I’ve always been a hopeless romantic.
From Disney Princess films to being shattered by (500) Days of Summer and La La Land, I grew up believing in happily ever after, in having a love so strong you can feel it in your bones, so deep your chest hurts just thinking about it. A love so intertwined you’ll be torn in half if you ever lose them, but it will all have been worth it.
Of course, this is real life; love isn’t always as passionate as a raging fire. (I know, I’m also married.) But something that movies have taught me is that life can be romanticised. Just because your life is “normal” doesn’t mean it can’t be portrayed like a movie.
I’m on a mission to romanticise your life, and show you how beautiful it already is.
The love you have between you and your partner, the friendships you cherish, the family you treasure, the big day you’re all celebrating together (or by yourselves, whichever you prefer) — I promise you, all of this is already movie-worthy.
Let’s rewind — it all started with a trip to Korea.
In 2018, my best friend Nica and I set off to Seoul in the dead of winter. Feeling inspired by the K-drama atmosphere and vibe, we documented our travels in a cinematic way. Back then it was a bit unorthodox to have such crafted travel photos, but we were obsessed, and we knew there was something special in them.
This was the real start of my business, and I didn’t know it at the time.
Changdeokgung Palace
Then things turned around in 2024.
I was still doing photography as a hobby, but had shifted my focus from travel to portraits. I’d rediscovered my love for cinematic photography, taking inspiration from that Korea trip, and had plans of making it a side hustle purely for the fun of it.
Until my 9-5 role got made redundant.
Haneul Park
It was now or never.
I was either going to keep living like a “closeted creative,” always pining, dreaming, and desiring, while fulfilling the duties of a 9-5, or I was going to go all in and finally make my dreams a reality.
I bet on myself, with the support of my loving husband, and now I’m able to capture the beauty in your love story.
“Jille was so patient and super bubbly. An amazing person to work with, especially when we were a bit nervous at the start. She helped us out of our shell and just to simply be ourselves.”
Why Reina Jille?
I go by Jille (pronounced “Jill”), but Reina Jille is my two first names — a common occurrence where I’m from. I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and in 2015, I moved with my family to Auckland, New Zealand, where I am now currently based. It is here I truly fell in love with photography, beginning with the great outdoors, and now the beauty in people’s stories.
When I’m not shooting and editing, you’ll find me curled up with a book (anyone on Fable?), out on a walk or hike, or a recent new interest — reformer pilates.
Most importantly, I am a Christian, and my faith plays a huge role in my work. I am constantly in awe of the beauty God has made in nature and people’s lives, and the privilege I have to witness these through my lens — so I take the utmost care in documenting and preserving your memories.
