We recently connected with Martine Bois and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Martine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m the happiest I will ever be as long as I am creating! I love being an artist is it what I was meant to be. I always think about what it would be like having a “regular” 9 to 5. However, I know that those environments are not beneficial to me and my mental health.

I always think about it especially when times get tough and business slows down for me. Wondering what it’s like what it’s like not stressing about when the next “paycheck” is coming. Because being a full time entrepreneur is so glamorized in this society, but no one wants to mention those low moments when they feel like they want to quit. I’m always transparent on how it’s really like and I feel like that’s why people always gravitate towards me for advice.

Every time I feel like I should “quit”. I always make the conscious decision to create again! Once I see myself in action it almost always pulls me out of my funk (and brings a few clients my way). I just try to always put myself in the position to feel most like myself. Creating is spiritual, and always reminds me that it is my purpose.

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 name is Martine, but I also go by Marti. I’ve been doing photography since 2018, and I officially made it a business in 2020 during the pandemic (crazy but it was the first “great” year for me and really when I took off). My husband brought me a camera and told me that this was something that I might be good at, and I took it and learned everything I could off of YouTube. I’ve always been creative, I was really big into performing arts/ theater at the time, so photography was a completely new medium for me to pick up.

I provide unique and personalized photo experience for portrait clients, particularly Maternity clients. In my opinion maternity sessions can become very repetitive especially in posing and outfit choices, so what I love to offer to clients is a different backdrop from what is the “typical” so instead of paper backdrops I love using fabrics, and canvas backdrops. I even hand paint my own backdrops. I believe that along with my genuine interest for my clients sets me apart from all of the other people in my field. I understand my market is saturated but there is only one me who can do what I do so I don’t let others affect how I feel about my work and what I produce.

People know me for my different backdrop set ups. I love colors and to make things as classy yet dramatic as possible. A lot of the clients that are interested in my work always come to me because they want something different.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing is when my clients see themselves. I work with a lot of women and as I mentioned before a lot of pregnant women. The journey of maternity isn’t easy. I’m currently pregnant with my first and I’ve definitely gotten a first hand experience on how difficult it can be. A lot of the women are going through a major change, emotionally, mentally, and most important physically. So for them to come in and feel beautiful and see themselves from a different perspective is always so refreshing to me! I love helping people see themselves and be more confident!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

They think creating is the only part of the job. Most new creatives venturing into business don’t know this as well. Business is what it is, regardless of the product or service you sell it won’t sell itself. You need to learn how to manage the money, how to market yourself, and even better taxes. All on top of learning your craft and trying to get better at it.

Quality education is costly. Yes, you can learn a lot from YouTube university, but if you really want to get far you have to invest in your knowledge. A lot of people don’t realize that there is a lot financially that goes into producing a business!

Also, not to mention when you are just starting out, you are doing a lot of it yourself. So, when people say that a creative’s craft is “expensive” I prefer to say “out of your budget” because people are doing everything they can and putting in the time and money for your experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: deuxlens.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/thedeuxlens
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deuxlens
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martine-bois-05b007225/

Image Credits
Personal Image: Headshot by LoveByrdPhoto Other Photos Taken my me Martine Bois/ Deux Lens