Meet JOANNA ANDRES

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to JOANNA ANDRES. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

JOANNA, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

That’s a great question. In 2019, I faced a major challenge when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 DCIS breast cancer. It came as a complete surprise, and with a family history clear of the disease, it was a lot to process.

However, I knew I had to fight this and keep my photography business going. Photography is my passion, and capturing the joy of newborns brings me immense peace and comfort. These tiny miracles are a beautiful reminder of life’s preciousness.

Focusing on my work became a source of strength during a difficult time. Being around these little ones and creating lasting memories for families truly helped me forget about my own struggles for a while.

I only took a short break for surgery but continued working throughout chemo and radiation. I managed my treatment schedule to fulfill my client commitments while prioritizing my health. I kept my diagnosis private to protect client privacy and maintain a professional demeanor during shoots.

That experience definitely shaped my resilience. It taught me the importance of perseverance and finding strength in what I love.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hi everyone, I’m Joanna Andres, a newborn photographer specializing in capturing the pure joy and innocence of those precious first few weeks of life.

My passion for photography goes beyond just taking pictures. It’s about creating lasting memories for families that they’ll cherish for a lifetime. There’s something truly magical about holding a tiny human in my arms and capturing those perfect, fleeting moments.

But what truly sets me apart is the understanding and empathy I bring to each session. In 2019, I faced a major challenge when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 DCIS breast cancer. It was a difficult time, but my love for photography became a source of strength. Focusing on these little miracles, these symbols of new life, helped me find peace and resilience.

This experience also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the preciousness of life and the importance of capturing those fleeting moments for families. I understand that these newborn photos will be cherished for years to come, and I take that responsibility very seriously.

Ultimately, I believe in the power of photography to tell stories and capture emotions. And there’s no story more beautiful than the one written on the face of a newborn baby.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful aspects of my journey as a newborn photographer have been resilience, passion, and building strong client relationships.

Resilience came into play during challenges, but it’s my passion for capturing those precious newborn moments that truly keeps me going. There’s nothing more rewarding than creating keepsakes families will cherish for a lifetime.

However, building strong client relationships is what sets the experience apart. With over 300 positive Google reviews, I’m proud to say my clients feel comfortable, understood, and truly cared for throughout the process.

Here’s how you can connect building relationships with your passion for photography:

I believe that passion translates into a better client experience. Because I love what I do, I can pour my heart into every session, ensuring every detail is perfect. This passion creates a relaxed and joyful atmosphere where families feel comfortable and those genuine smiles come naturally.

For aspiring photographers:

For those just starting out, my advice is to nurture your passion for photography, but also focus on building client relationships. Treat every client like family. Take the time to understand their vision, answer their questions, and create a personalized experience. This will not only ensure satisfied clients but also generate positive word-of-mouth recommendations, just like the ones I’ve received through Google reviews.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

That’s a wonderful question. My parents have definitely been a huge influence on my journey as a photographer, particularly in terms of work ethic and business acumen.

Growing up, my parents owned a pizzeria. From a young age, I was immersed in the world of business. After school, I’d head straight there, helping out with everything from cashiering and taking orders to waiting tables and even assisting with food prep.

This experience instilled in me a strong work ethic. Balancing school with those responsibilities taught me valuable skills like time management and multitasking. Working directly with customers honed my communication and relationship-building skills.

Most importantly, I gained a deep understanding of the business side of things. From managing income and expenses to understanding profitability, these early lessons are essential for running my own photography business today.

My parents continue to be my biggest cheerleaders and are always happy to help out whenever they can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joannaandresphotography.com
• Instagram: joannaandresphotography
• Facebook: joannaandresphotograpy
• Linkedin: joannaandresphotography
• Twitter: joannaandresphotography
• Youtube: n/a
• Yelp: joannaandresphotography
• Soundcloud: n/a