We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jean Tully a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jean, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from having walked through difficult seasons of my own — times when life felt heavy and uncertain, and it took everything just to keep going. Experiencing those challenges gave me a deep empathy for others who are doing their best, even when nothing seems to be going their way. I’ve learned that life doesn’t always reward effort immediately; sometimes karma takes its time, and people can feel lost in the meantime.
Because I’ve been there, I feel called to extend kindness whenever I can — to offer light where someone else might be searching for it. I have a special place in my heart for veterans and those who have served our country honorably. Supporting them, and really anyone facing a hard road, is one of the most meaningful ways I know to give back. My generosity is simply a reflection of gratitude — for having made it through my own hard times, and for the chance to help someone else through theirs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the heart behind Pearlescent Portraits, I’ve always believed that photographs are far more than images—they’re time capsules. Every moment of our lives, from the smallest glance to the biggest milestone, shapes who we become. Capturing those moments preserves our stories, our emotions, and our connections. They become part of our personal history—one that deserves to be remembered, celebrated, and passed down for generations.
With technology today, it’s easy for anyone to snap a photo, and there’s certainly beauty in that. But what I create through Pearlescent Portraits is something deeper. My work isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about crafting an experience that’s meaningful from start to finish. It’s about creating heirloom artwork that your family will treasure long after the moment has passed.
When you hire a random photographer for a quick session and receive a batch of digital files, those images often live on your phone for a while… until the day they’re lost to a hard drive failure or buried in a forgotten cloud account. But when you work with Pearlescent Portraits, those memories are transformed into something lasting. Yes, you’ll have your digital files to share and enjoy—but you’ll also have tangible keepsakes: beautiful wall art that fills your home with warmth and emotion, or handcrafted albums that you’ll one day open with your children and grandchildren, telling them the stories behind each face and smile.
Your phone and your computer will eventually be replaced, but printed portraits will endure. That’s why, at Pearlescent Portraits, my mission goes far beyond photography. I guide every client through a personalized, heartfelt experience—one where they feel seen, celebrated, and completely at ease. I hand-edit every image to bring out their best selves, and I turn those photographs into timeless pieces of art that will be cherished for generations.
Because at Pearlescent Portraits, I don’t just capture how you look—I capture who you are, and the legacy you’re creating.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey with Pearlescent Portraits, there are three qualities that have been truly foundational to my growth—learning the basics, being adaptable, and valuing genuine connection.
The first, and perhaps most important, is mastering the basics. It sounds simple, but it’s the key to everything. Learning the fundamentals—the basics of photography, business, and networking—gives you a foundation that never fades, no matter how much the world changes. Technology evolves and trends come and go, but understanding light, emotion, composition, and human connection will always matter. When you build your business on that kind of strong foundation, it gives you both confidence and creative freedom. My advice to anyone just starting out is to embrace the basics. Don’t rush past them. They are the tools that will allow you to create, grow, and stand tall no matter how the landscape shifts.
The second quality that has carried me through is adaptability. Life, and business, rarely go exactly as planned. Even the best ideas sometimes unravel, and the unexpected has a way of showing up uninvited. But those moments are where the real learning happens. You can’t let them defeat you—you have to let them teach you. In the world of Pearlescent Portraits, every session brings something new: lighting that changes, emotions that evolve, stories that unfold differently than expected. Adaptability allows me to see those shifts not as obstacles, but as opportunities to create something even more beautiful.
And the third quality, one my father instilled in me early on, is the power of connection. He used to say, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Over the years, I’ve found that to be profoundly true. They say there are only six degrees of separation between every human being on the planet, and I believe it with my whole heart. You never know who will open your eyes to a new idea, introduce you to a new way of thinking, or inspire you to see the world differently. Every person you meet—whether they’re in your industry, a potential client, or simply someone crossing your path—has something valuable to share.
For anyone in the early stages of their journey, my advice is this: build your foundation with care, stay flexible when life redirects you, and connect with people authentically. When you do those three things, you’ll not only find success—you’ll find fulfillment. Because growth doesn’t just come from what you know or what you do; it comes from the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the heart you put into the journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Pearlescent Portraits is incredibly excited to be expanding into community fundraising partnerships! We love using photography to give back, and we’re inviting local groups to collaborate with us on events that make a difference. Whether you’re part of a networking group, school, church, business, or community organization, we can help you raise funds while offering something meaningful to your members—beautiful professional portraits.
We handle everything from start to finish. Pearlescent Portraits will set up the event, manage online scheduling and payments, arrive on-site to photograph your members or families, edit every image, and deliver the final portraits digitally. Afterward, your organization receives a fundraising check—ranging anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars per client—depending on participation. All you need to do is share the event with your community, and we take care of the rest.
It’s a simple, stress-free way to raise money for your cause while giving your members a wonderful experience and cherished portraits. If your group is interested in learning more about partnering with Pearlescent Portraits, reach out to Jean at [email protected]
or call/text 614-333-0040. We’d love to send you all the details and help your organization create something both profitable and meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pearlescentphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlescentluxuryportraits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582193712999
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pearlescent-photography-llc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PearlescentPortraits
Image Credits
All images by Pearlescent Portraits.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
