We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Antonette Ogunlesi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Antonette below.

Antonette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

The Message That Changed Everything

It was August 27, 2020. I remember the moment—12:03 PM—when the message popped up. My heart skipped a beat, and I had already typed out a response within five minutes. That’s how excited I was!

The inquiry came from someone in a WhatsApp group we were both part of. She sent a private message asking about my rates, and for a split second, I froze. This wasn’t a friend, family member, or referral—this was a total stranger interested in “MY work.” I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, but I quickly pulled myself together and responded with the confidence of a seasoned pro (even though I was just starting out!).

She hesitated about the pricing, having just moved to Canada, and I could tell she was shopping around. I didn’t want to lose her, but I didn’t want to appear desperate. Instead of pushing on price, I leaned into what I knew best—me. I’ve always been told I have a warm and friendly personality, so I ensured she felt comfortable, made her laugh, and built a genuine connection.

And then, she said the words no business owner likes to hear:
“Let me compare with others and get back to you.”

Ouch.

I gave it a couple of days before following up (because, let’s be honest, I was anxiously waiting!). She replied that my timing was perfect—she and her husband were making a decision. But the concern remained—the price.

This was my chance. I had to win her over without undercutting my value. Instead of lowering my price, I added value. I offered to include her husband in the session at no extra charge. She hesitated, so I introduced value proposition B: additional edited images at no extra cost. And that sealed the deal!

She booked and made her non-refundable deposit, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The session went beautifully, and afterward, she messaged me:
“You did an amazing job; well done!”

That was just the beginning.

Since then, this client has become my biggest and most loyal client. We’ve captured every major milestone together—her maternity session in 2020, her baby’s newborn, 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 1-year-old milestones, and Christmas sessions. In 2021, we did her birthday shoot. By 2022, we were celebrating her daughter’s 2nd birthday. 2023? More birthdays, milestones, and family moments.

Then, 2024 brought the biggest surprise yet—she was expecting baby number two!

Between 2024 and this year alone, we’ve photographed her maternity session, her daughter’s 4th birthday, her JK graduation, the new baby’s newborn session, and even her mother’s 65th birthday shoot. We already have bookings for the baby’s 6-month, 9-month, and 1-year milestones, plus big sister’s 5th birthday and, of course, their Christmas session.

And to think—it all started with a single WhatsApp message. Now, she’s not just a client. She’s family.

Antonette, 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’m a photographer (wife, mother, digital strategist, & dancer), and I’m here to tell you a story. I discovered photography during the pandemic, and what was a hobby for me grew into a whole new world. I love it for its capacity to freeze moments in time and document love in its wild and wonderful forms.

I love staying up late at night, coming up with endless creative ideas and moments to capture, but more importantly, I love sleeping in, in the mornings! I love dancing and spending time with the people dear to my heart, even if it’s an hour-long conversation. When we do meet up or wander through the city, I feel relaxed and free, and I can recharge. Looking through my viewfinder repeatedly to see so many unique and beautiful human faces, looking back at me genuinely never gets old.

Photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about storytelling, preserving legacy, and making people feel seen. I specialize in capturing maternity, newborns, motherhood, families, portraits, and seniors, ensuring that every image reflects warmth, love, and the beauty of each stage in life. My work is about celebrating milestones, from the first kicks of a baby in the womb to the joy of a toddler’s infectious giggle and the deep, quiet love between families.

One thing my clients often say about me? I’m a *baby whisperer.* I have a way of connecting with little ones that makes them naturally comfortable in front of my camera. Whether it’s a sleepy newborn, a shy toddler, or an energetic child who doesn’t want to sit still, I somehow manage to calm, engage, and capture their most genuine expressions. It’s a gift I never take for granted, and it’s one of the reasons families keep coming back year after year.

What sets me apart? Beyond technical expertise, I create experiences. I know that for many parents, planning a photo session can feel overwhelming—choosing outfits, getting the kids to cooperate, hoping everyone looks their best—but I take that stress off their shoulders. I guide my clients every step of the way, from wardrobe planning to making the session feel natural and effortless. I create a warm and welcoming space where families can just *be*, allowing me to capture the real moments—the laughter, the snuggles, the joy.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many come to me for a single session and become part of the FaraMade Photography family. I’ve had the privilege of documenting families as they grow, capturing maternity sessions, newborns, milestones, birthdays, and beyond. Watching these families evolve and knowing I’ve played a part in preserving their memories is deeply fulfilling.

For potential clients, I want you to know this: I see you. I see the love you pour into your families, the sacrifices you make, the moments you want to hold onto forever. My job is to give you tangible memories that remind you of just how beautiful your story is. Whether it’s a glowing, expectant mother, a playful child, or a family wrapped in love, I strive to create images that will live on for generations.

This is more than photography—it’s storytelling, connection, and legacy-building. I’m honored every single time someone chooses me to document their journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist—specifically, a photographer—is the privilege of preserving time. I know that with every click of my camera, I am freezing a moment that might otherwise slip away.

Losing my grandmother in 2016 changed the way I see photography. She was my best friend, someone I saw every single day, yet when she passed, I realized I had no pictures taken with her. That moment stayed with me, becoming one of the biggest driving forces behind my passion for storytelling through photography.

I get to capture life in its many stages—pregnancy, newborns, growing children, families, and the elderly. Each stage tells a different story, but the underlying thread remains the same: these moments matter.

There’s something deeply profound about photographing seniors. Their eyes hold a lifetime of memories, lessons, love, and experiences. Looking into their faces through my lens, I see the depth of a life fully lived. It’s an honor to document that.

Photography has given me the ability to create tangible memories for others so no one else has to feel the regret I once did. It’s not just about taking beautiful images—it’s about preserving legacies, capturing emotions, and telling stories that will live on long after we’re gone. That, to me, is the greatest reward.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

For me, resilience has been about finding my way back to my passion—no matter the setbacks or doubts.

Becoming a mother is one of the most transformative experiences I’ve ever had. After having my baby, I found myself in a space where everything revolved around my child, and rightly so. But somewhere between the sleepless nights, the endless diaper changes, and adjusting to this new version of myself, I felt like I was losing a part of me—the part that came alive behind the camera.

Photography has always been my creative outlet, expressing emotions, capturing beauty, and preserving time. But suddenly, I couldn’t find the energy or motivation to pick up my camera. I questioned whether I could balance being a mother and running my business. I wondered if I would still have the same creative spark.

Slowly, I started easing my way back. I took small steps—photographing my baby, then my family, then a friend. It reminded me of why I started in the first place. With every session, I felt more like myself again. It proved that my passion didn’t disappear when I became a mother—it evolved with me.

Returning to photography wasn’t just about returning to work but about reclaiming a piece of myself. It was about proving to myself that I could be both—a devoted mother and a passionate artist. It wasn’t always easy, but it was necessary.

Now, I stand in front of my camera daily with a new perspective. I understand the weight of capturing memories even more because I know firsthand how quickly time passes. Motherhood made me a better photographer. It deepened my appreciation for fleeting moments, in-between glances, soft touches, and raw, unfiltered love.

Resilience isn’t just about pushing through hard times; it’s about rediscovering yourself when you feel lost. And for me, photography was my way back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.faramade.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faramadeinc?igsh=MThpNnJwM3JqbnNqaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

All images were shot and edited by me.