We recently connected with Mona Marandy and have shared our conversation below.

Mona, appreciate you joining us today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?

Absolutely! When I first started, I didn’t charge for my shoots—but I never thought of my services as “free.” Instead, I saw it as a chance to practice and really get to know myself, my lighting, and my equipment. It was like a hands-on training period where I was building my foundation. My strategy early on was to evaluate my progress after every few sessions. For instance, after every 4 or 5 shoots, I’d begin experimenting with pricing, albeit somewhat randomly at first. By the time I completed about 10 shoots, I started researching others in my field who had a similar style to mine. I wasn’t confident enough at that point to charge the same rates they did, so I set my prices below theirs.

As I continued, the feedback from my clients became a game-changer. Their positive responses gave me the confidence to gradually raise my prices. However, this created an obstacle: each time I increased my rates, I experienced a temporary lull in bookings. People were accustomed to my previous pricing, and when I raised it, it seemed too much for some of them. Those moments were tough—I’d question whether I was making the right decision. But during those periods of self-reflection, I leaned on the wisdom of mentors like Lola Melani and the insights I gained from workshops with other photographers. They emphasized pricing not based on your area or competition but on the value of your work.

About a year into my photography journey, I felt confident enough to charge what I do today, which is above market rate. Even now, there are moments when I wonder if I should lower my prices. But then I remind myself of the time, effort, and unique artistry I pour into each session. Lowering my prices wouldn’t diminish my work ethic or the quality I deliver, but I’ve realized it’s important to stay true to the value of what I offer.

So, as of now, I have no plans to lower my rates. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, and I truly believe that my work reflects the prices I charge. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and embracing the worth of what I bring to my 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 journey into photography began in 2019, inspired by a deeply personal experience. At the time, my sister-in-law was expecting twins, and I wanted to give her something meaningful—a maternity photoshoot. I wasn’t familiar with maternity photography then, and by the time we thought of booking someone, it was too late to find a professional. To my surprise, she turned to me and said, “Why don’t you take the photos?”

I was hesitant. I had no experience, no equipment, and no idea where to start. But I’ve always loved diving into new challenges. I borrowed my dad’s camera, watched countless YouTube tutorials, and purchased some basic tools online. That impromptu session turned into a pivotal moment for me. Seeing how much joy those photos brought her made me realize I could help others celebrate such a transformative time in their lives.

From that point, I dedicated myself to learning and improving. I drew inspiration from some of the best in the industry, especially Lola Melani Photography. Her artistry and mentorship guided me as I built my skills through her workshops, courses, and one-on-one sessions. Her influence remains a cornerstone of my work, and I feel immense gratitude for her guidance.

Over time, I went from photographing friends and running model calls to building a thriving business. Today, I specialize in maternity and motherhood photography, and I’m proud to say it’s a family effort. My sister, Lisa Marandy, works alongside me. She is a pregnancy doula, postpartum nurse, and placenta encapsulator, with a wealth of knowledge about all things related to birth and babies. Together, we offer our clients not just a photography session but a truly holistic and empowering experience.

During our sessions, Lisa and I often talk with expectant mothers about their birth plans, offering guidance and reassurance. These moments become more than just a photoshoot—they’re an opportunity to connect with mamas, build their confidence for the journey ahead, and help them feel prepared for the upcoming birth. Our goal is to celebrate and support them every step of the way, making the experience as meaningful as possible.

What sets us apart is this blend of photography and support. We’re not just capturing images; we’re creating a space where women feel beautiful, celebrated, and empowered. Pregnancy can be overwhelming, but I want my clients to walk away from our sessions feeling radiant and cherished.

Looking back, I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients and the trust they place in us to document such a special time. For anyone considering a maternity or motherhood session, my message is simple: You don’t have to look or feel like a model. Lisa and I will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel your best. Together, we’ll create something timeless that celebrates you, your journey, and the incredible chapter you’re about to embark on.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed to be like everyone else. Early on, I felt pressure to emulate the styles and approaches of other photographers, but I realized that my work should reflect my own vision and not be a replication of someone else’s. What I’ve learned from others is invaluable, but it’s meant to serve as inspiration, not a blueprint. My goal is to create art and photos that feel authentic to me and resonate with my unique perspective.

Every photographer brings something different to the table, and clients choose you because of your specific artistic style and skill. It took me about a year to understand my boundaries and define what I will and will not do as a photographer. For example, I decided that at-home sessions, birthday parties, or cake smashes weren’t for me. They don’t align with my strengths or the type of work I’m passionate about. Learning to say no was a significant milestone—it allowed me to focus on what I truly love and excel at, which is capturing the beauty of maternity and motherhood in an artistic and meaningful way.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I started my maternity, motherhood, and family photography business in 2019, and it all began with a simple yet transformative experience—taking photos for my sister-in-law. At the time, I had no background in photography, but I was determined to give her something special. I learned the basics through YouTube tutorials and online workshops, and what began as a one-time effort quickly became a passion, especially for maternity photography.

I’ve always had an artistic side, whether it was creating flower arrangements or painting, and I think those creative instincts naturally translated into my photography. When I started experimenting with lighting, I discovered my unique style: dark, moody, and intimate maternity shoots. This realization shaped the foundation of my business. I decided to work exclusively indoors in my studio, where I could have complete control over lighting. For me, light is everything—it’s the essence of my style and accounts for 50% of the mood I create in every shot.

Once I realized how much people were charging for professional maternity sessions, I saw an opportunity to turn this passion into a side hustle. What started as a creative outlet soon grew into a business that I genuinely love. A major milestone for me was when I reached the point where I could confidently charge rates higher than the photographers I once looked up to. It was a testament to how far I’d come—not just in skill, but also in the value I provide to my clients.

What began as a side hustle has become my full-time career, allowing me to do what I love every day while celebrating the beauty and strength of motherhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.monamarandy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monamarandyphotography/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mona-marandy-photography-studio-los-angeles