Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janelle Louise. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Janelle Louise, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.
The very first time I booked a client, I was in disbelief—’Someone wants me to take their photo, and I don’t even know them!’ I had the biggest smile on my face and almost shed a tear. It was the greatest day ever; I felt like I had made it in the industry, even though I was just starting out. Before that, I had been doing free sessions with friends and family for a few years, but in 2018, I finally decided to get my business rolling. It was definitely a work in progress to get to where I am now. Consistently posting my work with friends and family is what eventually landed me a job with a stranger, and that was totally awesome! From there, it was a snowball effect—word of mouth and social media truly helped me get more and more clients.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Janelle, and I grew up in West Covina, CA. I’ve been naturally inclined toward photography for as long as I can remember—my first camera was just 2 megapixels! I would take pictures of almost anything: roses, plants, animals, my vacations, etc. It wasn’t until 2016 that I thought about buying my first professional camera. I was going to the zoo with my boyfriend (now fiancé), and he had a pretty great lens on his camera. I had brought just a typical point-and-shoot at the time. We were comparing photos, and I was amazed by how his photos were turning out! There was one particular shot of a yawning gorilla that stood out—the close-up of its teeth and the hairs on its face was the best photo I had ever seen. That was the moment I decided I was going to buy myself a good camera and lens. From there, I did extensive research to find the best camera possible. I ended up with a Nikon D5300 kit that came with an 18-55mm lens. For about two years, I did a lot of fun, free shoots. I would attend free meetups in LA and bring my friends along just to create more content.
In 2018, my photography started to evolve into a real business. More and more people were reaching out to me for photo sessions, and that’s when I realized this could be a great side gig. Fast forward to 2024, and I definitely want this to be more than just a side gig—the end goal is to go full-time and eventually quit my 9-to-5 job.
When I first started, I would shoot anything and everything—real estate, baby showers, soccer teams, you name it. I’ve finally found my niche, and that’s working with couples and families. My services now include weddings, elopements, couples, family, and maternity photography. I love that I can work closely with my clients and build great relationships with them. After every shoot, I feel as though my clients can become my friends, and in most cases, we do become friends. The snowball effect of word-of-mouth referrals is incredible! I appreciate everyone I’ve ever photographed for trusting me and booking me for a second shoot—or even three or more! I love that my clients come back to me. The joy they experience when they see their images is my greatest reward.
I’m a very easygoing person, and I love when clients recommend poses to me through Pinterest—I can do the same for them! I always do my best to make you laugh or smile. I’m a bit of a goofball, so I find that my shy clients can easily break out of their shell with me after they see how I am. I’m constantly laughing or smiling during all of my sessions—it’s what makes it all worthwhile.
What I’m most proud of is just how happy my clients are after a session and when they receive their photos. I’m thankful for everyone who has ever had a session with me and those who would like to. Occasionally, I offer mini sessions at a discounted rate, and sometimes I announce free sessions after reaching a milestone—like hitting a certain number of clients or reaching 2k followers on Instagram. I always love to give back to show appreciation to everyone who has helped me on my photography journey.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Having sessions all the time—whether for free or at discounted rates—was how I got the ball rolling. Even now, I reach out to people or post on my social media to see if anyone would like to do a styled shoot with me. These shoots are great for my portfolio, allowing me to showcase more photos on social media, and clients get free photos, so it’s a win-win. It builds trust and helps spread the word about my work. Whether I create the styled shoot or attend one, these sessions are essential for growing my clientele because they’re so much fun, and we can get more creative!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Consistency. Period. Post all the time, share on your story, and show your face! I’ve learned that it’s not just the photos that make people happy—it’s the overall experience. Run ads (I wish I had believed in this one sooner); for just $5, I was able to pull in four clients on my first try. Social media is your best friend when it comes to how you present yourself and showcase your work. You don’t have to show off every single shoot—I’ve learned to only post what I want to attract, like elopements and engagements. Although I also shoot graduations, it’s just something I keep off my social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.janellelouise.com/
- Instagram: jaylouisephoto
