Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Ma.
Hi Ivy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a passionate musician and artist with a rich background in music and an ever-growing love for photography. My journey began at one of China’s premier music schools, where I honed my skills in playing the Yangqin, a traditional Chinese instrument. Over two decades, I embraced this art, performing professionally and immersing myself in the rich tapestry of music.
Yet, amidst the melodies and rhythms, a different kind of art caught my eye: photography. This fascination wasn’t just a fleeting interest; it grew into a deep passion. Every moment not spent on music was dedicated to capturing the world through my lens. I delved into photography courses, constantly seeking to refine my skills and understanding of this visual art form. I often humorously remark that my music career was a beautiful delay on my path to becoming a top photographer.
The turning point came when I crossed paths with Luke, a talented video director working for a renowned media company. Our mutual admiration for each other’s vision and style sparked an idea. In 2021, we decided to merge our creative forces and opened our own studio. This wasn’t just any studio; it was a fusion of our specializations, offering a unique service that blends photography and micro filmmaking.
We pride ourselves on understanding and bringing to life the themes and scenes our clients envision. Our approach is simple yet profound: “Be yourself, and we’ll take care of the rest.” We offer our clients a mini-vacation experience where they can explore different facets of their personality, engaging in activities they love or have always wanted to try. Our job is to capture these moments, these expressions of beauty and authenticity.
Our studio’s philosophy and the quality of our work quickly garnered positive feedback, propelling us into various photography domains. We now cater to a wide array of client needs, including wedding photography, portraits, couples shoots, family sessions, and children’s photography. Our growth is a testament to our commitment to capturing not just images but stories and memories.
In this journey, my partner Luke and I continue to innovate, blending the rhythmic beauty of music with the timeless elegance of photography. We are more than just a studio; we are storytellers, capturing the essence of life’s most precious moments.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every startup faces its unique set of challenges, and our photo studio was no exception. While we navigated the common hurdles of financial constraints and building a customer base, my personal struggle centered around optimizing the photography process for efficiency without sacrificing creativity.
As an artist at heart, my passion lies in exploring new ideas and innovative methods of shooting. This creative drive is a boon for an artist, allowing for exploration and innovation. However, it also means that achieving the perfect shot often requires a significant investment of time and energy. Creativity, while invaluable, can sometimes lead to less predictable outcomes. In many instances, clients would spend extensive time with me during shoots, but the yield of satisfactory pictures would not be as high as expected. This imbalance often led to prolonged editing sessions, slowing down the delivery process and impacting our studio’s efficiency.
The turning point came during a group retrospective meeting where we addressed these operational challenges. It was clear that a more structured approach was necessary to balance creativity with efficiency. We decided to implement a new strategy: dividing my time into a 20-80 split. Twenty percent of my time would be dedicated to creative shooting, where I could experiment with new styles and techniques. The remaining eighty percent would be focused on replicating proven methods and styles that had resonated well with clients in the past.
This restructured approach dramatically improved my work efficiency. By maintaining a space for creative exploration while ensuring the majority of the time was spent on tried-and-tested techniques, we were able to enhance our productivity. More importantly, it led to an increase in customer satisfaction. Clients began to receive their photos faster, without any compromise on the quality and creativity they expected from us. This balance between artistic exploration and efficient delivery has been a key factor in the continued growth and success of our studio.
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?
Phenomenon Studio stands out in the realm of visual storytelling, offering an exquisite range of portrait photography and videography services. Among our offerings, the most sought-after is our couple’s photography service. We specialize in capturing the unique chemistry and intimate moments between lovers, weaving their narratives into stunning visual keepsakes.
Our expertise extends beyond just photography. We excel in videography as well, providing a comprehensive package that beautifully complements our photographic work. This dual capability allows us to offer a seamless experience for our clients, capturing their moments in both still and motion formats. Our ability to do both photography and videography in-house sets us apart, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious visual style across both mediums.
This one-stop-shop approach is particularly appreciated by wedding planners and couples who are looking to streamline their special day. We take pride in our ability to tell love stories through our lenses, creating timeless memories that resonate with emotion and authenticity. Whether it’s capturing a gentle glance, a spontaneous laugh, or a tender embrace, our team is skilled at encapsulating the essence of a couple’s bond.
At Phenomenon Studio, we understand that every relationship has its unique story. That’s why we work closely with each couple to tailor our services to their individual needs and preferences. From pre-wedding shoots to the big day itself, we strive to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience, ensuring that every click of the shutter and frame of the video truly reflects the love and connection of our clients.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
You can visit our website at www.pstudio.art.com. We also have Instagram account: ivy_ma_. You can email us at info@pstudioart.com for any questions!
Pricing:
- Couple Portraits 1hr $499
- Family Portraits 1hr $599
- Wedding Photography starting at $1680
- Wedding Videography starting at $1880
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pstudioart.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ivy_ma_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phenomenonstudioart
