We were lucky to catch up with Janet Howard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Janet, thanks for joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

I feel like the life of a photographer is dealing with unexpected problems. I approach every wedding or portrait session with a plan for what I’m going to shoot, how I’ll approach it, how I’ll light it, and I end up having to abandon at least some of that plan almost every time. Weddings are all about thinking on your feet. Because no matter how great my preparations are, the nature of weddings is that something won’t go exactly as planned, whether it be the schedule running late, weather issues, or any number of other reasons. I can’t tell you how often I’ve had a shot planned out perfectly, only to have the light change or other people get in the way, or wind or rain interfere with my plans. It’s really kind of the beauty of it though … in some ways my entire job is about appreciating the circumstances in front of me, which is a great life lesson even when I’m not working.

Janet, 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 very emotional photographer. I’m energized by those moments between people, whether it be children laughing or a look of love between people, or that tear rolling down the face of the mother of the bride before she walks down the aisle. For me, the photos that mean something to me are the ones that show more than what you look like, they show who you are and what your relationship to each other is. To do that, people need to feel comfortable enough to relax in front of the camera and be themselves. And that’s not easy, lots of people (including me!) get stressed or nervous in front of the camera. So my sessions are laid back. I don’t want my clients to be thinking about having their picture taken, I want them to be enjoying themselves, enjoying each other, and having fun just being with each other, and then I can capture the result.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I always want to be growing and challenging myself, both with the art of photography and making my business function better and more effectively. I am constantly looking at beautiful photography by other artists and I love trying new techniques and considering how can I see the world differently. I look for inspiration in all kinds of art. Not just photography, but painting, films, or street art.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

It’s important to me to get to know my clients, and social media plays a big part in that. I enjoy following my clients on Facebook or Instagram because it gives me insights into what they like, what they find funny, and their general vibe. I feel like the better I know them, the better I can create images that really speak to them. For instance, a couple that is causal and just loves to be silly probably isn’t going to love formally posed photos as much a couple who is all about style and fashion. I want to shoot each session based on what’s important to them and how they are together. And the beauty of that is that then I get to follow my client’s lives, seeing them from engagement and marriage through the birth and growth of their children.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://janethowardstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janethowardstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanetHowardStudio/

Image Credits
Janet Howard Studio