Exploring Life & Business with Ilia Jones of Ilia Antoinette Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilia Jones.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always had an interest in photography but never had the means to truly pursue it. By a miracle, the camera I currently use fell into my hands. I started out just having fun, taking pictures of friends and documenting moments I felt were special.

During quarantine, I had a lot of time to think. I lost two very important people in my life, my aunt and uncle, both in 2020. I used to think the saying “life is short” was overused, but after losing two people who really inspired and supported me I couldn’t ignore that the cheesy expression felt incredibly appropriate. I had to take a step back and evaluate my position in life.

I wanted to put energy into happiness and not just settle into whatever was easiest. I knew photography made me happy and from then on decided to put my focus in that direction. Since deciding that was my path to joy, I’ve photographed couples, mothers-to-be, families, and weddings. The growth in my career is slow and steady but I couldn’t be happier.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey hasn’t been easy. As a photographer, you are a small business owner.

I’ve always been told by peers that I have an entrepreneurial spirit but the real-life execution of running a business is met with so many challenges. The start-up cost as a photographer can be astronomical, so finding the funds during a time when I was unemployed due to the pandemic was a bit difficult.

Payment from some of my first few jobs just went to renting equipment but eventually, I built a client base and was able to start doing more than just break even.

As you know, we’re big fans of Ilia Antoinette Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As a photographer, I am passionate about capturing the best but most honest side of my clients. Posing can feel awkward and unnatural so I do what I can to make those in front of my camera feel like I’m not even there.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve developed with my clients. Most have booked with me for multiple sessions and I have to attribute that to the great dynamic we’ve had and the results of their session. I offer services for couples, mothers-to-be, families, weddings, and even businesses.

I’ll be working on adding some graduation portraiture to my catalog as well!

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was a kid, my uncle took care of my brother and me most weekends while my mother was working.

He was the fun uncle. He introduced us to great music and films. The first Saturday of every month he’d take us out. We’d go to our favorite pizza place and play games and finish the night off with a movie and a big bag of popcorn. I felt very free with him and heard as a child.

He was definitely a supporter of imagination and creativity and a part of my motivation for following a creative path.

Pricing:

• $250 for up to an hour of portraiture
• $1,900 for 8 hours of wedding coverage with TWO photographers, and a complimentary engagement session

Contact Info:

• Email: Ilia.antoinettephoto@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilia.antoinettephotography/

Image Credits
Bella Ruth Co, Kat Daniels, Kaya Brooks, Treasa McDonald, and Mark Bacigalupo