We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Navi Schiff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Navi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?
It’s a common occurrence among individuals with a photographer or artist in the family to find themselves inadvertently perceived as perpetual providers of free labor, without any questions asked. As a photographer, I share the sentiment with many in my field that while I absolutely adore what I do, there’s an underlying hope for greater support from friends and family in terms of financial backing, especially when it comes to compensating for my services at the standard rates.
Photography is not just a profession for me; it’s a passion that I invest time, effort, and creativity into, striving to capture the essence of moments and create lasting memories. However, the perception that my skills and services should be available gratis is a prevailing notion among those close to me. Although I take pleasure in initiating family photoshoots on certain occasions, there’s an overarching belief that friends and family see photographers primarily as a conduit to obtain high-quality images without the associated financial commitment.
It would be truly gratifying if there were a greater understanding that photography is not only an art but also a livelihood. Like any other profession, photographers have invested in education, equipment, and continuous skill development to offer a service that extends beyond mere hobbyist enthusiasm. While the joy of capturing moments is unparalleled, sustaining a photography business requires financial support, especially from those within one’s inner circle.
Expressing this sentiment doesn’t diminish the love I have for my craft, but rather underscores the importance of recognizing the value of professional photography. Financial support not only validates the dedication put into each photograph but also enables photographers to continue pursuing their passion and improving their skills.
In conclusion, while I relish the opportunity to capture the special moments for friends and family, there is a heartfelt desire for mutual support. Acknowledging the professional aspect of photography and compensating for the time and expertise invested in each project contributes not only to the sustainability of the photographer’s business but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the art form itself.
Navi , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
From my early years, a deep passion for art, particularly photography, consumed me. The desire to immortalize fleeting moments fueled my determination to become a photographer, a declaration I confidently shared with everyone. At the tender age of 8, my parents gifted me a Fisher-Price camera, solidifying my dream and propelling me on a journey to reveal the world through my lens. This commitment led me to refine my skills while residing in Yosemite National Park and later pursuing an education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. It was during this time that I developed a profound appreciation for creative portraiture, a love affair that has endured. My artistic expression thrives on merging intricate concepts with urban landscapes, weaving in obscure props to shape the narrative of my portrait sessions. Looking back, this journey has been a continuous evolution, driven by a steadfast passion for capturing the extraordinary in the everyday. When approached by clients I go above and beyond to tell their stories, to capture their souls and make them feel seen and validated. My process from start to finish allows to a telling of emotional landscapes, it is a therapeutic experience for all who are involved.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Capturing moments and telling stories through my lens is a reward that transcends words, an indescribable joy that unfolds every time I lift my camera. It’s a process that begins with the ethereal spark of an idea, floating briefly in the canvas of my mind before I can fully grasp it. The exhilarating part, however, lies in witnessing how others seamlessly latch onto these conceptual sparks, infusing them with their unique individuality, and collectively, we breathe life into images that resonate with profound meaning. This collaborative dance of ideas, where creativity knows no bounds, is the driving force that genuinely keeps my passion for photography alive.
The journey from conceptualization to realization is a magical one. It’s that fleeting moment when an idea materializes in my mind’s eye, and the subsequent journey of capturing it through the lens feels like chasing a beautiful dream. What makes this pursuit even more enchanting is the symbiotic relationship that forms between my creative vision and the diverse perspectives others bring to the table. The fusion of these artistic energies results in a tapestry of visual narratives that transcend the limitations of a single viewpoint.
Crafting special and profound photo sessions is more than just a job; it’s a deeply fulfilling vocation. There’s a profound sense of accomplishment that washes over me when I have the privilege of curating images that help individuals tell their stories—be it for their brands or personal milestones. It’s about more than just taking pictures; it’s about creating visual narratives that serve as a testament to the essence of their journey, their aspirations, and the emotions woven into the fabric of their lives.
In these sessions, I become a storyteller, weaving together the threads of moments, emotions, and aspirations into a visual tapestry. It’s a collaborative endeavor where I provide the artistic framework, and my subjects contribute the hues and shades of their unique experiences. The result is a collection of images that transcend mere photographs; they become windows into the narratives of the heart, frozen in time to be revisited and cherished.
Every click of the shutter is a heartbeat, a rhythmic pulse that echoes the collective spirit of the moment. The satisfaction derived from helping others articulate their stories through visuals is unparalleled. It’s a celebration of individuality, a testament to the power of storytelling, and a source of profound joy that fuels my creative journey. As I continue to embark on this odyssey of visual storytelling, I am reminded that the real magic lies not just in the images themselves but in the shared experience of breathing life into moments that matter.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
In the vast and ever-evolving realm of photography, I find solace and success in embracing the uniqueness of my own style. In a world where trends often dictate the course of creative expression, it’s tempting to be swayed by the allure of what other popular photographers are doing. The pressure to conform to prevailing styles can be immense, leading to a dilution of personal identity in pursuit of broader recognition.
However, I’ve come to realize that my strength lies in the authenticity of my individual style. It’s not about conforming to what’s popular or replicating the success of others; rather, it’s about recognizing and celebrating the distinctive imprint I bring to my craft. The essence of my success is not in mimicking the work of others but in carving out my own artistic path, one that resonates with my unique vision and resonates with a specific audience that appreciates authenticity.
Acknowledging that there is an audience for my particular style has been a liberating revelation. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of conformity, I’ve learned to trust in the power of my own creative voice. Every click of the shutter is an affirmation of my identity as a photographer, a testament to the fact that there are those who value and seek out the distinctive qualities I bring to the table.
In a world saturated with imagery, standing out requires the courage to be different, to resist the gravitational pull of popular trends, and to stay true to the artistic DNA that sets me apart. Understanding that success is not synonymous with replicating the work of others but is, in fact, rooted in the genuine expression of my own vision has allowed me to navigate the creative landscape with a sense of purpose and authenticity.
My journey is not about chasing the shadows of established photographers or conforming to fleeting trends. It’s about building a legacy of images that reflect the essence of who I am as an artist. It’s about cultivating a space where my unique perspective is not only welcomed but celebrated. This realization has not only shaped my approach to photography but has become a guiding principle, a compass that directs me towards a creative path where my distinctiveness is an asset rather than a liability.
In essence, the success I seek is not found in emulating the popular photographers of the moment. It’s found in the uncharted territories of my creativity, in the authenticity of my voice, and in the genuine connection forged with an audience that resonates with the distinctive narrative I weave through my work. In embracing my uniqueness, I’ve discovered a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends the transient allure of trends, and it is this realization that fuels my passion and sustains my creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.navimagery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navimagery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Navimagery/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navi-schiff-72820ba2/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Navimagery/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Navimagery
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