Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Majerus.
Hi Angela , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been a lover of people, communication and their stories and very intriqued by the medium of photography.
My professional photography journey started when I left corporate America shortly after my first child was born and started my own advertising business for restaurants. Not only was I taking photos for these companies, I was falling in love with being a mom and documenting my own journey. It wasn’t long before friends started to approach me for photos of their own children and a group of friends helped me “kickstart” my first studio by funding my equipment to get started in exchange for a years worth of photos. I thought that I would practice for an entire year before taking on any “real” clients but was soon booking paid clients. That was literally 20+ years ago.
My business has been everything from a hobby, to a part-time job to now a full-time successful business. I started photographing anything and anyone I could get in front of my camera. But today I have narrowed my focus to High School Seniors and some commercial work. I have run a senior model team program for over ten years now and love getting to work with young adults and watch them grow from Junior year into their senior year and through graduation.
My passion is bringing out the best in these young adults and watching their inner confidence grow and shine in front of the camera. This age group is so fun and keeps me young by working and collaborating with them. I offer more than just showing up and “taking photos” My ideal client is a senior who has been dreaming of their photos for a long time and then we collaborate to make their vision come to life. A full service experience for the senior and their parents from planning to executing and basically telling their story and showcasing their true beauty and confidence while doing so.
I am so fortunate to do what I absolutely love and will continually challenge myself to grow. Photography success is not a destination – but a lifetime of growing and learning and celebrating connection.
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?
Starting a business as a young mom years ago had it’s challenges with scheduling and keeping work-life balance. It is especially challenging since photography is also a love of mine, so it often doesn’t feel like “work”
My background is in Marketing and Management, and I feel like that has helped me with structure for my creative side and given me a strong foundation for my business and vision. I actually enjoy the business and organization side of things. But that is the part that can get draining so I make sure to schedule time for “creativity” and often do photo sessions or collaborations just for me!
Again it is all about balance!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in photography for high school seniors. I am known for making people feel comfortable in front of my camera so their true personality and beauty can shine through in the photos.
What sets me apart? Let’s be honest, Many people can take a nice photo nowadays as technology is making it easier. I learned on film (dating myself here) so there was quite a bit of a learning curve that caused me to truly understand light, composition, etc rather than clicking away on digital. So I think that understanding has been very beneficial.
But more than anything, when a person hires a photographer, it is important they feel comfortable and at ease and I have been told that is my superpower, ha! I love people and hearing their stories and capturing them in their best light.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Good one! I wish when I started out many, many years ago I would have locked in with a mentor right off the bat. This is much easier nowadays as there are tons of photography groups and support for people wanting to enter the business. I didn’t have that when I started but once I got in with some photography groups online is when my business skyrocketed. And, some of my best friends now are photographers I have met online! Win-win
Pricing:
- Senior Sessions start at $350 (session fee)
- Average client spends 2-3K
- Photographer mentoring
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelamphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelamphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaMPhotos
Image Credits
@AngelaMPhotography
