Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Hill
Hi Jerry, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
**Jerry Hill (DJ Uptown)**
**Professional Background:**
– Professional Photographer and Cinematographer
– DJ and Entertainer
**Personal Information:**
– Age: 44
– Ethnicity: African American
– Location: St. Louis, MO
– Traits: Sarcastic, eager to help, progressive-leaning
– Hobbies: Tinkering, yard work, birdwatching, dogs, cooking, cars, art, fashion, music
**DJ Experience:**
– **Started DJing:** Mid-2000s, transitioned from drumming
– **First Residency:** Delmar Lounge (now Mission Taco), U-City Loop
– **Competitions:**
– Placed 3rd twice in Redbull Thr3style DJ competition
– **Notable Residencies:**
– Resident/Lead DJ at Atomic Cowboy in The Grove (until the pandemic)
– The Gramophone (2nd Saturdays of the month)
– Platypus (last Fridays of the month)
– Upcoming residency at Atomic By Jamo (opening Fall)
– **Performance Venues:** Nearly every entertainment venue on The Grove strip
**Musical Journey:**
– **Drummer:** Performed in various live bands throughout the mid-2000s
– **DJ Inspiration:** Driven by the energy and vast music library available to share
**Photography and Cinematography:**
– **Current Focus:** Professional photographer and cinematographer
– **Teaching:** Educates aspiring photographers and videographers
– **Notable Work:** Successfully captured a rare Yellow-Crowned Night Heron near home
**Hobbies and Interests:**
– Tinkering
– Yard work
– Birdwatching
– Cooking
– Cars
– Art
– Fashion
– Music
**Personal Traits:**
– Slightly overweight
– Sarcastic
– Eager to help
– Progressive-leaning
BIO:
Meet Jerry, a multifaceted creative powerhouse based in St. Louis, MO. At 44 years old, this African American artist has carved out a unique niche in the worlds of photography, cinematography, and DJing. Slightly overweight and always eager to help, he brings a touch of sarcasm and a progressive outlook to everything he does.
From a young age, Jerry was drawn to the rhythm and energy of music. He started his musical journey as a drummer in the mid-2000s, performing in various live bands. However, it was the discovery of DJing that truly ignited his passion. Inspired by the vast array of music he could share and the electrifying energy of the dance floor, he transitioned into the DJ scene with fervor.
His first DJ residency was at the Delmar Lounge, now Mission Taco, in the vibrant U-City Loop. From humble beginnings in hole-in-the-wall bars to achieving third place twice in the prestigious Redbull Thr3style DJ competition, Jerry has made his mark. As the resident and lead DJ at Atomic Cowboy in The Grove, he became a staple in the local nightlife scene until the pandemic reshaped his career trajectory.
The Grove has been a home away from home for Jerry, where he has graced nearly every entertainment venue along the strip. Today, he continues to spin tracks at The Gramophone every second Saturday of the month and at Platypus on the last Friday of the month. Excitingly, he will be adding more dates when the new Atomic By Jamo opens this fall.
While DJing and entertaining remain close to his heart, Jerry has transitioned to focusing on his current love and passion: the art of photography. As a professional photographer and cinematographer, he dedicates his time to capturing stunning visuals and sharing his knowledge with aspiring photographers and videographers. His recent success in photographing a rare Yellow-Crowned Night Heron near his home is a testament to his dedication and skill.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Jerry enjoys a variety of hobbies, including tinkering, yard work, birdwatching, cooking, cars, art, fashion, and, of course, music. His enthusiasm for these interests is matched by his commitment to mentoring others and fostering a sense of community.
With a rich history in music and a blossoming career in visual arts, Jerry is a dynamic force in the creative world. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the joy of sharing one’s talents with the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
fairly smooth creatively, although I had to give up a few things to continue living and performing. I’ve always felt like I was in good company, and I am thankful for all who supported me through good times and not so good times.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
covered in the opening question… oops 🙂
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
protip: Find someone who has what you want, and ask them how they got it. Be open. put aside what you think you know for the opportunity for a new perspective. and my favorite “each one teach one”. someone took their time, and showed me the ropes in photography, cinematography, and Music for FREE. it is absolutely my goal and spiritual belief that I should do the same. Gatekeeping is for suckers.
Pricing:
- Private Event DJ services: $800 – $2999
- Club DJ: $300 – $1500
- Event / wedding photography: $1000 – 2999
- event / wedding cinematography: $1599 – $4999
- Casual / Art Photo and Video: Starts at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jerryhillphotography.com
- Instagram: @jerryhillstl
- Facebook: @jerryhillstl
- Twitter: fuck elon musk
- Youtube: @jerryhillmedia
- Other: https://lintr.ee/jerrydoingthings
