Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi.
Naomi , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a passion for photos – since razor flip phones could produce a camera and the photos could be uploaded to myspace.
I started noticing I would use anything that had a camera to capture all things in everyday life. It was like night and day with no end to what I saw and wanted to photograph.
It was in 2019 I officially decided to really pursue my passion to make a career. I ordered my first camera on Amazon – turning a simple $500 camera into a thriving business.
I started photographing in Fort Myers as a non studio based photographer – with the irony of it happening during covid.
From there the rest is history
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?
In the beginning, it truly was not a smooth road.
Not only did I need all the practice I could get, but it was real hard to start advertising and offering services right when the pandemic happened. I had no fancy equipment, no studio, and no major props or backdrops. Just an Amazon bought camera and all the info of what I could do to succeed from youtube videos.
This was a blessing and a curse – it opened the opportunity to offer in-home sessions for all clients, but it was the only option I could provide to get my name out there and perfect my editing style and expand my knowledge.
I guess you could say it set me up to be labeled as a unique photographer who has never been studio based.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always believed to succeed in this industry, you’d need to specialize in certain photographic categories that match your style and interests. Mine is newborn, maternity and 1st year cake smash sessions.
I love kids and have always found the photos of babies to be truly unique. I value how sentimental it is capturing your child’s image during their first days of life and what it will mean to the families as the child grows.
I made it a point to really offer in-home sessions, specifically for newborn photos because I myself am a mom and I know how it is to try and get anywhere with a new baby. It’s even more difficult when you have toddlers.
My new mom clients were always so thankful I would come to them and couldn’t believe I was always able to provide a full mobile studio set up.
From that point, I chose to never rent a studio space and would travel to all my clients.
It’s that accomplishment that really makes me extremely proud of all the work I’ve done and all the amazing clients who believed in vision too!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see my business thriving with a strong routine of keeping true to my style of creativity. I see myself continuing to travel to more cities, meeting more people and photographic more precious moments.
I feel I won’t ever change my preferences of being non studio based and aim to make this a bigger trend and offer insight on what it takes to succeed in that aspect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laephotos.com
- Instagram: lae_photos1
- Facebook: LAE Photography
