Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Payne.
Hi Irene, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Unlike most photographers, I have not always possessed an interest in photography. My mother always had a DSLR or two in her possession and took photos of everything. I grew up around a camera but it wasn’t until my first daughter was born that I became drawn to photography. I found myself documenting the beginning of her life with my iPhone camera. As my daughter reached important milestones, I realized I would value professional-quality photos. My mother gave me one of her old cameras and taught me all of the basics of shooting in manual. From there, I knew the style of photographs I wanted to create and spent countless hours researching and practicing with my camera. Once I reached satisfaction with my work, my supporting husband upgraded my camera equipment and I began to work with the public. My journey as a creative and business owner began in spring of 2020. If it weren’t for starting photography, I don’t know who I would be. I almost lost my individuality to motherhood and this passion gave me another purpose. I have lived in Brevard County my entire life and I love having an abundance of scenery to choose from when I’m wearing my camera. My favorite location to photograph is the beach. The colors in the sky are always changing and I feel like I’m painting a canvas when I shoot there. Outside of photography, I am a mother to a sweet little girl and loving wife to my husband, Jake. I love vacationing in the mountains, fishing on the river, and spending time with family.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating a new journey should never be defined as easy. Like most new photographers, I found myself comparing myself to those I viewed as more talented than me. I second-guessed my worth more than a few times and felt like giving up when bookings were far and few between. I stuck with it and now I have repeat clients who feel like family and my calendar is nearly full for the rest of the year. I also struggled with the branding and advertisement portion of operating my own business. With trial and error, I was able to find what worked. I stayed up many nights past 2 am working, researching, and editing on my laptop until I was beyond exhausted. I worked very hard to build a brand and give my clients a unique experience that would make they come back for future sessions. Through these challenges, I’m happy I never changed my style of work to “fit in”.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a lifestyle photographer whose work focuses on families and motherhood. Lifestyle photography is unposed and focuses on creating connections and freezing moments in time. I do incorporate posed shots into all my sessions to ensure every client gets their idea of a “perfect picture” I’m known for my bold colors in my photos and my lifestyle newborn work. I am most proud of my lifestyle newborn work and how far it has come since I first started photography. I’m entirely self-taught and only use natural light during my newborn sessions. Knowing how to work with natural light in a home you have never been to before can be a difficult task to learn.
I believe what sets me apart from other photographers in the area is that I don’t put a time limit on my sessions. I almost always work with my clients until the sun goes down and there is no more light left to work with. I don’t believe time can be rushed during a full session. Every child is different and some may need a few minutes to warm up and others can take 30 minutes. In my eyes, genuine smiles can’t be rushed.
Contact Info:
- Email: irenepaynephoto@gmail.com
- Website: irenepaynephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenepaynephoto/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/irenepaynephotography
Image Credits
Irene Payne Photography
