February 26, 2017

Meet Shimmy Lautman of ShimmyPhotography in Encino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shimmy Lautman.

Shimmy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always known that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and that I am an artist at heart.

Something about my day to day jobs didn’t feel quite right.

At the time before I started photography my two jobs paid very well, there were safe and I had a steady income.

I worked at the golf court during the day and delivered Pizza at night, but I have always known that wasn’t where my passion lies.

Ever since I was a child working with my father (he is a professional videographer) on events I couldn’t help but notice the photographers. They were the heroes of the events. They literally light up the room and capture every happy moment, every laugh, every smile, every tear of happiness and snap! The moment has been captured for eternity.

I never thought I could be that person, the hero of the night who walks in with his all of his cameras, strobe lights, flashes and helps couples feel beautiful and alive on the day that matters to them most.

I wasn’t a fool I knew photography equipment isn’t cheap and the moment I decided I was gonna give it a try I had to come up with a bigger amount of money.

I am not much of a gambler, but I didn’t want to continue doing something I don’t love doing any longer. I had to be bald so I took some of my savings and played poker one night knowing I will make just enough to buy my first professional camera. The day after I went to Sammy’s Camera and bought the best photography equipment money can buy and that was when I started my first company known as Shimmy Photography.

Has it been a smooth road?
The greatest obstacle and the most important one is to always stay in business. We constantly have to generate income and make enough capital to pay our bills, buy the latest equipment, cover insurances, advertise, re-invest in the company, and to teach interns, videographers & photographers the craft of media.

Most importantly make sure that the clients are happy. This way we continue to create an everlasting artwork for our clients now and down the road.

In the beginning, I was a one man working from the couch on my laptop. Today, I have extended and I have two full time on a weekly salary paid interns who work for me, Over 30 photographers and videographers receive jobs on an almost regular basis. Today it is definitely smoother I had to offer my services for free many times to get to where I am today. Our goal and challenge is to get the media over to the clients in a timely fashion manner.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the ShimmyPhotography story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the owner of Shimmy Photography and Royalty Creation Studios Video & Photobooth.

Our passion is to capture and document every moment in any event or occasion that we are privileged enough to be a part of.

What I believe that sets me apart from others is that I specialize with a small or big budget of any event, because my true passion is to earn the privilege of being part of your happiness rather than earn your business.

I am here to give you the best service possible, have my client’s intake and thoughts blend it in with my work and create the very best.

Unlike others, I love to invite my clients over to the studio and provide them the ultimate experience to watch their images on the big screen and simply let/help them choose their favorites.

Build their wedding album from the ground up and make sure that they like it. Always going back and forth working every single detail and making sure that it is absolutely perfect before it is printed.

Edit their video with their point of view. Have them watch the clips with us, choose their favorite moments and create short films wedding highlights and more…

We are known for being creative and daring we have done underwater and we’ll fly to the sky for a fun photo-shoot. We take our pride in always being there for our clients and providing them the very best service.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Hopefully winning an Oscar award for best picture/ video. I dream big but definitely owning more equipment, teaching more young photographers to achieve their dreams and passions. Help more clients have memorable events. My plans are to break into the sport, fashion, and music industry as a motivated photographer and filmmaker.

Most importantly to forever continue what I love doing most.

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