Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Adams

Hi Joanna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I was born and raised in this amazing state of Montana. I spent my childhood years running around Glacier in beat up tennis shoes, jeans, and definitely no survival gear. After spending time studying broadcasting in college, I knew my passion was telling the stories of others. Every person is unique and incredible and I love to tell the stories within ourselves. Before we even get to the photo making process and dreaming of this adventure together, I want to know about YOU. How did you meet the love of your life? What are your wildest adventure dreams? What made you choose this adventurous elopement over a big wedding? I’ve grown up, purchased some real gear and am much better prepared for whatever comes my way in the mountains. What hasn’t changed is my love for this state and these gorgeous mountains. My home is found at the base of Glacier National Park loving on my husband and four rambunctious kids.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I still remember when I first started in to photography and I received an anonymous email from someone online bullying me. They said that I would never succeed, should get a real job, and my photographs were too blue. At first, I wondered if he was right. I was a novice and it felt as a small business owner I was scraping my way to the top. I stuck with it, because it was my passion and I simply couldn’t let it go. One of the most defining moments for me was when I began to specialize in photographing what made my creative soul happy. It released pressure off that I had to shoot everyone and everything that came my way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I specialize in microweddings, elopements, and family sessions in the beautiful state of Montana and my hometown borders Glacier National Park. I travel to other areas of the country occasionally, but mostly shoot in Glacier and know it like the back of my hand. I’m known for my ability and desire to go anywhere for a good shot and adventure. Hike up a mountain in the dark? I’m in. Ice-skate at a mountain lake? I’ll bring the snow shovel. I am most proud when my couples and clients are ecstatic about their images. To me, you can create stunning photographs, but the end goal is the experience those who chose you have. Looking back on the photographs, I want them to feel and relive the experience again and again.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

My advice is to find many mentors and glean from all of them. I believe if we try to mimic one creative closely, our work ceases to be ours and begins to look stereotyped. We have all seen trends come and go, but my advise is this – follow your vision for an image and make it come to life. On a more practical level, diversifying my reach has been beneficial for me. Sharing exclusively to the most trendy social media platform is tempting, but how many platforms have we seen come and go. I read somewhere to invest in your website – use it as a platform to share tips for your clients, blog, story-tell. I envision websites as lasting through all of the social media platform evolution’s.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joannaadamsphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannaadamsphotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannaadamsphotography