Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Andres
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all began with a simple desire to cherish the precious moments of my children, Luca and Olivia. As a stay-at-home mom, hiring a professional photographer for every milestone felt like a luxury. So, with my husband’s encouragement, I invested in a DSLR camera.
Initially, I was overwhelmed by the technical aspects of photography. But with dedication and a few classes, I began to grasp the fundamentals. My early experiments were far from perfect, but I was determined to improve. Editing software like Lightroom became my secret weapon, helping me transform ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.
Sharing my photos on social media led to unexpected praise and inquiries. Friends and family started asking me to capture their special moments. What began as a hobby soon turned into a viable business.
I started small, offering affordable family sessions in my backyard. As word of mouth spread, I found myself booked up with clients from a local stay-at-home moms group. To accommodate more clients, I began offering indoor sessions in my home office, ensuring that rain wouldn’t interfere with our plans.
My passion for newborn photography grew, and I invested in props, outfits, and backdrops to create beautiful and memorable images. While I was still learning the ropes, I was determined to provide the best possible experience for my clients.
To enhance my skills, I enrolled in an online newborn photography course and sought mentorship from a seasoned professional. This training taught me invaluable techniques for posing, soothing, and lighting newborns, transforming my work and attracting more high-paying clients.
As my business expanded, I realized that my home office was no longer sufficient. I decided to convert my basement into a dedicated studio, complete with professional lighting and a comfortable space for clients. This investment allowed me to offer a more professional experience and charge rates that reflected the value I provided.
Today, I’m grateful for the journey that has taken me from a stay-at-home mom to a successful professional photographer. My passion for capturing precious moments has turned into a fulfilling career, and I’m excited to continue creating beautiful memories for my clients.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a photography business wasn’t always a smooth ride. As a stay-at-home mom, I found myself juggling multiple roles—mom, photographer, accountant, and IT support. Managing outdoor family sessions, especially when dealing with weather-related cancellations, was particularly challenging.
My mentor’s advice to delegate tasks I didn’t enjoy proved invaluable. I implemented online booking software to streamline client communication and invested in accounting software to simplify my finances. These tools saved me countless hours and reduced stress.
Preparing for newborn sessions, cleaning the studio, and organizing equipment were time-consuming tasks. To free up my time, I hired an assistant to handle these responsibilities and assist with client orders. This allowed me to focus on what I loved most—interacting with clients and capturing beautiful images.
As my business grew, I realized that I preferred newborn and studio photography over outdoor family sessions. The latter often involved evenings and weekends, taking time away from my family. By specializing in indoor photography, I was able to maintain a more balanced work-life schedule.
Overcoming these challenges was essential for the success and sustainability of my business. By learning to delegate and focusing on my strengths, I was able to create a fulfilling and profitable career while prioritizing my family.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Joanna Andres Photography LLC?
I’m dedicated to capturing the most precious moments of your life with elegance and ease. My specialty lies in newborn, maternity, and milestone portrait photography, offering a boutique experience that sets us apart.
A Stress-Free Sanctuary
My goal is to create a relaxing and enjoyable environment for my clients. We provide a curated selection of props, outfits, and backdrops, ensuring that every detail is taken care of. From the moment you arrive, our team is committed to pampering and pampering you.
Maternity Magic
Maternity sessions are designed to make you feel like a queen. We collaborate with professional hair and makeup artists to enhance your natural beauty and provide you with stunning couture gowns for your photoshoot. Giving our expert guidance ensures that you look and feel your best in every pose.
Newborn Dreams
Newborn photography sessions are a gentle and soothing experience for both you and your baby. We specialize in posing and soothing newborns, creating timeless images that capture the innocence and beauty of this special time.
Wat sets us apart?
Personalized Experience: We tailor each session to your unique preferences and style.
Boutique Offerings: Our curated collection of props and outfits ensures stunning results.
Expert Guidance: Our team provides expert posing and lighting techniques.
Stress-Free Environment: We prioritize your comfort and relaxation throughout the entire process.
Exceptional Results: Our clients consistently rave about the quality of our images and the overall experience.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
While the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for many businesses, it also offered opportunities for growth and adaptation. For my photography business, the forced slowdown provided a much-needed break and a chance to reconnect with family.
As we reopened our doors post-pandemic, we implemented enhanced safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our clients and team. These measures included:
Thorough Sanitization: Regular cleaning and sanitization of all equipment, props, and surfaces.
Specialized Care: Steaming delicate items that cannot be washed to eliminate germs.
Deep Cleaning: Vacuuming and steaming floors after each session to maintain a hygienic environment.
These protocols have not only helped to alleviate client concerns but have also become an integral part of our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable photography experience.
Pricing:
- Newborn Pricing starts at $525 to $3,500 on average
- Maternity Pricing starts at $525 to $2,000 on average
- Milestone Pricing starts at $525 to $2,000 on average
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joannaandresphotography.com
- Instagram: Joanna Andres Photography
- Facebook: Joanna Andres Photography
