Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Marko.
Hi Jackie, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started photography in high school but it became a real passion in college. I suppose it started with a friend asking me to shoot her wedding and as I’m sure any photographer can tell you, it snowballed from there! I studied Theology and Art with my emphasis in Photography in college, so my work is heavily influenced by that experience. My first wedding was in the summer of 2018 before my senior year of college. I just went full-time photography in May 2021- exactly 2 years after graduating! I never would have guessed I’d be here and I just know I’m beyond blessed when I take a step back and realize I’m literally living my dream job. Like right now- I’m sitting in a beautiful coffee shop, talking about how lucky I am, and in a few minutes, I’m going to edit some pictures I took at a gorgeous wedding in Montana. Literally- never thought I’d be here. I’m where I’m at today because of amazing friends believing in my abilities and trusting me and supportive parents helping me study what I was passionate about!!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No!! A lot of heartache and self-doubt. Pricing is always terrifying- I look at these other photographers and see such incredible work and am so quick to doubt that I can compete with that. But I know the time, resources, and energy I’ve put into my work and at the end of the day, I am really proud of what I’ve accomplished. But I am also pretty happy struggling between thinking I’m the best and thinking I’m the worst. I only push myself because I think I’m lacking, but believing I’m the best gives me the confidence to keep going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I mainly do weddings, but dream of getting back into more studio work like I was doing in school. I love editorial, fashion, and documentary photography and just want to spend my artistic life experimenting with combining these. I didn’t know this until a couple recent clients told me, but they sought me out because of my artistic style in my photography. I even have a client right now who chose me because of my fine art photos, not because of my wedding photos, and wants me to make their whole wedding entirely in my fine art style! I love black and whites, playing with positive and negative space, and messing with the focus. I am definitely proudest of those images- the ones where I saw something interesting happening and took the shot, more than it just being a pretty photo, I feel like I was able to catch something most photographers aren’t looking for. I think this sets me apart from the rest- my education in fine art and ability to find a unique moment. I also love unique requests (shooting film, funky locations, involving miniature horses, etc.) because it just keeps things interesting and forces me to be more creative than usual- so keep em’ comin.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I get a really specific feeling when I’ve taken a special shot. It kind of sits and stirs in my chest. There are a few photos I’ve never shown anyone because they did this so deeply to me- and they feel almost too sacred to just post somewhere. I want to honor everything they hold and I just don’t know how to do that all the time. And this is so hard to explain that all I can do is pray someone else feels it too when they see it.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages starting at $2,300
- Engagement, Maternity, Newborn & Family $275
- Mini Session $150
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.timshel-studios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackmako/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.marko.5/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpfB3qcgS_1dL758cZm2DQ
Image Credits
Jackie Marko
