Hidden Gems: Meet Sereena Gaudi of Lovely Honey Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sereena Gaudi.

Hi Sereena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve spent five years transitioning what originated as a hobby and passion into a business. When I first got into the professional photography space, I specialized in senior portraits in Washington State. This is where my style stems from. I emphasize dark and cool tones to create moody photos that perfectly capture deep shadows and stunning highlights. Washington is known for its dense coverage of trees and near constant rain and overcast weather but there are also immaculate golden hours where the clouds part creating breathtaking, creamy and warm lighting. In the thick of 2020, I relocated to Southern California when my husband retired from the US Army. Because the world was in crisis and I had a six-month-old daughter, my photography business went on the back burner.

Flash forward to 2021, I felt a burning desire to get back into photography. I felt as though I lost a part of my identity when I had to step away from my business and I was ready to find myself again. But since a bit of time had passed, I felt like my photography needed to grow into a new season of life like I had. I spent months researching and shadowing other industry professionals to try to find what specialty light a fire inside me again. And then, I entered the wedding space. I absolutely love shooting weddings. I smile all day long when I’m shooting because I feel so honored to be able to capture such important moments for people. As a wedding photographer, I get to shoot raw, heartfelt emotions and give people a tangible memory that can be cherished for generations. I can truly say that I have my dream job and that it has brought a spark back into me as a person.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey hasn’t been the smoothest. From the pandemic to relocating to another state to ultimately switching specialties, I’ve had to fight for my photography business. I’ve poured my soul into every aspect of it. I’ve worked for little to no pay for the sake of gaining experience and bettering my art. I’ve spent countless hours on my computer reaching out to people, creating a social media presence, and really advocating for myself and my photography. At the end of the day, it’s that I see value in myself and my business and I will continue to do everything I can to be successful and to provide my clients with the best experience from the moment they inquire with me to the moment they receive their gallery.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business specializes in engagement, wedding/elopement, and couples photography. I do everything from responding to inquiries and clients, social media posts, shooting, editing and delivering galleries. I would say that one thing that sets Lovely Honey apart is that I edited with a deep, moody style and also keep things natural and real with minimal retouching.

The thing that I’m the most proud of is that I started this business in college and continued to push and pursue it through the hard times. I made major adjustments and shifts but ultimately have stayed true to myself and my art.

Lovely Honey Photography offers wedding packages starting at $1,250 and couples shoot starting at $300.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that an artist and creative, you must value yourself and your work. Some people might not like your work or might think you charge too much. Don’t lower your worth because someone tells you they think less of you. Hold strong and continue putting in the effort and passion and the right clients will come along. The right clients will see your worth.

Pricing:

• Wedding Packages from $1,250 to $3,250 + add ons
• Couples Sessions starting at $300
• Maternity Sessions starting at $300
• Lifestyle Newborn starting at $500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lovelyhoneyphotogr.wixsite.com/home
• Instagram: instagram.com/lovelyhoneyphotography