We recently connected with Monica Helm and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, thanks for joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

My love and passion for photography started when I was in high school. I remember buying my first NikonD3100 from babysitting money and could NOT put it down. Every part of the process was invigorating – taking pictures, editing, and delivering. Even though I had NO clue what I was doing back then. Fast forward 10-11 years later, and I’ve finally started my own little photography business.

The idea of starting a business has always been in the back of my mind, but the timing was never right (I mean it never really is, let’s be real). After living overseas, getting married, having our daughter, and moving to a new state, I finally started to feel settled in a place I could call “home.” My number one priority is my family and I’ve always desired to be home with my daughter. Starting this photography business was and still is the best gift and blessing because I’m able to stay home and raise my daughter and be with my husband, but ALSO work and do most of my business side of things from my kitchen table.

About a year ago, I pulled out some of the cameras that I had accumulated over the last few years and started offering family and mini session for free with people in our community and church. It was a very fun and BUSY fall, and by the time the New Year came around, I started charging for sessions. I’ve learned SO much over the past year about communication, organization, branding, marketing, lighting, editing, etc. It has been a ROLLAR COASTER. But it’s been one of the most fun things I’ve done and SUCH a blessing. I’ve met amazing people and families through this job and the idea that I get to continue doing what I love every single day, with my family by my side is truly a gift and a dream.

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.

I’m Monica, and go by Mo! I’m a wife and mom and believer in Jesus, and I absolutely LOVE people. I’m filled up and so energized when I’m around others, so photography fits quite well into my personality. I love photography for many reasons – the people, the flexibility, the connections, being in nature, creating, etc. But one of my favorite parts is SLOWING DOWN. Photographing sessions of people forces us to slow down. To pause from the every day, hustle and bustle, and just be totally present with friends and loved ones. It’s quite beautiful. I LOVE creating those times for families, couples, and all of my clients, because they can be so few and far between. I’ve always loved a good stack of printed pictures and another reason why I love photography is so that people can look back on those memories and treasure them for as long as they want. What a gift! So many stories and memories and feelings rush back when you look at a picture. If I’m able to create that and give that to someone, I’m a lucky girl!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As a newer mom, I was told that I needed to create or do something with my hands in the early years of motherhood that had nothing to do with my child. Not in a bad or negative way, but I needed to literally use my hands to have an outlet or put my heart and mind into something that wasn’t parenting 24/7. That was some of the greatest advice, because it truly was so helpful for me! We all have creativity. We all have purpose, and God-given gifts. One of those gifts for me and also one of the greatest was being a mother. But, I felt called to use those quick and quiet moments when my hands were free of changing, rocking, nursing, or holding to serve and create. Since then, my goal has still been and will always be to remain present at home with my family. But the gift and now job of photography is not only giving me that creative outlet, but also allowing me to stay home full time with my family. That is the goal and always will be, and I’m so thankful.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

PODCASTS. I’m a podcast junkie and I love them, but I didn’t realize how many educating podcasts there were until honestly very recently. I’ve read and listened to a lot of the personal development kind of books and episodes and those are definitely needed and wonderful! But after digging a little more, I was able to come across more photographers sharing their journeys and the journeys of others, and it finally made me feel a little less overwhelmed and more confident. Taking the time to listen, take notes, re-listen, and soak up all of the wisdom has truly changed my mindset and business so much.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @monicajadephotography
• Facebook: Monica Jade Photography

Image Credits
Blue and Blue Photography Monica Jade Photography