Meet TJ Manou

Today we’d like to introduce you to TJ Manou.

TJ, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Armenia, moved to London, UK at an early stage, lived there for 12 years. Then moved to LA 16 years ago where I got my first camera and fell in love with photography, hobby turned into passion. Many ask what inspires you.

I answer it’s like food for me if I don’t eat, I’ll be dead; sounds dramatic I know but true. I have some weeks where I’m not busy around Christmas for example. I feel down, I hate it, it’s crazy how much this outlet means to me. I never cared (still don’t) whether I made money from this or not or will it make me popular or not. It “feeds” my soul and that’s more than enough for me.

And of course, I meet many wonderful people regularly which in my opinion is very important as well. Sometimes we get too comfortable hanging out with a small circle of friends. It’s healthy to go beyond that.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The only struggle I had was with myself as I have so much to learn. I absolutely love very story I shoot. Then spending weeks on post production I look at my work and think, why do people hire me, this is horrible. Then when it’s published, and I see it in three to six months I go, wow that looks awesome. It’s funny. Don’t ask. I have no idea why this happens. My theory is that I get involved do much with a story I get sick of it. Then after a break, I love it again.

Challenges or obstacles? I’m going to be honest, nothing from the outside, it’s all in our minds. We always strive to be better for ourselves even if we are competing with others. I love what I do, even if I knew I would make zero money from this for the rest of my life, I would still do it. Love it.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
TJ Manou Photography. It’s been almost ten years now, I photographed so many amazing people. Used to have my own studio, then got bored, images started looking a bit generic. So I decided to shoot only at locations.

Once you drive one-two hours out of LA, there are tons of great locations which you cannot recreate in studios no matter what you do. Especially around the sunset when you combine daylight with some strobes things look out of this world. It’s a challenge as you have to fight the light sometimes as it constantly changes and you want your light to be consistent when shooting an editorial story but I LOVE it. Anything predictable bores me, challenges I love.

Now I do both studio and location. many celebrities I shoot just don’t have the time to spare and come in for a few hours and back to their business. I also shoot very fast (at least that’s what people tell me). I’m not one of those photographers who take 1000s of photos with “spray and pray” mentality. I love keeping it short and to the point. Momentum is very important. Once you know you got it it’s time to move on.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
It has to make you happy, doesn’t matter what you do. The process has to make you happy not the outcome, you should never care about the outcome. If it goes anywhere, it’s a bonus but never lose your focus on why you started doing what you love doing in the first place. Whatever it is you do or decide to do, it has to make you happy, and that’s how I feel. That is success to me if for any point you start feeling that you are not happy, or it is getting away from you, stop and analyze things. Most likely you are losing your focus.

Pricing:

• Starts from as low as $595 with possible publication.
• Please contact for more details if interested. I always look for new faces.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tjmanou.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @tjmanou

Image Credit:
TJ Manou Photography

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