Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Franco.
Hi Monica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
First to introduce myself, I am Monica Franco a family and kids photographer located in the area of Culver City. Photography was never really an idea of business I had in mind at a young age. My journey starts like this, during high school, I took my first photography class and became the ASB Historian at school while attending a Leadership class. A couple of years later after high school I was engaged and married my husband whom I now have 3 little ones with. When I first had my firstborn child, as a new mom in 2015, all I wanted to do is take lots of pictures of my baby. Remembering back my husband was able to buy me my first camera to use with such little knowledge of manual settings. I was obsessed with my new camera already but felt like I needed some help to figure out the proper way to use it. So I decided to take another photography class in college to learn the different settings for manual usage. Fast forward after taking several images of my baby, family started to ask for pictures, then close friends. Eventually, everyone kept telling me to create a business as a family photographer. In 2016 is when I officially decided to make a business out of something I loved and had a passion for. Fast forward to 2022 I have experienced many family sessions, kid’s sessions, cake smashes, newborns, events, weddings, baptisms, and quinceañeras.
Alright, 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 a business owner/photographer, nothing is easy. Everything takes hard work and dedication. There’s always new things to learn as a photographer just like there is with any type of business. As a one solo business owner and a mom of three, I would say balancing my business, being a mom, and working full time has been the hardest part, but somehow I have managed to keep up with everything. The second most challenging thing I would say was finding a way of editing my images. Editing my images to an airy neutral white balance. After a couple of years I finally see major improvements with my client’s galleries.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a photographer, I have came across multiple clients who have informed me that I’m not like other photographers. According to my clients, I am very patient and gentle with their little ones and bring out a good time to their family. It could be the fact that I’m a mother of three and know what experience my clients are looking for. They love the way I connect with them and treat them like if they are family and not just another number to my business. I’m all about connecting with my clients and letting them feel the experience during their sessions. I am a family/kids and an event photographer. My most proudest moments would be capturing all those special family moments.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years, I see major improvements within my business. I definitely see it big enough to let go of my full-time job and dedicate my full time by doing what I love. My dream is to one day get a big studio and share it with other photographers.
Pricing:
- Family Session $300
- Maternity $300
- Newborn $350
- Cake Smash $350
Contact Info:
- Website: www.monicalizfranco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicafrancophoto/
- Other: Text # 310-994-8061
