We were lucky to catch up with Patience D’anunciacao recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Patience , thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Back in 2020 I was working a 8 to 4 job and was pregnant with my first. I knew I didnt want to return and after I did self protraits for my maternity session due to covid I really wanted to use my camera more. It was always a hobby and I never thought I could do something with it until that moment. With the support of my husband I started reaching out to friends and family to practice and it just exploded from there. I didn’t know if it would succeed. I just gave it my all and kept pursuing.

Patience , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I think talking about myself is one of the hardest things for me. I didn’t have an easy life growing up. I really have been through so much. I feel all the hurt and diffcult situations I have endured has fueled my creatively and pushes me to keep going. I think mental health was a big factor in getting into this field. I wanted a profession that brought me happniess. I love being behind the camera and how I feel when the cameras in my hand. I have the control! Seeing all the potential through my lens gets me so excited! It’s so amazing to me. I could be having an off day and my body hurts, I pick up my camera and all that just melts away.

I consider myself very transparent and relatable because of all the challenges I have faced. Really helps set me apart. I have a level of understanding that most people don’t have. Which in turn my clients have expressed feeling comfortable and relaxed.

I love to capture everything from maternity to newborn and everything in between. I strive to make sure every session is unique to each client. As a mom I know how important every moment is, as time is fleeting. I’m also dipping my toes into weddings and other creative endeavors for 2025, and I cant wait! I really have the most amazing clients who allow me full creative control. A trust bestowed to me for which I am so grateful for.

On the side I love to share what I know through workshops and one on one mentorships. It’s so wonderful to connect with other creatives.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I started professionally I knew absolutely nothing. I didn’t know where to turn for help or who to questions regarding not only running a business but in camera settings too. I watched a ton of videos and joined online workshops.

I would have loved to know that mentorships existed. I would have loved to have shadowed a fellow photographer from the the baby steps to the top of the stairs!

I highly encourage all new photographers to find someone they can look up to for guidance!

Thats what I would have done.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Staying consistent and being myself. I found people want real life. I give that.
No sugar coating reality. I try to show my face as much as I can and share here and there my home life and my two boys. I want my clients to see that I’m a mom and wife too! I stay supportive of others and I always tell everyone I’m an open book. I think all those factors played a part.

I give 100% towards each client. That kind of effort is noticed and word spreads. 75% of my clients are word of mouth. I hardly ever advertise. The remaining find me through social media. So wild! So Thankful for this journey I’m on!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Memorieswithmae.com
• Instagram: Memorieswithmae_photograghy
• Facebook: Memories with Mae Photography

Image Credits

Photo credit: Gracemae Photography