Inside Scoop: What It’s Really Like To Be A Photographer

A few weeks back, you got the inside scoop from Anna. Now, here is Janel’s take on what it’s really like to be in her shoes!

Q: What do you love most about being a photographer?

My favorite thing about being a photographer is the ability to capture someones feelings and put it on paper for them. When I am shooting, I’m thinking to myself, “Wow, at this moment in time, the brides dad could not be more proud. That must feel amazing.” And then snap—it’s captured! I love that. It’s such a privilege to be able to share these moments with our clients and be part of their history. It’s something that their children and their children’s children will all be able to take part in together later. I think it’s absolutely amazing.

Q: Was this always your dream job? If yes, why? If no, how did you get where you’re at today?

Absolutely. In fact, I started out in advertising and sales but never in a million years did I think I would be given the opportunity to make my hobby into a living. My husband actually pushed me into starting this business (we were working together and driving each other nuts so it was a win-win. LOL), and I thought, well, here goes nothing! Here we are years later, and we feel so lucky!

Q: After being in the biz (we won’t say exactly how long!), what’s the one thing you would change about your own wedding?

I loved everything about our wedding. My mother-in-law did an amazing job with all the details, including our flowers. She pretty much did everything! That being said, after seeing the amazing work Anna does for us at Focus Films, I would have loved to have had a videographer. It’s a whole different prospective than still photography.

Q: If you could create a dream client/s, what sets them apart? And what’s the #1 thing they can do to help you take amazing photos?

Oh, hmmm…we are pretty fortunate in that our clientele tends to be on the artistic and less “uptight” side, thank god! If I could choose, I would pick the couples that are willing to trust us to do our job. We love what we do and I think that really comes through when we are given more artistic license. It allows us to capture those moments without being limited to a strict shot list or something along those lines. Every client is different, so I think it’s important to focus on those unique qualities rather that make them special rather than try to re-create someone else’s ideas.

This is just one of the many examples of how cool our clients are! This was shot at the Smog Shoppe in Los Angeles, CA.

Q: Alright Janel, you’re almost off the hook! What’s that one shoot that really tugged at your heart strings? Why?

For me, it was one of the first weddings that I shot when I started my business. The brides father was very ill and the plan was for him to attend the ceremony and stay as long as he could manage. At the reception, he gathered all of his strength to join his daughter for their “father daughter dance”. I was behind my camera in tears. It was so touching. Now that I am a mother myself, I can only imagine the joy that must have brought him.

Q: Okay, I lied-one more. What’s your hubby’s biggest pet peeve about being married to a photographer?

My husband despises having his photograph taken. But I have to say, since having our two girls, he has been a trooper through all the styled baby shower shoots and birthday shoots. LOL. Not to mention all the yearly family sessions we have. Which is not that many considering I am a photographer, but if it were up to him, we would only have one every 5 years!

Personally, these kinds of Q & A’s are my absolute favorite! What’s your take, ladies?

Cheers,

Aimée

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