Meet Jaqlin Medlock

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

Jaqlin, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

As a dancer and dance photographer who is hard of hearing, I’ve navigated unique challenges that have shaped my approach to creativity and collaboration. While I may not always feel patient with myself, I have developed a strong awareness of the energy in the room, relying heavily on visual cues. This ability allows me to be uniquely present, translating well into my photography, where I capture the essence of movement and emotion in ways that might not be immediately obvious to others.

Creating a photography studio in my home was an intentional choice, designed not just for aesthetics but also with functional features that enhance the experience for my clients. I aim to foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that everyone feels seen and safe.

Over time, I’ve learned to lead with authenticity and create spaces where diverse perspectives are recognized and valued.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Simply put, I work with people in need of capturing movement, both as a dancer and a photographer. My journey began before I was even out of diapers—I was born to dance. My mum loves to tell stories of me as a toddler dancing wherever I could, always the last one on the dance floor at parties and using the oven handle in our kitchen as a ballet barre. The stage has always felt like the safest place for me—a space where it’s okay to stand out.

Photography became another early passion. In high school, I realized I saw the world differently than those around me. To me, dance wasn’t just movement but a flow of energy—like a series of snapshots unfolding in time. I believe energy is my first language, and dance and photography are my favorite ways to speak it.

Being hard of hearing has shaped my artistic journey in profound ways, but it hasn’t been easy. For years, I hid my hearing challenges. I had to wear hearing aids at school, but because they weren’t waterproof—or sweatproof—and were expensive, I left them behind at dance practice. Dance studios became a refuge where I could take out my hearing aids, enjoy the freedom of movement, and feel the wind brush my ears as I danced.

It wasn’t until after college, while performing in South Africa, that I met another dancer with hearing challenges. That encounter shifted my mindset, and I started wearing my hearing aids to dance, which improved my performance at auditions. Soon after, I began dancing with the Stephen Petronio Company whenever opportunities arose, as well as with Site Specific Dance and Kenia Rosete Dance.

I have a love/hate relationship with my hearing aids. While they allow me to connect with others, they can also be overwhelming, and listening fatigue is real. For a long time, I felt I had something to prove, pushing myself harder to make up for what I believed I was missing. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I realized I needed to stop hiding this part of myself and start advocating for who I am.

I love dancing for people who accept me fully, and I strive to create the same welcoming environment when I photograph someone. I’ve always been drawn to those who feel like they don’t belong—my mum used to say my birthday parties were the most eclectic because I invited everyone, especially those on the fringes. I believe everyone deserves to be seen, and that’s the guiding principle behind my work.

Interior design and lighting play a big role in both my home and photo studio, where my husband and I channel our love for creating spaces that feel warm and intentional. These details matter because ambiance shapes experience, whether on the dance floor, in front of the camera, or in everyday life.

Ultimately, my work is about capturing connection—whether through movement, photography, or the energy shared between people. What excites me most is creating spaces where individuals feel truly seen and valued, whether they’re choreographers, people dancing beside me, or in front of my camera. As I continue evolving both my dance career and photography practice, I remain committed to inclusivity, creativity, and adaptability. My studio is a reflection of these values—a place where energy flows freely and everyone is safe to be themselves.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I think three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were resilience, self-awareness, and collaboration. Resilience allowed me to navigate the challenges of being hard of hearing and embrace flexibility in my career, especially during uncertain times. Self-awareness helps me connect deeply to myself and, hopefully, with others, creating environments where people feel seen and included, no matter the situation. Finally, collaboration has been essential, from working with professional dance companies to building spaces and experiences with my husband and clients.

For those starting their journey, I would say: Embrace challenges as part of the process and stay open to change—your path doesn’t have to look a certain way. Cultivate awareness by learning to listen deeply, both to yourself and others, because meaningful work starts with connection, even when communication feels difficult. Know your values and let them guide your decisions, especially when the way forward feels unclear. And, perhaps most importantly, don’t go it alone. Build relationships and seek opportunities to collaborate, knowing that community is one of the most valuable resources you can have.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I feel overwhelmed often, as I’m naturally a very anxious person. Grounding myself is essential, and I practice it multiple times a day through various modalities. Setting intentions and affirmations are two of the most powerful ways I stay centered, helping me align with my goals and reconnect with the present moment. Movement also plays a key role—it’s how I connect to my higher self and gain clarity.

Setting boundaries is an ongoing challenge for me, and it doesn’t come easily. Energy protection has become a vital part of my daily routine, helping me manage my emotional and mental well-being, especially since I’m the type of empath who takes on the pain of others.

Having a support system is something I value deeply, especially because it hasn’t always been available to me. I’ve also learned to schedule time for what matters beyond work. I like to break my day into phases, much like the cycles of the moon. Each phase—whether focused on work, relationships, movement, creativity, or self-care—serves a unique purpose. Some phases shine brightly, while others retreat into the background, but all deserve attention in their time.

My advice for others is to protect your energy, be intentional with your time, and treat yourself the way you want to be treated—because the energy you put out is the energy you get back. Build a support system, even if it starts small, and make time for the things that nourish your soul. Life is more than just work, and the most fulfilling days are the ones that honor every part of who you are. In fact, I believe in divine timing: what you want will manifest when you’re ready, often when your energy is thoughtfully and equally distributed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jaqlinmedlock.com
• Instagram: @jaqlinmedlock, @jaqlinmedlockphotography & my newest for our studio, @wearestudio810

Image Credits

Photos by Christina DeOrtentiis, Alicia Steeves, Ryan Thomas and Jaqlin Medlock