Girlboss: With hard work hobby becomes career

Photographer Jackie O'Brien. Photo / George Novak

GIRLBOSS
Name: Jackie O'Brien
Job title: Owner/operator
Company: Jackie O'Photography

What kind of photography do you specialise in?
Weddings, maternity, newborn and family.

What kind of photography do you like the most?
All of it - I love weddings as you get to be part of someone's special day, and seeing new parents' love for their precious new baby. All those emotions we get to capture are so special.

Why did you get into this profession?
When my first girl was born I wanted to capture every moment and every detail, so I bought a DSLR and quickly found I wanted to do more on it than auto would allow for. So I started studying and by the time my second daughter was born I had regular clients and was able to turn a part-time hobby into a fulltime career that still allowed me to work around my children.

What is the best thing about your job?
The relationship you get to form with your clients. Even during short shoots people are vulnerable with a camera in their face so you quickly get to form a friendship. I get to follow people on their journey through marriage, maternity, newborn, "cake smash" and family photos. Return clients are so special and a large part of my business.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
Balance. Ensuring I only shoot what I have enough time to edit. These days you feel very accessible and answering emails at 10pm seems to be the norm, but finding balance to keep office hours inside normal hours and having time for me and the family is something I'm still working on.

What is your proudest work moment?
The day I realised I could leave my part-time job and become a fulltime photographer - knowing I had enough income forecast to bite the bullet and do it.

What training have you had to prepare for your role?
I did night courses for about three years down at the Historic Village. However, workshops with other photographers has really been an important part of my growth. What's the best piece of career advice you've received? Be your own number one cheerleader. If you believe, you can do it.

What's the most important thing your current role has taught you?
Through hard work and self-belief you can achieve anything.

Describe your work wardrobe.Black. All black. Being comfortable and able to move around is important.

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