Jill Kosekelin is a family, wedding, motherhood and boudoir photographer located in Madison, Wisconsin. She lives for soulful moments and has a way of wrapping shadows around her subjects that is powerful and entrancing. Her work is both moody AND playful which is a difficult combination to master. The way she documents childhood feels freeing, unrestrained and bold.

Today, we are excited to welcome her into our community as an Unraveled Expert Artist and look forward to watching her grow here. Congratulations Jill, we are so lucky to have you. Thank you for sharing your art with us.

For more inspiration from Jill:

Instagram | Website | Facebook

Here is Jill, Unraveled…

What inspires your art?

Those little, in-between moments that mean everything. Connection and vulnerability. The everyday realness that seems difficult at the time, but becomes a beautiful memory. Design. Nature.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

I went to college for Graphic Design, so I'm designing fairly often. I enjoy thrifting a lot, and I'm always coming home with something fun or unique to decorate the house with (I might have a problem). With that said I enjoy interior design and DIY furniture projects. If I had more time I'd dig into my paint sets and knitting pieces.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

Does editing count? Honestly I really enjoy that part of the process. I like to work on personal images in the evenings. Otherwise Netflix, listening to music, and reading in bed. Working out has always been a big part of my life too, and I try to do that a few times a week.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

It depends on my mood. Typically Indie Folk, Indie Pop or Synth Pop. But I also love Hip Hop!

What is your favorite book?

All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr. It's haunting and beautiful all at once.

Name one movie that inspires you.

This is going to sound super cheesy, but Rudy. It's not cinematic gold, but the message has stuck with me since I was a kid. Don't ever let anyone tell you you're too small or not good enough. Find a way to overcome your obstacles and prove them wrong. Mostly, do it for yourself.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

At first it's a struggle to figure out who you are as an artist and how to develop your own style. In addition to that, business and marketing have been a challenge. You can be the best photographer out there, but if nobody knows it you won't get any business.

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

There are so many, but if I have to choose just one it's Lindsay Saunders. She's one of the first photographers I started following on Instagram. I was immediately blown away with her creativity. Her knowledge of many art mediums and art history is incorporated into her photographs in such a conceptual, well executed way. Lindsay uses many different types of light SO well, and I just love how she uses color. And you know, she documents her kids, so I appreciate her skill in capturing their childhood.

How do you handle selfdoubt or creative slumps?

Taking a social media break is always a good idea. Comparison is the thief of joy.

Personally, I look somewhere other than my norm for inspiration. Lately I've been shooting spaces and architecture which is not something I typically do. I also set up creative shoots just for me. Some of my best, most meaningful work has come from these.

Self-portraiture has helped me as well. It's therapeutic.

What is your favorite course or lesson at unraveled?

They're all fantastic! The Composition of Life by Nikki Dunn

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Oh man, how can I play favorites? Probably italian sausage. No, buffalo mozzarella.

What is your most favorite kind of light and why?

I've always been drawn to window light. There are so many ways you can play with it: defined lines, soft curves, fully lit (exposes the subject), hidden by shadow (adds mystery). I really enjoy the moodiness it gives.