I am what I am…. Im coming out of the closet.

SO I’m about to face it, and you….. I have a secret. Well not a secret exactly, but im ready to admit something, and not just admit, but embrace and celebrate it!! Im sure some of my photographer-friends will fear for my reputation and safety after coming out with something so bold, but im going to RISK IT! Im ready. This. Is. it.

In the “industry” there is a name that some are given and I have tried all year not to be labeled by this name, I even would LIE when applying as a second shooter for other bigger names in the industry. Assuring them I was NOT one of “these” types. But, I cant deny it anymore. And now I dont feel like I have to. I have learned so much about this field I am in, it was a shock to see so much negativity towards this particular label. The label is not typically used in a good way, but I have decided to change this. So we who have been deemed by this can now wear it proudly. This is not only a label thats going to be tossed carelessly as an insult, but a badge of honour!!

SO, I, Lisa Marie Johnson, of Lisa Marie Photography AM A MOM-TOGRAPHER!!! Thats right, Im a full on, MOMMY-TOGRAPHER!!!! (WOW that felt good!!) Its TRUE!! I got my first SLR after having my second son Jake 4 years ago, and they were my models for years until “I woke up one day and decided to become a photographer”. This seems to be the story for so many new photographers (who just happen to be moms as well) and yet I have seen and heard this used as a demeaning way calling us out as MOM-tographers to imply that this is a bad thing. And I want to change this. I want to tell you, the ones who are doing the MOM-tographer jokes and trying to make it seem like this is a cop out to what you call REAL photography that we are REAL, and we are not going anywhere. Why I DO believe you should be educated prior to calling yourself a photographer and there are just WAY too many buisness started on the back of one or two “friend” sessions and an SLR, that is DIFFERENT.

I do think its possible to be a GREAT photographer just because you started out wanting to take kick ass pictures of your kids and things just grow from there. Why is it just because I did not KNOW I wanted to do (what I was clearly destined for) when i was in college? Why should it mean that I’m not just as REAL and talented as those who did? Well, it doesn’t. For the most part, I think being a MOM-tographer gives me an edge. I think having been in business and working in other fields prior to this defiantly prepares me for some of the craziest things that get thrown at me as a photographer. Do I think there are valid concerns about all the new photogs popping up? Yes, and not because I’m concerned about competition, because I am concerned that there are too many good trusting families and couples who trust that when you call your self a photographer, you KNOW what your doing. Announcing that you are in fact a photographer comes with GREAT responsibility. The moments that you are trusted with are so fragile. So timeless. All sessions, all the time. So that being said, Im reiterating that EDUCATION and TONS of experience should be a part of BECOMING a photographer. So my advice there is just make sure you are VERY honest with your clients when starting out. Make sure they know your capabilities and experience. There is NOTHING wrong with portfolio building, as long as your friends and clients know the scoop :)

While I respect a ton of photographers who do not have children, and see they kick ass just as much as some who do, I DO personally think being a mom of 3 has made me that much more valuable as YOUR photographer. If I can wake up at 6am and rear my children, run kids to schools, change diapers, shop, be doctor, help with homework, sing the theme songs to every tree house TV song on demand (not well but in a little tune), run my FULL TIME business mostly by an iPhone in a Tim Hortons Drive threw while tickling my 2 year olds toes from the front seat, AND run the house you can be sure that when Im shooting YOUR wedding, families, babies and events and something does not go according to the plan, I and most of us other MOM-tographers can handle whatever it is and adapt. In my bridal meetings I always warn my clients that I am more then a photographer. I will, as by nature, be looking out for them the entire day. Its the mom in me. And I’m proud of it. If the flower girl is upset and shy, Im going to make it my mission a few moments and make her feel better if I can. When your mom cries a little mascara on her dress, I will have a baby wipe out in 10 seconds flat (they really do work on everything). Being a MOM (ok and possibly a little ADD with OCD) has me going at full speed in a calm manor all the time and with this kind of job that works!

So to those of you who feel the need to take out us MOMMY-tographers and crack jokes, make cartoons and tube videos (which are sometimes kinda funny, ill admit) I just wanted to say, BRING IT ON!

We MOM-togrpahers are here, we are popping up everyday by the drive and motivation to capture every second of our little ones moments and accomplishments. Its a force like only we can understand. So its easy for me to understand how that can develop into a carear in combination with the addiction (like me) to keep learning and creating and now share that with YOU my clients! Yes some new photogs are launching without a lot of sense, but who cares? Why is that for us to judge? There is enough people in this world for us to shoot for everyone trust me!! If your good enough, have personality and a good client base, WHY does it bother you so much? Try to be supportive and offer advice, you might be surprised what comes back to you. ;) For you moms who are just getting started, don’t be discouraged. We ALL started somewhere. Just keep shooting those adorable kids of yours and do what you love, attend classes, or read books, watch videos and join some groups!! And if you have any questions your welcome to email me anytime!

XO

Lisa Marie (Proud Mom-tographer)