going to come. I had to create it.
So, with little more than a handful of savings, a supportive group of close friends, and a burning desire to make something real, I pulled the trigger. I handed in my resignation, put myself in a situation where there was no backup, and just dove in headfirst. I didn’t have a clear roadmap, and at times, the future felt like a foggy road. But something about that risk felt right.
The first few months were brutal. I had moments where I honestly wondered if I’d made a colossal mistake. Every decision felt like life or death, and I was responsible for everything—from the smallest detail of marketing to making sure clients got what they needed. I spent long nights answering emails, revising strategies, and convincing myself that I could do this. But despite all the sleepless nights and the constant worry, something incredible happened. The clients I worked with began to trust me. They began to refer me to others. Slowly but surely, the business began to take shape.
Now, years later, I look back and I can’t believe I almost didn’t take the chance. Yes, I’ve made mistakes along the way, and yes, I’ve faced more challenges than I can count. But I can honestly say that running my own business has brought me a sense of purpose I never thought possible. It’s changed how I see myself and the world around me. It’s a constant learning curve, but I’d rather be on this journey than stuck in a cycle of “what ifs.”
Taking that risk? It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. But it all started with that single, terrifying moment of deciding to go for it, despite the fear, the uncertainty, and the doubt. That was the moment that changed everything. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Jordan, 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?
At J. Tay Photography, we believe in capturing not just images, but the emotions and stories that make each moment unique. Our philosophy, “Don’t shoot what it looks like; shoot what it feels like,” reflects our commitment to authenticity and connection.
About Us
Founded by Jordan, J. Tay Photography is a Wisconsin-based Photographer specializing in weddings, family portraits, and lifestyle photography. Our mission is to create timeless, heartfelt images that resonate with our clients.
Our Services
We offer a range of customizable sessions to suit various needs:
Weddings: From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, we provide packages that capture every precious moment. Our most popular package includes an engagement session and eight hours of wedding day coverage.
Family and Children: We focus on showcasing each family’s unique dynamics, creating portraits that reflect their personalities and bonds.
Seniors: Our senior sessions are tailored to highlight individual interests and milestones, ensuring each portrait is a true reflection of the senior’s journey.
Lifestyle and Branding: We collaborate with individuals and businesses to craft images that tell compelling stories, whether for personal milestones or brand promotion.
Our Studio
Located just off Highway 16 in Ixonia, Wisconsin, our studio offers a versatile space with vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and a minimalist aesthetic. It’s the perfect setting for creative sessions, providing a comfortable environment for clients and photographers alike.
What Sets Us Apart
We are dedicated to capturing authentic moments that reflect the true essence of our clients. Our personalized approach ensures that each session is tailored to individual preferences and stories, resulting in images that are both meaningful and memorable.
What We’re Most Proud Of
We take pride in the lasting relationships we build with our clients, many of whom return for multiple sessions over the years. Witnessing families grow and being part of their significant moments is the most rewarding aspect of our work.
What We Want You to Know
At J. Tay Photography, we are more than just photographers; we are storytellers committed to preserving your most cherished memories. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, welcoming a new family member, or marking a personal milestone, we are here to capture the moments that matter most to you.
For more information or to book a session, please visit our website at www.jtayphotography.com or contact us at [email protected].
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative—specifically as a photographer—is the ability to freeze time for someone and give them a memory that they can hold onto forever. It’s the moments that I capture that others might not even realize are special until they see the photograph: a glance shared between loved ones, a genuine laugh, or the quiet joy in a person’s eyes.
There’s something deeply fulfilling about being able to give someone a tangible piece of their story. The process of creating art that allows others to reflect on who they are or what they’ve experienced—whether it’s a milestone, a fleeting moment, or a simple slice of life—is truly rewarding.
The impact of these photographs goes beyond just the image itself; they carry emotion, memories, and a piece of someone’s journey. Knowing that my work has the power to bring joy, evoke nostalgia, or even spark a deeper sense of connection for someone else is something that drives me every single day. And as a photographer, I get to be a part of their story, helping to preserve and immortalize those moments in a way that can be passed down for generations.
It’s that connection—between me, the subject, and the viewers—that makes being an artist so incredibly rewarding.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes, my mission is rooted in authenticity and connection. As a photographer, my goal has always been to create work that goes beyond just capturing a moment—it’s about telling a story, preserving real emotions, and connecting with people on a deeper level. I want my images to feel like more than just pictures; I want them to be a reflection of who someone truly is and what they’re feeling in that very moment.
The driving force behind my creative journey is this idea of authenticity—whether I’m photographing a wedding, a family, or a brand, I’m always striving to capture the essence of the people in front of my lens. I don’t want to just take pretty pictures. I want to preserve memories that carry meaning, moments that make people feel something when they look back at them.
I’m also passionate about showing that the little, everyday moments are just as important as the big ones. There’s beauty in the quiet moments, in the unposed, unfiltered aspects of life, and that’s something I strive to highlight in my work.
Ultimately, my mission is to create art that resonates with people, that stands the test of time, and that, years from now, will still make them smile, laugh, or even tear up when they look back at it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jtayphotography.com
- Instagram: @j.tayphotography
- Facebook: J. Tay Photography
- Other: Pintrest & TicTok- @jtayphotography
Facebook & Instagram- @Thestudiobyjtayphotography
Image Credits
J. Tay Photography