Today we’d like to introduce you to Bettina Bogar.
Hi Bettina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My obsession with cameras started at a young age. Originally from Budapest, Hungary, at 22 I decided to pack my bags (and my cameras) and move to Toronto, Canada. It wasn’t an easy move, but it was necessary to make a name for myself. Commercial photography and working with notable brands was always the dream but breaking into that world was much more complicated than it looked. You find out quickly that even in a big city, it’s a small and exclusive club. I started by picking up literally any photography gigs I could find. Pet photography? Sure. Bar mitzvah? Bring it on. Weddings? I did about 100 ceremonies before the commercial work started to pick up. Gradually, I began booking shoots for smaller brands. With Instagram becoming popular, I was sharing my work and getting noticed. I worked my a** off to build my network and always put in the extra 10% to never let my clients down.
Eventually, I started saying no to work I knew would not help me grow as an artist or progress as an entrepreneur. Then, one day in 2016 my phone rang and I got offered an opportunity to photograph a lifestyle campaign for Airbnb. It was my big break. For four weeks, I shot travel images for almost every neighborhood in Los Angeles. I took thousands of pictures and left knowing I would live there one day. In 2018, it happened — I got represented by a talent agency in LA. Things in Toronto were really starting to heat up so I stayed a few more years before packing my bags and driving south to start all over again. Then COVID hit. As for everyone, those first few months were incredibly hard. Everything I was working on came to a grinding halt. Eventually, I let go of all my best-laid plans and got resourceful, launching my own production studio (@Bogar.inc) along with a lifestyle space to accommodate safe sets during the pandemic. My clients loved the idea and I was able to rebuild quickly and get back to work. This is where things stand today. I spend my days organizing shoots and creating on set with my crew — a diverse and incredibly talented group of production pros who know exactly how to make me laugh.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I prefer using the word challenge over struggle. My way wasn’t easy, but if it wasn’t for all the challenges along the way, I don’t think I would have come this far. From migrating to Canada to the language barrier to starting my own company, it’s been quite the journey. I’ve certainly had my fair share of failures, but at the end of the day, I learned so much from my mistakes. I learned not to take jobs without deposits. I learned to always stand up for what’s right and not to work with people whose morals don’t align with mine. I learned to ask for help — to reach out and embrace my community. I learned that running a small business is a rollercoaster and to be okay with the ups and downs. I learned how to pitch myself. I learned how to uphold my worth and champion my prices. I learned to say no. I learned how to smell bullshit from miles away. I learned that setting goals will accelerate your success 100x. And lastly, I learned how taxes work. That was the most painful experience of them all, haha.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a commercial photographer, but I also have a background in art direction & high-end creative production. I shoot, produce, and art direct content for clients in the advertising, beauty, fitness, lifestyle, and travel industries. I’m known for my west coast aesthetic, my way of working with natural light, and my crisp, bright, airy style in still photography.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Ten years ago, I had no idea that I’ll be able to create and collaborate with brands like lululemon, Airbnb, OPI, New Balance or American Express. That I would get to work with the best people in the industry. Looking back, my advice is this: Know your worth. Trust the process. Put in the work. Respect your clients and work hard to make them feel like they invested in the right person. Take time to recharge. Rinse and repeat.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.bettinabogar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettinabogar/
Image Credits
All pictures are taken by me. The photos of me are taken by me. The photos of me are taken by: @samuelengelking @thewojosmojo
