Today we’d like to introduce you to Callie Laquidara.
Callie, 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 worked a corporate job in sales, mainly the wedding and event industry. I love planning, organization, logistics, and timelines but creative freedom is always missing when you work for someone else. About a year ago, I bought my first camera, started my own photography business and never looked back, mainly because I couldn’t. I started this business on the brink of Coronavirus and failure was not an option. The uncertainty of the next few months left me with time to thoroughly dive into the basics of photography. I was going to teach myself everything about my camera from capturing a photo to editing. I treated learning this new art as a full-time job and then some. I spent hours and hours reading, watching tutorials, taking online courses, and joining photography groups and discussions. Two of my best friends are photographers in other states and there were many phone calls, FaceTimes, texts, picking their brains and asking for their critiques on my work. After months of friends modeling for me, I got hired for my first paid job. It’s a weird transition to spend so many years working for someone else to finding confidence in yourself and seeing the worth of your own company. It has been so gratifying and liberating!
Great, 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?
One of the biggest obstacles so far was once I felt ready to get out there and book clients, we were still under the stay at home order. Slowly people got more comfortable booking but it was scary for a bit. I couldn’t help but think, What am I doing? Why am I doing this? I should just give up and start applying places…but again that was not an option. I have a creative outlet that I want to share with people and nothing is going to stand in my way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Callie Love Photography – what should we know?
I am the owner of Callie Love Photography, located in South Bay. I specialize in engagement, maternity, and family photography. I’d say I’m known for capturing intimate and organic moments during sessions that are not staged or posed. I’m really good at making people laugh and feel comfortable. So many people tell me they are awkward and not good at having their photo taken and I get it! My job is to make you feel comfortable so you forget Im even there. What sets me apart from others is that I am always searching for cool places to take photos. Every day Im scouting or researching local areas that people may not know about that have breathtaking views and scenery.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I am a Taurus so I love creating and making people laugh. I am from Boston, which has taught me to be hard-working, honest, and dependable. I am an enneagram eight and am strong, assertive, straight-talking, and decisive. But most of all, I have found my passion in capturing small moments in time that people will have to cherish forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.callielovephotography.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/callielovephotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/callielovephotography
Image Credit:
Callie Love Photography
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