Meet Mary Anselmo of Thousand Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Anselmo

Hi Mary, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started with taking my friends in school on fun photoshoots around the town. I was obsessed with finding the best angle, lighting, and emotion to capture the most beautiful portraits of them. I began to bring my camera with me on family trips and document people, places, and things. I soon realized I was telling stories through my lens and photography quickly became a passion and necessary artistic outlet for me.

I continued studying photography in college and then worked professionally at two different photography studios. I learned the ins and outs of managing studios and running a business – things that worked and things that didn’t. I’m extremely thankful for the knowledge I learned at these studios, but needed more creative freedom!

I decided to quit the job I wasn’t happy at anymore and start my own business last year, July 2023. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but it’d be worth it. I moved out of LA and back to my hometown of Thousand Oaks where I rented a live/work studio apartment and Lyfe Photos was born. I spent all day everyday grinding – going to shops around town, posting flyers, attending events, offering free sessions, anything I can possibly do in order to get people in my door. Eventually, more and more people found out about me.

This past year has been so exciting, but also discouraging at times. It’s incredibly rewarding to photograph so many amazing people and grow a business from the ground up, but life throws in so many curveballs at you along the way that set you back. I’m currently recreating my studio space, shooting more outside, and getting back in touch with the reasons I started my business in the first place. Lyfe Photos is still growing and changing by the day and I’m holding onto this crazy ride.

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?
It’s exciting with lots of ups and downs but not smooth sailing. There were so many things I was learning for the first time because I had never done this before. I made a lot of mistakes which set me back, but learned from, I didn’t realize how much financial stress would take a toll on me during the whole process too, but I had to make money to survive. Most days felt like I was pouring everything I had into my business with little left to give to other aspects of my life that were also important to me like my family and faith. I struggled balancing my priorities and often times would lead to burnout mode, but then I’d get a few bookings in one day and it’d fire me up!

It took a while for me to gain some client traction in the beginning, and then as soon as I did, it was too many to keep up with! Since I’m a new business, I thought it was smart to take every photo opportunity that presented itself to me, even if that meant overloading my plate. This tactic worked for a little, but it’s not sustainable for me to produce great work and my clients only deserve the best me! So, I’m learning where my work threshold is.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Lifestyle Photographer specializing in everything including but not limited to ; studio art – portraits, families, events, weddings, headshots, architecture/real estate etc. My style is candid, playful, nostalgic, documentary-like. There is a film effect to my photographs due to my editing style to give them a nostalgic feel, like you’re looking back on old memories. I take pride in the way I interact with my clients and how much I truly care about each one. I always take into account their wants while providing my own creative input, which makes the perfect collaboration.

What does success mean to you?
I define success in many ways. There’s small successes and big successes. You know those dreams you have as a little kid? I define success by working really hard and achieving those dreams or goals, whatever that may be. Getting back up after falling down and going after them even harder. It’s not easy, but I believe with strong faith in God its possible to achieve anything. I also see success in the smaller things in life like good health, strong friendships, being a loving person, and just choosing to do the right thing. Success isn’t only a destination, but a journey knowing you’re on the way to it.

Pricing:

• Weddings – $1500
• Portraits – $300
• Events – $300/hr
• Headshots – $250

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lyfephotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyfephotosbymary/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095529821805