Meet Janet Barnett of Woodland Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Barnett.

Hi Janet, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After graduating from Art Center College of Design,
I started my professional career as a photographer shooting the rock scene in Los Angeles in the 80’s, the
heyday of hair metal and MTV. Making these scruffy musicians look like supermodels was my goal! It was a fun and crazy time in L. A., and I’m so happy I got to experience it.
It was while I was doing that I met my husband working at a music magazine, and we have been together ever since.
I did corporate work and weddings until I had my kid in 2003, and then my career slowed down for about 15 years, which is normal when you are working on the “mommy” track. During that time digital photography became the predominate tool, and I loved making that switch. I re-invented myself as a portrait and branding photographer, and that is still what I am passionate about doing today. I have also gotten excited about photographing family portraits, and delivering a beautifully designed album or stunning wall art for my clients.

My husband and I also own and operate NABU Wines, in Westlake Village, which is a whole other story!
Being lifelong wine lovers, we started our winery about 12 years ago, and it has grown into a first-class winery in the Conejo Valley. We’ve won multiple medals with our wines, and we enjoy creating a venue that people can relax and have a great time in.

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?
A smooth road? Never!
But I’m still ON the road, that’s the important part.
The biggest struggle I’ve always had was my belief in MYSELF.
External factors make a difference, like pandemics, politics and THE ECONOMY and the advent of A.I.
But my own ability to think I still have something to offer is what keeps me going, along with the fact that I still enjoy it.
Since I’m essentially running two businesses full-time, photography and a winery, I deal with factors that most people are not familiar with on a day to day basis. And one thing I can tell you for sure: nothing will teach you more in your life than running a business.

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?
Right now, I’m concentrating on photographing women over 50, 60, 70 and beyond.
Since I’m in my 60’s myself, I can relate to the same issues that they are dealing with.
Some of them are practical,
like physical aging, seeing your face change with time, and your body changing in ways you weren’t anticipating. Other issues older women face is feeling invisible, difficulty finding friends, and feeling shut out of society in general. We have more experience and information than any other generation of women before us, but we are seen as having already passed our “expiration” date.

Women my age are also healthier and have more energy than any other generation before us (especially L.A. women!) and I feel like often younger people are somewhat shocked by what we get up to!
Many women over 50 are starting their lives over after raising children, having a career and having a marriage.
At this point the kids are out of the house, many have retired and others are divorced or widowed. And these are really big life shifts that can rock your foundation. But my friends are out enjoying their lives in a way they couldn’t before, now that they have the time and the resources. I still love to go out for a drink, see a great band at a club, and stay out way past my bedtime!
Remember, we are the generation that invented Rock N’ Roll!

That’s why I love creating images for women in this age group, who maybe have never seen themselves in a photograph that was just for them. I create an experience that makes them feel seen and heard, and valued just as they are. While my style does veer more towards a “fashion” look, because that’s what I loved growing up, I feel that what I do is appropriate for any age and lifestyle. Everyone should have a portrait of themselves that they LOVE!

What matters most to you? Why?
My family and how I spend my time. I think that’s a very common answer, but it’s probably universal.
And pretty much everything I do has to give me a payback for one of those categories, either in money or in experience.

Pricing:

• upon request.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.janetbarnett.net
• Instagram: @janet_barnett_photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janet.barnett
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-barnett-803501b/
• Other: https://www.nabuwines.com

Image Credits
All images by Janet Barnett Photography.