Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie and Hank Banaei.
Hi Maggie and Hank, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey into photography and videography began separately, as we both independently developed an interest in the art form during our school years. Although we didn’t attend the same school, photography was a shared passion that brought us together. Despite not owning a camera of our own, we dabbled in photography with friends’ equipment. It wasn’t until we decided to pursue photography as a side gig that we invested in our first camera and took a professional photography course.
Initially, we used our camera primarily for enjoyment, capturing moments at parties and gatherings. However, when a friend asked us to take their engagement photos, the positive feedback we received fueled our confidence. This encouraged us to expand our portfolio by working with other photography companies.
As we delved deeper into the wedding industry, we eventually established our own photography company in 2018. Since then, our business has evolved to encompass various photography niches, including maternity, newborn, portraits, and product photography.
Our success has been driven by our commitment to learning and preparation. Whenever we ventured into a new field, we dedicated ourselves to studying, practicing, and ensuring we were fully prepared. We also attribute much of our success to our faith, trusting that everything would work out in our favor.
A significant milestone in our journey was our expansion into videography. Hank’s decision to leave his job allowed him to focus on studying videography. After building a portfolio by offering free videography services to brides, we officially began offering videography to our clients in 2021.
In late 2021, Maggie also left her job, and together, we embarked on our journey as full-time husband-and-wife photographers and videographers. Since then, we have continued to grow and expand our business, driven by our passion for capturing special moments and telling stories through our work.
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?
Every business has its ups and downs, and ours is no exception. However, we’ve approached each challenge with positivity, seeing them as opportunities for growth. While building our business, we faced the typical struggles—building a client base, financial stability, and balancing work and personal life. Through it all, we remained committed to personal and professional growth, keeping faith in God and our abilities.
Looking back, every challenge has been a steppingstone to our success, making our journey a smooth and fulfilling one.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We specialize in photography and videography, focusing primarily on weddings, maternity, and newborns. What sets us apart is our commitment to not only capturing moments but also becoming an integral part of our client’s special occasions. Known for going above and beyond, we strive to make every experience smooth, enjoyable and well-captured. We love what we do because it allows us to celebrate life’s biggest milestones with our clients, whether it’s capturing the joy of a wedding, the excitement of a first child, the pride of graduation, or the confidence of a professional headshot.
What makes us most proud is when we see our work as people’s Facebook or Instagram profile pictures or when we receive inquiries from previous clients, a testament to the quality and satisfaction of our work. Our dedication to creating meaningful connections and delivering exceptional service is what truly sets us apart.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
We don’t believe in luck. There’s a quote we once heard that really resonated with us: “Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.” We always strive to be one step ahead, preparing for new challenges and sometimes even challenging ourselves.
From the outside, it might seem like luck plays a role in our successes, but from our perspective, success comes from being well-prepared for opportunities. If we conquer a challenge, it’s because we were ready for it. If we fail, it’s an opportunity to learn and improve for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maggieandhank.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggieandhankproduction/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggieandhank
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MaggieandHank
