We recently connected with Joann Palomo-Amador and have shared our conversation below.

Joann, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I came up with the idea of starting my own photography business back in 2018 when I was asked by a friend who asked me if I could take her little sister’s senior portraits. I was nervous and felt so pressured to make sure they came out great because all I had been photographing at this point was just my kids. I told my coworkers that I was finishing up this session and I was asked to then photograph my friend’s daughter’s suprise engagement. I don’t think I realized then how I could turn my skills into an actual business, I loved shooting and it felt like I was just doing them a favor. It wasn’t until a few more people asked me how much I charged for my services that I realized I could make money by doing something I truly loved. I felt I could succeed because I had so many people tell me my work was good and that they would pay. I went with it because if I thought about it too much my imposter syndrome would’ve stopped me right there.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My photography journey started in my early years of childhood. My mom had a video recorder and an Olympus 35mm gold point-and-shoot camera she would always use at family parties and special events. Im so happy she would let me use them because that’s really where it all started. In Elementary School I would buy the disposable cameras with my allowance money and take photos of everyone and everything. I remember vividly my mom getting a box of hand-me-downs from her rich bosses and finding a Polaroid camera, I was so excited. I would have my sister model for me she was around 15 and I was 8. I still have those photos still at my parents. As time passed I remember always saving up for digital cameras, I didn’t realize until now that I’m older I had so many. All my allowance was spent on film and new cameras how crazy is that?

Cavali Photo was officially born after my third child. At this time I decided I wanted to be more official about my business and more consistent with my work and bookings.. I started investing in workshops and finding ways to stay curious and different in the industry. I want to believe people book me because they like the different aesthetic my photos give and I want to believe it stands out from many other photographers in the area. If I can describe my style it would be a hint of moody and creamy colors.

I feel so proud of how far I’ve come all these years. Looking back at my work from then I see so much improvement, I’ve gotten over the imposter syndrome that may have stopped me in my tracks a few times along the way. I feel like I am still growing and how life-changing its been to do something I love and be able to provide for my family at the same time. Photography has helped me heal and has made me feel like I have a purpose outside of being just a mom or a wife. God gave me a gift to see what others don’t and be able to capture a memory to keep forever and to look back at. I love capturing genuine connections and real love.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

One of the best sources for new clients has been word of mouth and Instagram. My clients being asked about the photographer they used when posting their images and crediting me has been super helpful. And because of that, I’ve been able to book most of my clients from Instagram. I think social media is crucial to get the word out there about your business and be able to show your work.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is being able to surprise my clients at the end of the day with their galleries. I believe my clients have this expectation of what their photos may look like based on my work and how the session went but it’s not until they see my final product that they can be surprised. It feels like I’m gifting them something that can evoke so many feelings and emotions whether seeing themselves pregnant with their firstborn child or seeing the love between my newly engaged couples excited to become one. It’s just so special only other photographers would understand. I hate to sound cliche but when a photographer says, ‘I just love, love’, I get it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cavaliphoto.showit.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cavaliphoto/
• Facebook: Cavali Photo