Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Hoang.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career as a photographer began in high school with my dad’s old camera. Figured maybe I could pick up his dusty unused camera for a small hobby. Family vacations and ridiculous ideas with my younger cousins. From homemade movies to music videos, we did it all.
From then, my passion progressed into finding joy in the little things of life. “Little” primarily meaning flowers. I have an unnecessary amount of flower pictures in my archive. Flowers became nature, nature became people. People became moments and moments became memories.
Today I am humbled to be chosen by many friends, friends of friends, and strangers alike to create those memories for the important events of life. Graduating seniors, families, weddings, engagements, businesses, and events.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
If you’re a photographer, the biggest advice I can give you is this: know your worth.
My rates were very low for years (the photographer-to-client ratio is incredibly saturated in College Station, Texas). I felt that the best way to compete was to provide the most for the smallest price. Wrong. Once I found that sweet spot, I actually found that clients respected me, my time, and my work more than they did before. There were minimal cancellations, reschedules, or pushing me to up my turnaround time.
I struggled a fair amount with balancing time between this, my 9-5 job, and my social life. While I love what I do, I also love the people I surround myself with. I went in circles of deciding between the three. Oh, and my sleep too. Now, I am able to balance all components, without discounting my worth.
How do you define success?
My dad has always been a happy man. He knew the line between rigorous work and leaving it behind each day. Work just hard enough to be on the upward climb. Don’t forget your relationships. Read a book. Make yourself better, constantly. Love food, because you can. That kind of stuff, you know?
In terms of the business, success looks like, “hey I found your work and I love it. Can we book a session?” Success also looks like, “I actually am going on vacation that weekend! But we can do the session the following Sunday if that works for you!” It looks like validation and pride. Success is also Dippin’ Dots DMing you for a partnership. But that’s a whole different conversation!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mish Mash Photography & Videography specializes in portrait & event coverage. I now have 9 years of experience in the industry. The business was formerly known as Michelle Ashley Photography. I personally believe the brand shift was a pivotal transition for the business. The business was no longer mainly friends & family booking through me. It was when I began to be recognized by other businesses, strangers and competitors. A small win for me– I finally got around to hiring a part-time assistant. I’m so thrilled to have enough business to need more hours than a day can give me.
The brand is moody, romantic, and inviting. While anyone can pick up a camera and smile Mish Mash PV captures outspoken beauty in people.
Interested in booking a session? Rates can be found at www.mishmashpv.com.
The camera isn’t a full-time gig. Outside of this, I work as the Director of Marketing for Katydid.com. More interested in me? Good thing I have a website for that, too. www.meeshslife.com
But in the end, work isn’t life for me. It’s the people for me. It’s the moments for me. Oh, and it’s the Cheetos for me.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Fun fact, I taught myself everything I know! Countless hours on articles, YouTube, and messing around with the rusty ol’ Nikon brought me to where I am today. I believe you can learn anything as long as you put the time in to learn.
My dad has always been a happy man. He knew that success meant knowing the line between rigorous work, and leaving it behind each day. Work just hard enough to be on the upward climb. Don’t forget your relationships. Read a book. Make yourself better, constantly. Love food, because you can. That kind of stuff, you know?
In terms of the business, success looks like, “Hey I found your work and I love it. Can we book a session?” Success also looks like, “I actually am going on vacation that weekend! But we can do the session the following Sunday if that works for you!” It looks like validation and pride. Success is also Dippin’ Dots DMing you for a partnership. But that’s a whole different conversation!
Pricing:
- Holiday Mini-Sessions: $150/20 min.
- Photography: $400/hour
- Videography: $200/hour + $100/hour editing
- Save 10% by mentioning this article when booking your session through March 31, 2022.
Contact Info:
- Email: mishmashpv@gmail.com
- Website: www.mishmashpv.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mishmashpv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mishmashpv
- Other: https://goo.gl/maps/heJ5FgF9Ysjc89JW7
Image Credits
Mish Mash Photography & Videography
