Hello everyone :) I'm Jill Nissen! I am the voice and vision behind The Proof Photography.
You can read more about why I chose this name for my business (HERE)! In addition to owning my own photography business, I am a mother of three, a college professor, an actor, an aspiring musician, and I volunteer my time at church and music camp. I love my busy, active, life!
When you call The Proof Photography, I am the one who will pick up the phone! I would love to hear from you and learn why you are looking for a photographer, and what you hope to do with the images from your session.
I understand that choosing the right photographer can be confusing, especially in today's market where there are so many options to choose from. I can help you gain some clarity and refine your wish list with a quick phone call -usually 5 minutes or less!
My goal is answer any questions you might have, and in the process, we can tell if we are a good fit for each other. If so, our next step is to schedule a phone consultation or in person meeting to get to know each other a little better and plan out your session. Coffee or ice cream? Your choice, my treat!
Awards & Publications
A little bit about me:
If I could have any SUPERPOWER, I would choose FREEZING TIME!
Obviously, I love photography, so much so that I have tens of thousands of photos between my albums and scrapbooks and my computer’s hard drive. That includes pictures that I have taken myself, as well as pictures of me and my family taken throughout the years. There is something so magical to me about looking back at those photos and seeing the tiny details captured through the lens and reliving special times with special people.
My love for photography led me to go back to college in 2004 to pursue a certificate in Digital Imaging from the College of Southern Maryland, learning Digital Photography, Basic Design, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. I went back to school in 2015, taking Basic and Advanced courses in DSLR photography as well as a Photoshop Elements course at the University of Louisville's Shelby Campus. More recently, I have completed advanced online certificate programs in Adobe Lightroom, Portraiture, and Lighting. I will never stop learning!!
You might say I'm a NERD, but I prefer the term INTELLECTUAL ROCKSTAR!
I love to learn, And once I have become proficient in something I love to teach others! I have worked as a teacher and a trainer all my adult life.
I have a Bachelor’s in Zoology from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Marine Biology from the University of Miami. I have been teaching college-level oceanography, environmental biology, marine biology, and general biology for almost 20 years, both in person and online.
During my college years I also worked in the hospitality industry first as a hostess, then working my way up the ranks to become a server and a bartender. I soon was promoted to Lead Trainer, and I eventually joined the new restaurant opening team as a Corporate Trainer. My favorite part of the job was meeting new people from all over the world!
Give me MORE THEATRE, and LESS DRAMA!
My husband and I moved to Louisville in 2008 and now that our children are a bit older, I am excited to be acting in the local theater scene.
Some of my favorite roles have included Diana in Lend Me a Tenor at Hayswood Theatre, Randa in The Savannah Sipping Society at Rose Island Playhouse, Malvolio in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night with UncertainT productions, and my roles with Whodunnit Murder Mystery Theater. But the best role of all, and one I take very seriously (and playfully), is MOM at The Nissen Household!
I have taken acting classes at Actor's Theatre of Louisville, Shelby County Community Theatre, Louisville Studio of Acting, and online with Amy Jo Berman and Kevin Spacey via MasterClass.
My acting goals include acting in every county within 50 miles of my home, breaking into film and commercials, and moving to Hollywood, having my own dressing room, and being in a major motion picture alongside my daughter. Okay maybe I got a little carried away there, but hey! It could happen, right?
I like to MOVE IT, MOVE IT!
I enjoy running outdoors and I am trying to get back into a routine. When I am on my game, I typically run 2-3 miles, 3 days a week – if it’s not too cold or wet!
I love to take my kids swimming and roller skating, and you will usually find me in the pool or on the roller rink floor, right alongside them!
I started dancing as an adult and I have taken classes in ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theater. In July 2017, I broke my foot in jazz dance class when I failed to stick the landing on a Chassé pass. Oops.
I've got the MUSIC IN ME!
I picked up a guitar for the first time in March 2015, and I have been playing ever since.
For the past several years, I have spent one week out of the year in Nashville TN volunteering as a chaperone at Camp Electric, a worship and rock 'n' roll music camp for teens age 13-19. I can truly say it is the highlight of my year, and I can't wait to return!
Finally, as if you couldn't tell already, I love exclamation points!! They are the only punctuation mark that can come even close to communicating my passion and enthusiasm in writing!!!
So that's it! Thanks so much for stopping by! I can’t wait to talk with you about your session, so leave me a note HERE and I will be in touch with you soon.
Ready to book with me? Great! Simply click HERE to receive my Client Welcome Guide and get started with the booking process!