Many children have difficulties verbalizing what lies deep within them. Jill Wagner was such a child. But at the age of twelve she found her voice through the lens of a camera. Photography provided her with a safe method of sharing her inner feelings without speaking.

To this day, Jill still prefers the silence of sitting with her subjects in order to capture a moment and interpret it in a way you might not have considered before. Stand in front of Jill Wagner's images and you will see that at first glance they are deceivingly simple. As you continue to absorb the work however, what is revealed is how each photo bears witness to a uniquely precious moment.

Jill Wagner was born in the mountains above Redding California. Growing up her best friends included 'Kipper', a Norweigian Elkhound and 'Cassey' a Doberman Pincer. Much time was spent riding horses and following her father after deer season to photograph the wildlife.

In 1999 Jill began devoting all of her time to photography. Currently she shoots for various publications, commercial and private clients, as well as the photo advisor for The Current at American River College.

"I have tried to put down my camera throughout the past 30 years only to find it back in my hands" says Jill.

Thankfully the union that began in childhood continues to reflect a simple passion and causes us to consider moments of our own lives that bear witness to the same.

"The idea of moments passing without a return is why I photograph. " ~Jill

PASSION ~ The state of the mind when it is powerfully acted upon and influenced by something external to itself; an extreme or inordinate desire; also, the capacity or susecptibility of being so affected; as, to be in a passion; the passions of love, hate, jealously, wrath, ambition, avariance, fear, etc.