Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lillian Jean Reitz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lillian Jean, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Creativity is kind of like a houseplant. It might survive on its own for a while, but it really thrives when you give it some attention, light, and a little bit of love. Being a full-time wedding photographer means creativity is a huge part of my everyday work, which is amazing, but also means it’s super easy to burn out.
For me, the best way to keep the spark going is to have other creative outlets that aren’t tied to my business. I love sewing, embroidery, painting, and gardening. There is something deeply satisfying about making something with my own hands. Lately, I’ve also gotten into interior design for the first time! I’ve been giving my bedroom a bit of a glow up, and it’s been so fun to play around with designing a space in a way I’ve never done before.
All of these creative outlets help me stay connected to what I love about being an artist. I have found that I genuinely enjoy making things. Whether it’s telling a love story through photographs, stitching together a handmade gift, or creating a cozy corner in my home. Giving myself that space to play, reset, and create without pressure is kind of like watering that houseplant. It keeps me growing, too.
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?
I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest, and for me, photography has always been about connection. It’s about preserving the way a moment feels. Whether that’s a quiet exchange of glances, a burst of laughter, or a tearful hug with a loved one. Good photos aren’t just pretty, they are little time machines! They take you back to the people, places, and feelings that matter most. That’s what I’m always chasing.
I work with couples who want their photos to feel like them. People who care more about the real moments than the perfect snapshot. My approach is personal, relaxed, and centered around helping folks feel comfortable so they can actually be present and enjoy their day. Big wedding, cozy backyard celebration, or adventurous elopement, I want the experience to be meaningful, not performative.
Right now, I’m focusing on building my business in Washington after relocating from Texas. It’s been such a fun adventure getting to explore new places and meet new people. I’ve completely fallen in love with the landscapes out here: ferries, mountains, rocky coastlines, and moody forests! It’s seriously my dream backdrop for photography!
At the end of the day, I just feel really lucky to do work that helps people stay connected… to each other, to their memories, and to the beauty and magic of everything in between.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, one of the most impactful skills in my journey has been the ability to talk to people and have genuine, easy conversations. Time and time again, I’ve been told that I help people feel comfortable during photoshoots, which means the world to me. I think creating a space where people can relax, be themselves, and even have fun is a huge part of what makes my work feel natural and honest. That ability to connect, listen, and put people at ease isn’t something you always see on a resume, but it’s been one of the most valuable parts of my business.
Another big one is adaptability. Photography, especially in the wedding world, rarely goes exactly as planned. Weather shifts, timelines change, people run late, and emotions run high. Learning how to stay calm and flexible in the middle of all that makes a big difference, not just in the photos, but in the overall experience for my clients.
And finally, I’d say learning to trust myself has been huge. In the early days, I second-guessed everything. But the more I leaned into my creative instincts and let my personality come through in my work, the more things started to click into place. That made a difference both creatively and professionally.
For anyone just starting out, I’d say don’t underestimate the power of soft skills like communication and empathy. Build real relationships, listen more than you speak, and treat every client with care. Be open to learning, stay flexible, and give yourself time to grow. And most importantly, trust your gut. It’s probably smarter than you think.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
The couples I connect with most are the ones who value connection over perfection. They’re not just looking for someone to snap pretty pictures. They want photos that feel like them and transport them back in time. They care about the story, the emotion, and the art behind it all. They’re the kind of people who laugh easily, embrace the unexpected, and aren’t afraid to show up as their full, honest selves.
My favorite clients tend to be a little outdoorsy, creative, and not too worried about doing things the ‘traditional’ way. They live boldly, follow their hearts, and appreciate both the small in-between moments and the big, cinematic ones. They trust the process and give me the space to capture things as they naturally unfold, but they also love when we take a moment to slow down and create something intentionally beautiful.
Most of what I photograph is candid and documentary-style, which works best with clients who are comfortable being themselves and open to whatever the day brings. But I also love working with people who appreciate the art side of photography, folks who get excited about a beautifully framed shot, interesting light, or a moment that feels a little cinematic. They trust me to gently guide them into something intentional without it ever feeling stiff or staged. That blend of honesty and artistry is where my work feels the most meaningful and true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lillianjeanphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillianjeanphotography/
- Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/lillianjeanphotography/
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