Meet Jerry Hill

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jerry Hill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerry, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Purpose didn’t knock on the door like some grand, life-altering revelation. It crept in, piece by piece, through moments that felt ordinary until they didn’t. The hum of a camera shutter became more than just a sound—it was a rhythm, a language I could use to tell stories. The bassline of a DJ set wasn’t just music; it was the heartbeat of connection, a way to bring people together and create shared memories. And the stillness of watching birds in the garden? That became my quiet teacher in patience, observation, and appreciating the beauty in the fleeting.

Each of these fragments came together like a mosaic, one that only started to make sense when I stepped back and let the bigger picture reveal itself. It wasn’t one thing—it was all of it. The work, the passions, the community, the art. Purpose found me not because I chased it, but because I listened to the whispers that spoke louder than the chaos.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

What’s up, folks! I’m Jerry Hill, a St. Louis-based photographer, videographer, and DJ, but at my core, I’m a storyteller. Everything I do professionally – from crafting dynamic headshots to creating intimate wedding films or spinning tracks that set the mood – is driven by my passion for capturing and amplifying the moments that define us.

When it comes to my photography and videography, I believe in authenticity. Whether I’m working with a bride and groom, a local artist, or a business needing sharp promo shots, my mission is the same: to bring their unique story to life through visuals that stand out. I’m not just pointing a camera; I’m connecting with people, finding the little details that make their story theirs.

One thing I feel makes my brand special is how personal and intentional it is. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter art or assembly-line production. Every project – whether it’s a single light portrait or an epic drone video – gets the same level of care and thought. It’s all about creating work that feels alive and true to whoever I’m working with.

What’s new?

I’m diving deeper into education. I’ve been sharing more tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes stories through my online content (@jerryhillstl on Instagram, @CaptureCraftTuts on YouTube) to help other creatives find their own path.
My lighting tutorial series, Navigating Light, has been a hit, and I’m expanding on that to cover even more techniques for natural and artificial light.
On the event side, I’m focusing on providing updated branding photos for creatives and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a musician, actor, or business owner, I can help you put your best face forward with professional promo shots.
If you’re curious about working together or just want to see more of what I’m about, check out my website at www.jerryhillphotography.com. I’d love to connect, hear your story, and see how we can create something amazing together.

Thanks for reading, and remember: art is always free – it’s just waiting for you to see it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities and skills that truly shaped my path as a photographer, videographer, and creative professional. These weren’t just tools in my belt; they were the foundation that allowed me to grow, adapt, and keep pushing forward.

1. Curiosity and a Hunger to Learn
Curiosity has been my greatest asset. From the start, I wanted to understand how things worked—lighting, composition, storytelling—and I never stopped asking questions or seeking answers. Whether it was experimenting with a new camera technique or figuring out how to evoke emotion in a shot, that desire to learn kept me moving forward.

Advice:

Dive deep into your craft. Watch tutorials, read books, and practice relentlessly.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re the fastest way to learn.
Stay humble. There’s always someone you can learn from, whether they’re a seasoned professional or a beginner with fresh ideas.
2. Adaptability
No shoot, gig, or creative project ever goes exactly as planned. Being adaptable—not just technically, but mentally—is crucial. Early on, I learned to work with what I had, whether that meant shooting with a single light or turning a “flawed” moment into the highlight of the project.

Advice:

Practice working with limitations. Use less gear, try different approaches, and push yourself to problem-solve in the moment.
Focus on your mindset. Be flexible and roll with the punches instead of letting challenges throw you off your game.
3. Connection and Emotional Intelligence
People are the heart of what I do. Whether I’m capturing someone’s wedding day or creating a headshot for an entrepreneur, my ability to connect and make them feel comfortable is just as important as my technical skills. Building trust lets me capture the raw, authentic moments that make my work stand out.

Advice:

Develop strong communication skills. Listen more than you talk, and make every interaction feel personal and genuine.
Work on empathy. Understand what your client or subject needs, even if they can’t articulate it themselves.
Build relationships in your field. Collaboration and mentorship will take you further than working in isolation ever could.
For Those Starting Out
My best advice? Be patient with yourself. Skill and success don’t come overnight, but if you stay curious, adaptable, and connected to the people you’re working with, you’ll find your way. Keep showing up, keep learning, and remember that your journey is unique—embrace it.

You’ve got this.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I step back, pause, and assess. Life and work can get chaotic, especially in creative fields where there’s always another project, another idea, or another deadline. But I’ve learned that powering through without grounding myself only leads to burnout.

Here’s how I handle it:

1. Focus on the Basics
When everything feels like too much, I go back to what grounds me:

Breathing: Deep breaths, in through the nose, out through the mouth. It’s simple, but it works to calm the mind.
Prioritizing: I list out what actually needs to be done now and what can wait. Not everything is an emergency.
Eating, Hydrating, Resting: Overwhelm is often amplified by neglecting the basics. A good meal, a glass of water, or even a quick nap can be game-changers.
2. Take a Step Away
Sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing at all. When I feel the pressure building, I give myself permission to step away. That could mean:

Going for a walk.
Sitting in my garden and watching the birds.
Cooking a meal that lets me focus on something tactile and rewarding.
Getting distance from the noise allows me to come back with a clearer head.

3. Lean on What Grounds Me
For me, music, nature, and photography have always been grounding forces. When I’m overwhelmed, I might play some drums, edit photos just for me (not for work), or even turn to my DJ playlists. Sometimes, connecting with what I love is enough to remind me why I’m doing what I do.

Advice and Strategies for You
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are a few things to try:

Break It Down:
Instead of looking at the entire mountain, focus on one step at a time. What’s one small thing you can complete right now?

Say No:
Overwhelm often comes from taking on too much. Learn to protect your time and energy by saying no or delegating tasks when possible.

Set Boundaries:
Whether it’s turning off notifications or carving out dedicated time for rest, boundaries are key.

Ask for Help:
You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, a mentor, or a professional, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Remember
Overwhelm is temporary. The key is to give yourself space, time, and grace to reset. It’s okay to step back—it doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jerry Hill photography

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