May 1, 2017

Meet Laura Joyce of Goofyfoot Photography in South Bay

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Joyce.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey with photography coincided with my love of travel during my days as a singleton. I traveled to many places and took photos of beautiful landscapes, interesting scenery or cities, but they somehow seemed to lack something… namely a subject carrying feelings, emotion, depth. I brushed it off as to me they were simply holiday photos and just a hobby at the time.

When I had my first child, like many moms I documented each and every milestone (heck, each and every day) with numerous photos. But what struck me was the difference I noticed when I gazed at the photo. I felt something I hadn’t felt before. I was able to capture that emotion missing before. Those feelings…desires, even if it was just the desire for that split second of the shutter click. I was hooked!

I brought my shiny new DSLR to photograph some of the wee ones at a local mommy-n-me class. The other mommies seemed to enjoy the photos and asked to purchase them. I scoffed as I had never thought about selling my work. But the wonderful instructor encouraged me to put myself out there. I did a few free shoots, got a portfolio up on a website and I suddenly had a new business.

10 years later, I am grateful people believe in my work and that I’m lucky enough to do this full time. But, I’m even more grateful to still enjoy photographing though it’s morphed from hobby to business. The business part can be tricky but capturing those moments still invigorates me.

I like to focus on kids, whether helping them build their professional headshot portfolio or just documenting regular kids being kids. It’s the joy they feel that keeps me going.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As I mentioned earlier, I struggle with the business end of photography. It’s a struggle to keep up with social media, email responses, editing, delivering packages to clients all while managing a household at home. Owning my own business gives me flexibility with my schedule, but it does not create more hours in the day.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Goofyfoot Photography – what should we know?
I’d say I’m known for capturing what’s real about you. It is said “the eyes are the windows to the soul” and I wholeheartedly believe that. I see it every time I look through my lens. I also really love relaxed settings with my sessions. I like to go out into nature and just play around. Nothing gets kids comfortable and playful more than being outside. I rarely shoot indoors and depend solely on natural light.

In the last few years, I expanded into headshot photography. There’s something so interesting to me about each individual’s face. The distinct nature of every little detail of someone’s face fascinates me. I’ve been loving headshot photography and find I can really connect with my client working with just one person at a time.

I’d say what sets my business model apart from other photographers is that everything about what you’re getting with your photography package is up front. I don’t try to up-sell additional products/prints after the shoot. I offer the shoot and a certain amount of hi-res digital images via digital download and that’s it. You can take your images to any lab to have them printed for personal use. I had a bad experience with a photographer once where the events cost well over what was initially agreed upon. It really left a bad taste in my mouth. I don’t want any of my clients to go through that and thankfully my business model allows me to avoid such situations. I guess I’m proud of that.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Hands down – Talent. Without it, people will not be drawn to your work. I do not advertise and I never have. My clients come to me through word of mouth or particularly after they’ve seen my work. Experience helps, but the substance has to be there.

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