Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Matthews
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 started my photography journey in 1993 in Knoxville, TN, initially focusing on weddings. Capturing those special moments and telling love stories through my lens was an incredible experience. Over the years, I honed my skills, built a strong client base, and grew my business.
In 2014, I moved to Cincinnati, OH, and continued my photography work here. As I settled into a new market, I expanded beyond weddings, becoming a more versatile photographer. I explored different types of photography, from portraits to corporate events, always striving to deliver high-quality images that resonate with my clients.
Then, after the Covid-19 pandemic, my focus shifted once again. I started shooting real estate photography, and I absolutely fell in love with it. There’s something incredibly rewarding about showcasing homes and properties in their best light, helping realtors and homeowners make lasting impressions. Today, real estate photography is a major part of my business, and I continue to evolve, always looking for new ways to bring value to my clients.
On a personal level, I am an avid runner. Over the years, I’ve completed 14 full marathons, countless road and trail races of various distances, and many triathlons. Running is a huge part of my life—it keeps me grounded, challenges me, and fuels my passion for endurance and perseverance, qualities that also reflect in my work as a photographer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has been a learning experience. As an artist, I’ve always been passionate about photography—capturing moments, telling stories, and getting excited about each bride and groom. However, in the early years, I focused more on the love of photography than on the business side of things. I wasn’t always taking a hard look at the bottom line, which made it difficult to sustain myself financially.
One of the biggest struggles was learning how to market to the right clients—those who not only appreciated my work but could also afford a fee that allowed me to cover my expenses and make a living. It took time to shift my mindset from simply doing what I love to running a business that could support me.
When I transitioned to mostly real estate photography, I found more financial stability. I could finally enjoy my work while knowing I would have enough for basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. That said, there are still ongoing challenges—things like covering hard expenses such as camera repairs, internet costs, and editing software, as well as making enough to save for retirement and pay for health insurance.
Ultimately, I had to learn how to run a business, understand ROI, track my bottom line, and make strategic decisions. It’s been a journey, but one that has made me a stronger business owner and photographer.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the moment, I primarily focus on real estate photography, but my love for weddings has never faded. Weddings were my original passion, and to be honest, most people still know me as a wedding photographer. From 1993 until the Covid-19 pandemic, I shot at least 100 weddings a year. It was only in recent years that I scaled back to just a few weddings annually and shifted my focus to real estate photography, which has proven to be more profitable and sustainable.
What I’m most proud of is my reliability, consistency, and timeliness. I do what I say I will do and always deliver as agreed. Whether it’s a wedding or a real estate shoot, my clients can count on me to provide high-quality images on time, every time.
What sets me apart is my background in shooting medium format film. With film, there was no checking to see if an image looked good—I had to get everything right in-camera. This experience trained me to be precise, thoughtful, and technically skilled in my shooting. Now, with the advantages of digital photography, I can combine that foundational expertise with modern technology, ensuring my clients receive beautifully composed and polished images with efficiency and speed.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see AI playing an even bigger role in the photography industry, particularly in editing and workflow efficiency. AI isn’t going away anytime soon, and rather than resisting it, I believe photographers should embrace the tools that work for them. The key is finding a balance—using AI to streamline the editing process while still applying a personal touch to maintain artistic integrity.
One of the biggest shifts I’ve noticed is that today’s clients expect both high quality and fast delivery. In the past, it was usually one or the other—you could have stunning images, but they took time, or you could have quick turnarounds with less refinement. Now, with AI-assisted editing, photographers can deliver polished, high-quality images much faster without sacrificing their unique style.
I also anticipate continued advancements in real estate and commercial photography, with more immersive experiences like 360-degree virtual tours and enhanced drone technology becoming industry standards. As technology evolves, those who adapt and leverage these tools will be able to meet clients’ demands more effectively while still maintaining the creative vision that makes their work stand out.
Pricing:
- Real Estate Photography Pricing varies based on property size and services needed. Packages start at $150 for basic photo coverage. Add-ons available: drone photography, virtual tours, twilight shots, and virtual staging.
- Wedding Photography Packages vary based on coverage and client needs. Pricing starts at $2,500 for full-day coverage.
- Portrait Sessions (Seniors, Families, Headshots, etc.) Sessions start at $375, including edited high-resolution images.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cincinnatirealestatedrone.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillmatthews67/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatirealestatedrone
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-matthews-73a0a523/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JillMatthews67
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jillmatthewsphotography
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/gCAvhc3cDzp_FpciiuF9aw
- Other: https://vimeo.com/jillmatthewsphotography
