Meet Janet of Shot by Janet
I purchased my first DSLR camera in 2010 for my photojournalism course. There, I learned a lot about lighting and manual shooting. After the semester, I didn’t really pick up my camera up “professionally” until around 2014, for graduation shoots. It wasn’t until 2019 that I decided to purchase another camera and starting doing maternity sessions. In order to build up my portfolio, I was doing a lot of free shoots to try to build a clientele up. One year later, a hobby of mine has turned into a small business. I owe it all to those who refer me, support me and constantly motivate me.
I wouldn’t say that the road has been bumpy, but it hasn’t been smooth. Maintaining a full job while trying to grow a small business makes time management a number one priority. Often times, I feel like I spend more time on the road than I do at home, and the clothes in my back seat prove it. At times, comparing my work to others can be discouraging, not because of the talent but because of their network. I do not dedicate as much time as others to go to “girl gang” events, pop-up shops and things of that nature, not because I don’t want to, but because I do not have the time to be at every event.
Shot by Janet is a photography service that is offered anywhere that I am needed to be. While I do try to mainly focus on portraits rather than events, I do photograph events every once in a while, when time allows it. As a person, I am extra for special occasions in general, this is reflected in my photography. I try to make every shoot as memorable as possible, and plan themed shoots months in advance to make sure that every piece fits the puzzle. I am constantly shopping for new props, new wardrobe pieces and more. I practice shoot a lot too, to make sure I give my clients the best I have to offer when they choose to book their special moments with me.
Personally, I define success through my clients. I do not mean the number of sessions I get booked for, rather the experience that my clients have with me. No two sessions, or two pictures for that, are the same, capturing the special moments is what keeps me going. Seeing a customer’s reaction when they get their pictures is what makes me successful, I’d say. It’s all about their emotions and experiences. I always strive to make the best out of every session. I don’t stress over what I can’t control, instead I make the best of it.
