Meet Hillary Joy

My joy for photography….
all started with my Grandmother. Growing up, I’d lose myself in piles of Polaroids and those fuzzy film photos taken by my “Grandma Flash.” (she got this nickname because she was always taking pictures at every family event.) I’d sit there, soaking up every story she would tell about each photograph. She wasn’t a pro, but her passion poured into every frame, and that left a mark on me.
Those tales from the past, frozen in time, sparked something deep inside me. I wanted to capture more than just images; I wanted to freeze real connections and genuine joy, so they could dance through the years. And to make it even better, getting to do this amidst nature’s breathtaking backdrops. That’s my sanctuary, my muse. It’s where my creativity flourishes.
Elopements and their beautiful simplicity; They’re more than just vows exchanged in stunning locations. They’re a conscious choice, a nod to the planet we call home. Being a Leave No Trace aware photographer isn’t just a tagline for me; it’s a heartfelt commitment. So here’s to capturing moments, to sharing stories, and to leaving this world a little brighter than we found it. It’s all wrapped up in my passion for photography, my grandma’s legacy, and the beauty of connections that defy time.

My Experience

16+ Years Experience
I have been doing photography professionally since 2009. Many years for fun before that! I took my first film photography class in middle school 🙂.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in Photography from the University of Wisconsin. Beyond that, I am always learning! Whether its business courses or learning from other artists, I will always continue to expand my knowledge as best I can!
Countless Stories Told
I’ve honestly been bad at keeping track of the numbers so I am not going to try to list them! But I have done countless Weddings, Elopements, and Portraits over the years, and I never tire of telling beautiful stories through photographs.
A few of my favorite Things







Check out My
Life & Travel Blog
Proud to be featured in the below publications
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and bring your fairy-tale to life
Click below to fill out my contact form, and we’ll set up a quick, no-pressure discovery call to get to know each other and dream up ideas for your day! It’s also a great way to see if we’re the perfect fit to bring your vision to life.






