Meet Jocelyn Bourlier | Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jocelyn Bourlier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jocelyn, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote of all time is “THE CAMERA IS AN INSTRUMENT THAT TEACHES PEOPLE HOW TO SEE WITHOUT A CAMERA.” -Dorothea Lange

This quote is my mantra when it comes to running my photography business because I think photos are a true reflection of how we view the world around us and what we value most. This documentary style approach to photography is what I aim for when capturing the love between two humans, but also understanding what that moment and that photograph mean to a couple in the context of a lifetime.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There is no doubt that being behind the camera is my artistic home space.

I’ve been taking photographs since I was about 12 years old, and I’ve been seriously engaged in photographic art since my early 20’s, when I took a darkroom photography class at a studio in Portland, Oregon. That’s where I realized that I loved the entire process—not just shooting, but also developing, scanning, and editing. I truly love this medium more than anything and I feel beyond lucky to share that with others.

It’s been challenging at times, but only because I’ve let my self doubt creep in. Imposter Syndrome is real, especially in such a saturated industry. But I’ve found that distancing myself from playing the comparison game and focusing on what I truly love about photographing others is what always brings me back to center.

I think what I’m most proud of is that I get to meet/work with some really amazing people who I would have never met if I didn’t take the leap to start my photography business. They’re the kind of people who appreciate the candid moments that unfold through connecting with one another; people who feel nostalgic for the present moment; people who strive to be present with their friends and family; and people that trust me to discover what’s honestly beautiful about themselves & in their lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend also happens to be a wedding photographer based in Oregon. The first thing I would do if she visited me would be to take her to the Sonoran Desert to take photos and explore. I find so much inspiration in the desert scenery (as she does too) and I always feel at home when I’m in the nature of it. It’s truly one of the most magical places to be in my opinion.

I also love to cook so I would very much enjoy making her some of my favorite recipes followed listening to music and some good girl talk.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I don’t think I would be doing what I do for a living right now if it wasn’t for working as a wedding planner’s assistant to Nichole with Posh Planning & Events Co. This is where my love for documenting a couple’s wedding day and witnessing all the intimate moments and emotions that come along with this special day all began.

I would also love to shout out my family and my partner for always being so supportive of this journey to get to where I am today. I don’t know what I would do without all their patience, love, and kindness as I navigated starting my own photography business.

Website: https://jocelynraephotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelynraebourlier?igsh=MW04OWxjMzFqMTF3dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JocelynRaePhotography/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jocelynraebourlier