Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivana Sumè.
Hi Ivana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I’ve always loved to travel and found foreign countries, their cultures, and languages intriguing. So, when it was time for me to decide what high school/college career path to choose, I chose tourism. I then worked as a travel agent/consultant for the most part, but I quickly realized that it’s much more fun traveling myself than selling travel to other people. While traveling, I also discovered another passion of mine: photography. I remember never getting the shot I wanted with those compact digital cameras that were so trendy and handy back then, so I bought myself my first DSLR while visiting the US; blowing me away! I fell in love with capturing moments.
However, despite not being satisfied work-wise, when I moved to the US, I started thinking and looking for something else. Something that would give me more fulfillment and freedom, as life here is a lot different than in Slovenia (Europe), where I am originally from. Of course, I thought of photography, but because of the perfectionist in me, I went straight back to the travel industry. I was not happy or fulfilled. I really wanted to do photography, but I didn’t believe I was ready at the time. I didn’t believe I was good enough; I didn’t think I had the right gear, and there was always one more thing I thought I had to learn before I would feel confident enough to start. I always had a million reasons not to do it due to my fears being bigger than my faith. I kept postponing my dream until I was fed up with all the excuses. Then one day, I told myself, it’s either now or never! So, I finally started almost a decade and 2 kids later. I wish I had the courage to start earlier, but I also believe that everything happens for a reason and at the right time. During that self-doubting time, I spent a lot of time learning, practicing, and improving my photography skills, which was reflected in my work from the beginning. There is still so much to learn and room to grow, but I do what I love, and most importantly, I feel free. It’s been a beautiful journey, and I’m excited to see all God has in store for me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I have only been in this business for less than a year, but it’s been smooth without any bigger obstacles. However, one of the struggles was being a foreigner and, therefore, needing a bigger networking circle. Luckily there’s social media that has helped me tremendously in building clientele. There has been something new to learn every day, but I take that as a good thing. Sometimes the fear of not being good enough still tries to creep in, but I’m trying my best to have faith and not let myself make decisions based on fear.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I do most portrait photography, but I specialize in lifestyle family photography. As a mom, I know how priceless these moments with our little ones are and how fast they go by. Many moms barely have photos of themselves with their children because we’re usually behind the cameras/phones trying to document everything. Still, we must be in those photos too! I aim to capture every family’s unique connection and love for each other. I love more unposed, authentic moments versus posed photos, even though I start every session with everyone smiling and looking at the camera. Those kinds of images are the ones that will most likely go on clients’ walls, but the raw moments in between are the ones that tell the best stories. And that is also the best part of what I do – I get to tell beautiful stories through my lens. Having high standards for my work and, ironically, my perfectionism also sets me apart. I put a lot of effort before, during, and after every session to ensure I always deliver excellence.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
That’s a tough one. I have learned so many lessons along the way! It almost feels as if I have been on a self-development journey and I’m being tested every day, haha But, if I have to narrow it down, I’d say I have learned, and I’m still learning to give myself more grace, and to not be so hard on myself. As a perfectionist and an overthinker, it can quickly feel as if I’m not doing good enough, so now and then, I have to remind myself about everything I did from starting this business until now and give myself some credit for it. But no matter how I may feel, I will continue to keep showing up every day, do my best and trust God to do the rest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ivanasumephotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/ivanasumephotography/
- Facebook: http://Facebook.com/ivanasumephotography/
