May 8, 2017

Meet Jill Tiongco of Jill Tiongco Photography in Based in Bucktown

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Tiongco.

Jill, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been drawn to a creative lifestyle. Even when I was a child, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up… I just knew I didn’t want to be stuck behind a nine to five desk job. So after college when I found myself doing just that – sitting behind a desk Monday through Friday, I knew something was just off. Everything happens for a reason though, and I am so thankful for my previous job as a Web Designer. I learned invaluable lessons in both my professional and personal life over those few years. I met great people, worked under an inspiring mentor, and without those experiences I would not be where I am today. I was comfortable, but I knew I needed more.

When it came to designing graphics, I was always good at taking pieces that exist and either improving or adding to them. I struggled with creating art from nothing. And unfortunately for a few years I took that as a lack of creativity on my part. I struggled with finding my place in the professional world. And then I found photography.

I’ve always loved taking pictures. There’s something about capturing a moment, making that moment last forever, and remembering it in a beautiful way. Creating a photograph, a scene, a frame… it has always come natural to me. My art is in my subjects. And I now realize what I thought was my tragic downfall is actually the strength that has propelled my business into fruition. That strength has allowed me to do what I love every single day of my life. Photography isn’t just business for me. It’s a way of life. I photograph everything I do, most of what I eat, and anything I want to remember.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a fairly smooth road – and I’m so lucky for that. The whole transition from starting out as a hobbyist, into doing photography on the side, to quitting my job and working full-time running my own business has been fantastic. Every business has its challenges, but I’d say the scariest part was just taking the leap and trusting myself. Once I was able to do that, it just gone from there and I’ve never looked back. As a business owner, I’m constantly growing, finding new opportunities and challenges, and learning more about myself and how I face adversity – but I like to look at overcoming challenges as a way of growing and evolving with the ever changing industry.

Please tell us about Jill Tiongco Photography.
I specialize in authentic, timeless, and romantic wedding photography (as well as Engagements and Lifestyle Portraits). When I meet with clients before booking, I often hear that they were drawn to how natural everyone looks in my photos. It always looks like everyone is having fun (mostly b/c we are!), they look comfortable, happy, and beautiful. There’s a light-heartedness about my photos and I think that candid, easy going feel is what a lot of my clients relate to.

There are so many amazing photographers in Chicago, each with his/her own personal style and aesthetic they bring to their work. What sets me apart is just that – it’s me. My style, personality, quirks – it’s the little things that make working with the right couple so special. I take the time to meet with the couple beforehand to make sure we’re the right fit. To make sure we connect on a deeper level. To make sure they get my quirks and I get what makes their relationship unique. It’s all about that dynamic, and I take the time to make sure we have that. It helps make them feel a little more comfortable in front of my camera – and that makes all the difference.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I probably would have quit my job and done photography full time sooner!

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