For Jade Coiley, photography isn’t just a job. It’s a promise — one that began with a pact made during one of life’s most difficult moments.

“I was gifted cancer,” Jade says plainly. “And my first DSLR, ten years ago. I made a pact with God basically, ‘God, if you get me out of this one, I will do something with that camera in that box that I am too afraid to open.’”

That camera, unopened and sitting in its box, became the tool through which Jade would rebuild her life. When the call came that she was clear from cancer, there was no question what came next. “I knew I had to hold up my end of the deal,” she explains. “Jobs started coming in left and right and I knew I was getting the ‘assistance’ I needed to keep my end of the bargain.”

Now, nine years into a thriving career, Jade is the owner and operator of Serendipitous Adventures Photography, a one-woman operation rooted in heart, energy, and authenticity. While she collaborates regularly with trusted video and drone professionals, Jade is currently the sole shooter for her business — something she’s looking to expand on in the year ahead.

“I care. I go the extra mile,” she says. “I live in appreciation for what I get to do.”

That philosophy has shaped the way she works with clients across a wide range of services — from real estate photography to lifestyle, branding, family, and business content. “I shoot various kinds of real estate. I pride myself on capturing every job, in its best, and most authentic light,” she explains. “To keep things flowing creatively, I love when my work offers a bit of variety, and I get to capture smiles, laughter, love, and pride.”

But for Jade, the connection with clients goes far beyond the lens.

“As far as real estate photography goes, I have always said I am not just shooting houses,” she shares. “Oftentimes I am meeting with homeowners, and for most, it is a nerve-racking, vulnerable process. I always believed in offering calm reassurance they’ve done a great job, and have an amazing agent. I always go the extra mile. If they need help moving things around, I help move things around. I care. I think that’s what sets me apart.”

That human-centered approach has helped Jade become a sought-after creative partner in the Chesapeake area — a region she’s worked in for years and grown to love. Born in Washington State but raised in Baltimore, Jade spent five years in Southwest Florida before returning to Maryland. “I do a lot of work in the Chesapeake area, because I love the area, and the agents I have been working with for years.”

Her clients come from all backgrounds, and Jade welcomes the diversity of experience each project brings. “I do not discriminate. I will shoot it all, haha! Variety is the spice of Life!”

When asked what top producers can expect from working with her, she doesn’t hesitate. “My work ethic, my artistry, and my energy,” she says. “I am always evolving and improving. I am committed to leaving a good impression on all my clients.”

Jade defines success not in titles or numbers, but in impact. “Feeling like you’re putting good into the world, liking what you do, having a harmonious work/life balance, and living comfortably because of your hard work,” she says. “A clean conscience. Always seeking to evolve, while being able to appreciate how far you’ve come.”

That commitment to balance shows up in her daily rhythms, too. Jade keeps her workday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., takes at least one full day off each week, and sprinkles small joys into her workflow — from scenic walks to trying new cafés during travel for shoots. “It’s work,” she says, “but with a little extra yumminess sprinkled on top.”

Outside of work, Jade finds joy in quiet moments at home with her two cats, or taking road trips with her daughter. “We find every non-chain coffee shop we can, and always search out amazing food.”

Looking ahead, Jade’s goals are rooted in growth — and light. “I want to become a bit more disciplined in all aspects of life. I want to learn new things that will benefit myself and others. I want to be a source of light always. I want to travel!”

For now, she’s exactly where she needs to be — living out a promise, camera in hand, heart wide open.