Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Hoang.
Martha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My dad bought one of those $400 Costco bundles, inclusive of all the basic-needs for an amateur photographer — or in my dad’s case, someone who wanted to document the life of his family. How I got into photography is a very youthful story — I was headed to the park one day with friends (we were freshmen in high school at the time) and asked my dad if I could borrow the camera to take pictures of my friends. With a lot of hesitation, he said yes. And that’s kind-of how the fascination started. I brought that camera to every outing, taking pictures of all of my friends. (I mean, if we go way back into time, I’d tell you about how I brought a disposable camera to 6th-grade science camp and brought it back only for my mom to find photos of trees and none of my friends or me, haha.) When I went away for college, I started offering “LinkedIn headshots” for my friends for $20 each. Somehow, that all turned into a full-force wedding photography business that continues to strike my creative in ways, I wouldn’t have ever imagined. Crazy!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not. Canceled sessions, picky clients, scheduling conflicts. These are minor things that shouldn’t get to you, but somehow, they do. I’ve learned to learn from these scenarios for future relationships and future clients. Let me tell you, whether in your art, business, or life in general, gold is refined in the fire. You’ll have to go through a bit of fire to start creating gold.
I also work a full-time job for lululemon, in Integrated Marketing and Social Media. For a long time, I questioned myself: “you’re going to work full-time for a brand AND somehow manage a full-time photography business?” What I can say is: don’t box yourself. If you’re multi-passionate, go for it. If your entrepreneurial side hustle is something you don’t want to make money off of, don’t. If it is, do it. I’m busy most days, but they’re fulfilling days that I wouldn’t trade for the world — why? Because everything I’m committed to lines up with my values: generosity, joy, passion, and leadership. Find your why and commit to things that line up with your values.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Martha Hoang Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am an experienced photographer and storyteller with a demonstrated history of working both in the retail and creative industry. I’m known for my vulnerability, my unwavering joy, and how I powerfully show up in communities.
In my freelance world: I shoot on average 25-30 weddings per year and specialize in love stories. Why do I love? Because it’s straight up the most beautiful gift we get to be a part of. Love stories exude vulnerability, candid joy, hardship, sacrifice, generosity, beauty, and grace all in one. In my wedding world, I am most proud of how I show up at every wedding — ready to capture the most beautiful day in a couples’ love story, ready to be the ultimate hypewoman and #1 fan, and fill in a missing sign if needed. What sets me apart from others is the relationship I build with all of my clients — most of the weddings I shoot are near and dear pals (or they become near and dear pals) because I don’t come to their wedding to work, I come to celebrate their love and gift them with what I know best: photography. I also cry at every single wedding, and you can’t stop me.
In my corporate world: I am a storyteller for lululemon and tell all the stories of people that are living #thesweatlife in Los Angeles. Yes, it’s a stretchy pant brand, but to me, it’s so much more than that. I have met amazing people who are genuinely grinding to make the best lives for themselves. And with the help of a successful brand, I am able to use our platform on social media to make sure that we support and feature the humans that make up this city and are committed to sweating daily, growing constantly, and developing into better people.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
YES — how we can be both graceful and fierce at the same time. How we can be simultaneously soft and strong.
Contact Info:
- Website: marthahoang.com
- Phone: 5105095424
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @marthahoangphoto
- Other: @marthahoang (instagram)
Image Credit:
Martha Hoang Photography
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