Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela So.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Angela. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My friends have always said that they didn’t have to bring a camera anywhere if I was going to be there. But I have to give Instagram some credit for prodding my photo bug…
Living in Chicago when the app first launched offered me plenty of opportunities to post alluring cityscape and architecture pics. Before long, I was buying my first DSLR camera and signing up for photography classes. As cliched as it sounds, capturing life’s beauty through images spoke to my heart.
It wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles in 2014 that my photography came into the spotlight. A couple of months after moving, I was invited to part of an art show hosted by Cannibal Flower, a local group that promotes up-and-coming artists. My work went on to be selected for a month long gallery at Art Share L.A and additional CF shows including its 15th Anniversary event. I had no idea my photos would extend beyond Instagram.
Two major life events caused me to put photography on the back burner for almost 3 years — a job layoff and my mother’s death. Up until then, photography had been a creative outlet, a hobby. I had been extremely busy working for a global advertising agency. Those two losses caused me to look closely at my life and its impermanence; they fueled me to make intentional decisions about what I really wanted to pursue and to break out onto my own path.
I began selling real estate and, once I earned some commission, signed up for photography classes again. In early 2017, I decided to take the leap and turn my passion into a profession. Time was, and still is, something I didn’t want to waste so I started my venture without hesitation.
I believe once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. And what is meant to happen cannot be deterred.
Through networking, I met talented folks who were willing to help build my portfolio. One of my first opportunities was shooting behind the scenes for Muse’s first music video since the band’s Grammy win in 2016. I’m eternally grateful for these chances and for the support and faith of others, particularly when I had no prior work to speak of. My experiences have been truly fulfilling.
Currently, I’ve been expanding my work into fashion and continuing to hone my creative skills. I’m excited to see where my journey takes me next!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Just as my photography was beginning to take root is when I went through my period of transition and delay — new city, job loss, return to Chicago living out of one suitcase for 8 months during my mother’s hospitalization and eventual passing, then pursuit of new job in new field. During those 2 years, I made 3 road trips between Chicago and LA and did not see a steady paycheck.
Those challenges served to stretch me and have made me only more grateful for what is presently in my life. They also put all other challenges in perspective. Outside of the high costs of camera equipment and the process of marketing myself competitively, I have not encountered what I would consider to be major obstacles yet.
As with any creative venture, your best work comes through when you allow yourself to be open, vulnerable, honest and authentic. That is a professional and personal challenge I am always working on.
Finding good talent, i.e. makeup artists, hairstylists, etc., to work on trade can be difficult at times; I’ve had to provide interesting enough opportunities and ideas for them to show off their gifts. Ultimately, those who have a strong love for what they’re doing are not solely motivated by money.
There is also The Learning Curve. I am constantly learning — about the industry, the business, lenses, lighting, posing, you name it. I’ve taken two technical courses at Santa Monica Community College but I primarily learn through other photographers, Samy’s Camera classes, CreativeLive online courses, YouTube tutorials and, most of all, through shoots. I also follow some phenomenal photogs on Instagram for inspo. I’ve become a sponge in a short amount of time but it keeps my standards high.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am everything Angela So Photography at the moment — The photographer, the business manager, the admin, the booking agent, the lighting assistant and the retoucher! I’m truly vested in all aspects and proud to be. It allows me to provide better knowledge, service and skills for my clients.
I primarily shoot headshots and artistic portraits, in studio and outdoors, my range, however, encompasses photography for editorials, blogs, live events, set/stills/BTS, and promotions.
LA is an amazing place to photograph people. I love the energy, the raw glam and the illusion/disillusion that emanates from this city; I try to draw from this whenever I shoot. I cater to a diverse clientele that includes musicians, models and actors as well as entrepreneurs, realtors and bloggers. My style leans toward bold color, dramatic lighting and clean forms but I am always open to experimenting.
It’s important for me to collaborate on ideas with my clients as my goal is to photograph them not only in the best light but also in an original way. It’s a fantastic feeling to know how much they (and their friends and family) love their final shots. Good portraits can express great depth, complexity and mystique and, in the end, my success is creating through portraits compelling permanence in an ever-changing, impermanent life.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been a visual person; a visual learner, a visual thinker.
As a child, I drew pictures of imaginary people, often creating storybooks around them. I also found images of Disney characters and tried to replicate them by freehand.
It’s much easier to take photographs now 🙂
Pricing:
- 1 Look: $125 (pre-shoot consult, proof web gallery, 1 retouched high res image, $25 per addt’l image)
- 3 Looks: $325 (pre-shoot consult, proof web gallery, 3 retouched high res images, $25 per addt’l image)
- 5 Looks: $425 (pre-shoot consult, proof web gallery, 5 retouched high res images, $25 per addt’l image)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.angelasophotography.com
- Phone: (310) 272-3977
- Email: angela@angelasophotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelasophotography
Image Credit:
BTS photo: Blue Slate
All other photos: Angela So Photography
Models: Elando Baltimore, Chloe Bean, Ilisa Juried, Aramis Knight, Angel Lin, Kat Meoz
MUA/Hair: Tamra Hernandez, Flora Kajeh, Kelly Russell
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
