Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Willis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started as a photojournalist (Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Daily Iberian, et. al.) as Miami developed its fashion industry. I transitioned in to producing photographs for mail order catalogs and people advertising such as SeaWorld, AT&T, Brown & Williamson.
Later due to health issues with my parents I relocated to East Tennessee/SW Virginia when I founded Studio Momenti (a studio devoted to Wedding, High School Seniors and the like) During this time (and because of my experience in shooting fashion in Miami) I was asked to photograph several of the state Miss USA pageants and out of this I developed Pageant Photography which photographs state pageants in the Miss USA System in Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island and Maryland.
Three years ago, I relocated to Frisco where I continue to photograph wedding and operate Pageant Photography during the fall Pageant Season.
I’m also working on a couple of documentary film projects
Great, 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?
No. The transition from film based photography to digital was particularly hard. Early digital cameras were extraordinary expensive and cost prohibitive for many individual photographers.
In the early years, providing great color was challenging although updated cameras and software have improved this considerably.
The 2009 recession was challenging as consumer became fearful and with the diminished confidence spending slowed (particularly with weddings and portraits).
Naturally, relocating is also a challenge. I think it’s often difficult for entrepreneurs in small businesses to find their universe of customers given that their advertising/marketing budgets are modest
Fortunately, I’m very flexible and have been able to adapt through the transitions.
Studio Momenti aka Pageant Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
More than anything I’m known for quality, creativity and dependably.
I’m obsessive about having updated equipment and making backups of client photographs. I’m so obsessive that I almost never reuse hard drives. We have over 100 hard drives full of client images! Nothing is deleted or destroyed.
I enjoy working with my customers and doing the work so much that I don’t ever want to become a larger company. I love working that much.
In an era when so much focus is given to growing a business, I’m an outlier.
I just want customers that want to work with me. I’m only looking for an extra small slice of business or opportunity.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’m proud of having made a career as a creative profession in today’s environment where the creative professional is under siege by the increasing competition and “noise floor” from the internet.
However, I’m most proud of the moments of heartfelt joy I’ve shared with my clients. Not only is it a spiritual experience in just being there during those moments, but I know that my work will provide the visual reference for the memory and sharing of those events.
Preserving a couple’s or individual’s joy and excitement. I’m honored with trust and friendship. I couldn’t ask for more.
And I’ve circumnavigated the globe. Not many professions give you the opportunity for that!
Pricing:
- My photography starts at $1475 for weddings.
- Session fee for portraits is $195.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studiomomenti.com and www.pageantphotography.com
- Phone: 469 252 1846
- Email: joewillistx@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Photography by Studio Momenti / Joe Willis
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