We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Noire Mouliom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Noire below.
Hi Noire, thanks for joining us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?
Absolutely and many times a year! As a self-employed photographer, managing vacations involves a strategic balance between clear communication, technology utilization, and building a reliable network within the photography community. Setting expectations with clients regarding timelines and potential delays is a priority, often communicated well in advance.
While delegation may not be direct, I’ve fostered partnerships within my community and have a network of skilled photographers who can seamlessly step in during my absence. Social media serves as a valuable tool for staying informed without overwhelming myself with constant emails.
Effective prioritization and proactive planning are essential. Completing crucial tasks before the vacation minimizes last-minute stress for both myself and clients. Learning to let go and establishing boundaries, even with clients, ensures that the vacation serves its intended purpose – to rest and return with a refreshed perspective.
Ultimately, this approach not only nurtures my well-being but also guarantees that my clients receive the exceptional service they deserve, maintaining the high standards of my photography business. In addition to vacations, I’ve integrated day trips to the spa every change of season into my routine. These moments provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on the past months, practice mindfulness, and express gratitude. It’s a time to set goals and establish the tone for the next few months, ensuring I approach my work with renewed energy and clarity. This intentional self-care routine enhances not only my well-being but also contributes to the overall success and longevity of my photography business.
As an entrepreneur, my key advice is to prioritize self-care and incorporate regular moments of reflection. Taking breaks, enjoying vacations, or even indulging in short moments of introspection can remarkably contribute to renewed energy, heightened creativity, and a more balanced life.
Emphasizing the significance of self-care is essential in preventing burnout and sustaining long-term success. Entrepreneurs should view breaks not as interruptions but as investments in their well-being and the overall health of their business.
Additionally, I encourage entrepreneurs to integrate regular moments of reflection into their routines. Whether through day trips or specific practices, dedicating time to ponder achievements, express gratitude, and set future goals is foundational for maintaining a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
By valuing self-care and reflection, entrepreneurs can foster a work environment that not only thrives professionally but also supports personal growth and a healthier overall lifestyle.
Noire, 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?
Hello, everyone!
I’m Noire, and I’m thrilled to offer you a glimpse into my journey, revealing the path that has brought me to this point.
My passion for the arts has been the driving force from the start. Initially experimenting with my cellphone, the turning point came when I received my first camera in my late 20s. This marked the beginning of capturing live music shows and the individuals within my community. These initial photographs not only became integral to college applications but also paved the way for my two-year, full-time study in photography. Graduating marked the commencement of my full-time career as a photographer, and for the past three years, I’ve immersed myself in the art I love.
In the expansive field of photography, my specialization revolves around corporate and editorial portraits, extending to commercial and content creation photography. It was in 2018 that I discovered my true calling in close-up portraits, and since then, there’s been no turning back.
Within photography, my true passion lies in capturing the essence of individuals through portraits and editorial work. What sets my work apart is a dedication to empowering people with confidence. I focus on working with everyday individuals who may not have extensive experience posing for the camera. Many of my clients are not accustomed to the spotlight, lacking knowledge of their best angles or feeling anxious about being photographed. It brings me immense pride to guide these individuals, making them feel seen and beautiful in front of the lens.
What distinguishes my approach is that I predominantly work with people from all walks of life, not just professional models or public figures accustomed to the camera. My focus is on bringing out the natural beauty and confidence of each person, showcasing their authentic selves.
Another integral aspect of my photography philosophy is a commitment to realism. In a world where heavy editing has become prominent, I take pride in offering photos that are authentic representations of individuals. My photos are not overly processed; instead, they aim to capture the genuine and unfiltered beauty of the people I photograph.
Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their background or experience, can feel empowered and confident in front of the camera.
One of my most significant achievements is being featured in the esteemed American Photography 39 book, a showcase of the finest photography work in North America. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the dedication and consistency I bring to my craft. Seeing my work alongside renowned photographers I’ve admired for years was a truly beautiful moment, highlighting the rewarding outcome of persistent hard work.
For those encountering Noire Mouliom Photography for the first time, I want to convey that this venture transcends photography; it’s a canvas where moments come to life. We take pride in uplifting our community and creating opportunities, fostering an environment where authenticity meets creativity.
Our commitment is clear – Noire Mouliom is dedicated to authentic emotion and the essence of people, ensuring that every frame captures not just an image but a story, a feeling, a memory.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community; your presence makes this creative journey all the more meaningful.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In my pursuit of a commercial photography degree, life presented a series of formidable challenges. My father, grappling with a terminal illness, required my support, intensifying the emotional burden on top of my own chronic condition. Balancing these responsibilities, along with being a full-time student in the evening and working during the day, became an intricate and demanding juggling act.
As if these challenges weren’t enough, the year 2020 brought an unprecedented global pandemic. The March lockdown necessitated an abrupt shift to remote learning, depriving me of access to essential studio equipment critical to my studies in photography.
April brought yet another blow as I lost my four-year job. By late May, my father’s health deteriorated further, ultimately passing away. The cumulative weight of these hardships pushed me to the brink. While dropping everything seemed like the only option, I consciously chose to persevere.
In December of that tumultuous year, I proudly graduated. Simultaneously, I acquired the keys to my first studio. Despite feeling that my studio knowledge was limited due to the challenges of remote learning, I viewed this as an opportunity rather than a setback. I began assisting other photographers, expanding my understanding of studio photography—a facet I hadn’t fully explored during my formal education.
Taking on more clients, I witnessed opportunities unfold. Through word of mouth, I carved out a name for myself in the industry. Reflecting on this journey, I am immensely proud of the resilience I exhibited during those challenging years. It stands as a testament to the strength that resides within us when faced with adversity.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Crafting Authentic Connections: My Social Media Journey
The genesis of my social media presence was remarkably organic—I began in 2012 with a personal page. As I transitioned into the realm of photography, I created a dedicated page to showcase my work. However, its growth was gradual, prompting a pivot after two years.
Recognizing the appeal of merging my art, lifestyle, and personal aspects, I consolidated everything into a singular main page. My audience embraced this amalgamation, highlighting the central role of my personality in my brand. The warmth, authenticity, and easy connection became the essence of my branding. In a digital landscape where authenticity often takes a backseat, I took pride in building my audience the genuine way.
Embracing Authenticity:
Being myself has been the cornerstone. I share my journey authentically, embracing imperfections, as people connect with genuine stories and relatable experiences.
Consistency Builds Trust:
Consistency is my commitment. Whether it’s regular content or engaging with my audience, this consistency builds trust and keeps me in their thoughts.
Diverse Content:
While I showcase myself and my work, I also share diverse content that resonates with me—important stories, inspiring quotes, or anecdotes. It’s my way of fostering inspiration in others.
Engaging and Listening:
In considering myself a creator and micro-influencer, I engage with my followers. The DMs often become a space for people to share stories, comments, and connect beyond the confines of a distant content creator. While I strive to be responsive, I balance this engagement with protecting my energy and respecting my boundaries.
Collaboration and Community:
Collaboration is a key aspect. Engaging with others in my niche, participating in relevant communities, and building a network has propelled my content to new heights.
Quality Over Quantity:
Prioritizing quality content is my ethos. Each post reflects my standards and contributes positively to my brand, ensuring that substance prevails over mere frequency.
Building an authentic audience is not just about the numbers but the depth of connection. It’s about fostering a community where genuine stories and shared experiences create a meaningful digital space.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.noiremouliom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/___sel_de_mer/
- Facebook: Noire Mouliom
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/noire-mouliom-03960b203
Image Credit: