Jared Long and SO iLL Cinema: Capturing the Heart of Southern Illinois, One Frame at a Time
When Jared Long moved to Southern Illinois in 2019, he didn’t just find breathtaking waterfalls, rock formations, and open skies; he discovered a place that inspired and transformed his career. Today, as the visionary behind SO iLL Cinema, Long’s mission is as inspiring as it is simple: to help people truly experience and be moved by the beauty of Southern Illinois.
“I started SO iLL Cinema back in 2021 to simply have a platform to show off Southern Illinois to my friends back in Central Illinois and explain how beautiful it was here,” Long explains. This growing fascination with the region’s natural wonders began shortly after his move, when a friend introduced him to Cedar Falls, Burden Falls, and Jackson Falls—all in a single day. “I was hooked,” he says. “I had never really explored Southern Illinois before that.”
The SO iLL Cinema Difference
Unlike traditional production companies, Long approaches each project with the intention of sparking an emotional reaction. “The greatest compliment I ever received was from former counselor Bill Tatum of Camp Ondessonk,” Long recalls. “He saw one of the highlight videos I did for the Camp and told me, ‘It felt like he was seeing Camp again for the first time, and it perfectly captured the feeling you get when you arrive on site.’ I’ve been chasing that kind of feedback since.”
His process blends technical skill with a storyteller’s curiosity. “I always consider my surroundings,” Long explains. “I ask locals what they know about the area or shoot. I also like to get fresh perspectives from others who aren’t familiar to understand what is important to the viewer.” And when it comes to his favorite tool? “DRONE!” he laughs. “I now have four different drones—three cinematic and one FPV that can really thread the needle. I love using a drone.”
A Creative Playground Called Camp Ondessonk
One of Long’s most treasured locations is Camp Ondessonk. “I started taking videos three or four years back, and I was hooked,” he says. “It became one of my favorite playgrounds for the drone because of the number of beautiful views as well as the diversity of natural features, waterfalls, spillways, open cabins, and rock features.”
When asked to describe Camp Ondessonk in one word, Long doesn’t hesitate: “Narnia. I joke all the time when I post, but I’m convinced there is a wardrobe somewhere that leads to the woods of Camp Ondessonk where kids can travel to learn more about the Lord.” One memory stands out above the rest. “Rachelle Camp showed me Lalande for the first time when the waterfall was running, and I can’t get that visual out of my head. It is a bucket list item to sleep under that waterfall one day.”
Changing the Narrative About Southern Illinois
Long feels a deep responsibility to show the world the Southern Illinois he’s come to know. “It gets a bad rap, and coming from Central Illinois, I only heard the negative,” he says. “Since moving down here, I have only seen beautiful wonders and experienced generous people. I feel obligated to the wonderful people down here to help correct the narrative.”
He believes photography and videography are powerful tools for inspiring discovery. “Southern Illinois is beautiful but still very much a hidden gem,” Long says. “The more exposure it receives, the more people can be inspired to discover what it truly has to offer.” And if you ask him for a must-see spot? His answer is immediate: “Camp Ondessonk! Millstone Lake is also another fan favorite—the rock formations are incredible.”
Looking Ahead
With the senator he currently works for not seeking re-election, Long is looking at new prospects for SO iLL Cinema. “Fortunately, my side business has grown exponentially this year, and I’m now exploring new opportunities with SO iLL Cinema in marketing and video production.”
What keeps him passionate is not just the beauty of the region, but the joy of the creative process itself. “Getting out in nature definitely helps,” he says. “Music is also a huge part of my inspiration. Many times, I’ve heard a song and the visual just came to me while listening.”
Advice for Aspiring Creatives
For young photographers and filmmakers, Long’s advice is refreshingly simple: “Don’t forget to enjoy it. Social media can identify the ‘real’ as well as the ‘commercial.’ Don’t try to do what everyone else is doing. Do content that matters to you, because it comes across as Jared Long’s work with SO iLL Cinema isn’t just about documenting landscapes—it’s about changing perceptions. Whether he’s flying a drone over a hidden waterfall, capturing the magic of a summer camp, or highlighting a small-town gem, his goal remains the same: “I want my videos to make people feel things… inspired, encouraged, whatever the content calls for. I want my work to help move people.”
SO iLL Cinema
