Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Petra Persaud. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Petra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

Your time. That is and always will be the most appreciated by anybody. In my business I am doing my best to listen to my clients, getting to know them from our first zoom call, sending my welcome package, and at my complimentary engagement shoot which all of my wedding packages include. For me, it’s very important to know my couples, their personalities, and expectations. They will get comfortable in front of the camera and me, practice some posing, and of course they will get some amazing pictures for their save the date cards or invitations. And then of course the wedding day and photo delivery. It’s all about client experience and that is the key to my success and satisfaction for my clients.

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?

Hi, I am Petra, Czech-American photographer living in sunny Southern California. My main focus is weddings and couples, but I also do branding, maternity and sometimes even family photos. But as you can see in my portfolio you can tell that that white dress and veil is where my creative rib burst lol.

I was into photography ever since I got my first disposable camera as a child. From there I kept developing my interest in this hobby, but I never had any thoughts about starting a business as a photographer back in the Prague/Czech Republic where I was born and raised. I came from a 9-5 corporate job and did photography on the side when someone asked a favor. After I met my now husband and moved to the US, I had a few months to figure out what type of work I would do once I was legally allowed to work in the US. All my friends gave me the same advice: follow your dreams, it’s America, everything is possible! That made me stop and think. I wondered what the hell are my dreams? What do I really like? I pondered that question for a while until one day my husband asked me what I was truly passionate about. I was begrudgingly getting used to the idea of joining the corporate world again, when he told me “Look at your phone, you have over 60,000 photos! You have an eye for this!” and to be honest the signs have been with us all along.

Taking this as a “sign”, I decided to learn as much as I could about photography. Unfortunately, at that moment COVID-19 hit and there were not a lot of opportunities for in-person learning. I decided to improvise and began learning everything online from YouTube and as many digital workshops that I could find. Once pandemic restrictions softened, I started attending styled photo shoots and working as a second shooter with more experienced photographers. I realized firsthand that it’s not an easy business, but I chose to challenge myself and adopt the mantra “if not now then when?” I started to ask friends and family if I could do photos for them to build a portfolio while I began to build my online presence, my website, and digital marketing strategy. One very important thing I learned is that everything changes month-to-month, so you always need to be open to upgrades and just keep showing up. I got my first few bookings, word of mouth began spreading, and here we are now!

Now, as I became a mom it’s even more challenging to keep up with my business and maintain that work & life balance, but so far everything is working well and I can keep creating timeless memories for my clients and be a role model for my daughter.

What am I proud of? I am proud of the fact I can do what I like, which is documenting people in love in all forms possible. When I am photographing weddings I always have tears in my eyes and shivers, that’s how I recognized I was doing something that I am supposed to do. And what sets me apart from others? I am European and without a filter, so it will always be fun!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

First, I can plan my work in way that allows me to spend time with my family and still follow my dreams. Second is of course the joy that a finished gallery can bring to my clients to rewatch their memories over and over as you basically become part of their lives in such a unique way.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think the way I try to help my clients feel comfortable, prompt communication, and care for my clients. I capture my client’s most important moments and I enjoy the responsibility of making those memories perfect.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.petrapersaud.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/petrapersaudcom
• Facebook: facebook.com/petrapersaudcom

Image Credits
Pictures of me taken by my dear friend: Alexandria Rodriguez – @growwildphoto