Meet Jean-laurent Gaudy

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jean-laurent Gaudy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jean-Laurent, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I never truly overcame imposter syndrome, though I once thought that was the goal. Looking back at my journey from a modest family in France to where I am today, this feeling has been my constant companion through every transformation.

As I matured, I came to understand that these feelings of uncertainty were actually signals of personal growth. My first leap was leaving the comfortable world of corporate advertising – where I had spent nearly a decade building a “proper” career – to pursue wedding photography in Paris. Each time I picked up my camera for those early weddings, that voice would whisper, ‘Who do you think you are, pretending to be a professional photographer?’ But with every wedding, every smile captured, and every grateful couple, my confidence grew alongside my portfolio.

When you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone and evolving, feeling like an imposter is natural – it’s simply part of the learning curve. This truth hit home when my wife’s dream led us to New York. Starting over in a new country, I had to rebuild my wedding photography business from scratch. The American market was different, the expectations unfamiliar, and that old feeling of being an outsider crept back in. Yet, as my business grew organically to six figures, I realized that this discomfort was pushing me to adapt, innovate, and excel in ways I never would have in my comfort zone.

By the time you’ve mastered one challenge, you’re already reaching for the next. Even as my wedding photography studio thrived, I found myself drawn back to my family’s roots in hospitality. The decision to enroll at Ferrandi, one of Paris’s most prestigious culinary schools, to become a certified baker felt both terrifying and exhilarating. There I was, a successful photographer, starting from scratch again, covered in flour and feeling like a complete novice. But this time, I recognized the feeling for what it was – not a warning to retreat, but a signal that I was growing.

So rather than trying to overcome imposter syndrome, I’ve learned to embrace it as a faithful companion on my journey of continuous growth. Today, as I run both my wedding photography studio and a specialized food photography and videography business, those feelings still surface. But now, when they do, I smile. Whether I’m capturing a couple’s most precious moments or crafting the perfect shot of a freshly baked croissant, that hint of uncertainty reminds me that I’m still pushing boundaries, still learning, still growing. It’s become my most reliable signal that I’m exactly where I need to be – outside my comfort zone, creating something new.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As a visual storyteller, I’ve dedicated over a decade to capturing the most meaningful moments in couples’ lives through my wedding photography studio in New York. My cinematic approach to documenting love stories has earned recognition from publications like The New York Times, The Knot, and Over The Moon, but what truly drives me is the privilege of preserving those genuine, fleeting moments of emotion that make each wedding unique.

I’m particularly excited to announce two transformative additions to our wedding services. Through a partnership with BLISS by Caroline, we now offer Bliss coaching – a groundbreaking service designed to help couples navigate their wedding planning journey with ease and tranquility. This innovative approach was born from years of witnessing both the joys and challenges couples face during planning. I’ve also had the honor of contributing to the Amazon #1 bestseller in the Weddings category, “Stress-free Wedding,” sharing insights from my decade of experience to help couples create their dream celebration without the overwhelm.

Parallel to my wedding work, I’ve embarked on an exciting new venture that combines my love for visual storytelling with my passion for culinary arts. Through Maison Hesper, my creative studio, I bring a unique perspective to food photography and videography, informed by my certification as a professional baker from Paris’s prestigious FERRANDI school. This background allows me to approach food photography with an insider’s understanding – capturing not just beautiful plates, but the entire journey from the passionate people behind the creations to the carefully selected ingredients, from the energy of the kitchen to the thoughtfully designed dining spaces.

Maison Hesper is growing rapidly, offering comprehensive visual storytelling packages for restaurants and food artisans that combine photography, videography, and creative direction. What makes this work particularly special is the opportunity to document the often-unseen artistry in culinary craftsmanship, celebrating the passion and expertise behind every dish. This approach has resonated deeply with clients who appreciate having a visual storyteller who truly understands both the technical and emotional aspects of their craft.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back at my journey from corporate advertising to running two successful creative studios, three key elements have been instrumental in shaping my path.

First, adaptability has been crucial. Whether it was transitioning from a stable corporate career to entrepreneurship, moving my business from Paris to New York, or expanding from wedding photography into food photography, the ability to embrace change and pivot strategically has been invaluable. My advice would be to view change not as a disruption but as an opportunity for growth. Start small, test new waters while maintaining your foundation, and be willing to learn from both successes and setbacks.

Second, the courage to pursue deep expertise in multiple disciplines has set me apart. While many might advise focusing on a single specialty, I found that my dedication to mastering both photography and culinary arts – culminating in my professional baker certification from FERRANDI – has given me a unique edge. To those starting out, I’d encourage you to follow your diverse passions, even if they seem unrelated at first. The intersections of different skills often create the most interesting opportunities. Just ensure you’re committed to achieving excellence in each area rather than remaining surface-level.

Finally, understanding the value of authentic storytelling has been fundamental. Whether I’m capturing a couple’s wedding day or documenting a chef’s culinary creation, success comes from genuinely connecting with the story behind the moment. For those beginning their journey, focus on developing your ability to see beyond the technical aspects of your craft to understand the emotional narrative that makes each project unique. This means actively listening to clients, immersing yourself in their world, and approaching each project with curiosity and empathy.

My best advice is to remember that developing these qualities is a marathon, not a sprint. Start by identifying one area where you can push beyond your comfort zone, commit to continuous learning, and always stay connected to the ‘why’ behind your work. Success comes not from trying to overcome your uncertainties, but from using them as signals that you’re growing in the right direction.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Success is never a solo journey, and I’m profoundly grateful for the incredible support system that has shaped mine. At the heart of it all is my wife, who not only believed in my vision when I left the corporate world but also inspired our transformative move to New York. Her unwavering faith in my abilities, especially during those uncertain early days of rebuilding our life in a new country, gave me the courage to keep pushing forward.

I’m deeply thankful for my earliest clients who took a chance on me when my portfolio was still growing. Their trust not only provided me with opportunities but also helped build my confidence. What’s particularly touching is how they became my biggest advocates, referring me to their friends and family. This organic growth through word-of-mouth has been the foundation of my business’s success, creating a beautiful chain of trust that continues to this day.

The photography community, especially my fellow professionals in both Paris and New York, has been invaluable. Their willingness to share knowledge, offer guidance, and provide honest feedback has helped me grow tremendously. In an industry that could be competitive, I’ve found genuine camaraderie and mentorship that has elevated my work and expanded my perspective.

Looking back, I realize that every step forward was made possible by people who believed in me, supported my vision, and shared their wisdom. To anyone building their dream, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people who believe in you – not just during the highlights but through the challenges as well. These relationships are not just about professional networking; they’re about creating a community that nurtures growth, celebrates successes, and provides strength during difficult times.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that true success isn’t measured just by what you achieve, but by the relationships you build and nurture along the way. Every photograph I take, every story I tell, carries within it the collective support and encouragement of this incredible community that has believed in me from the start.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jeanlaurentgaudy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanlaurentgaudy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlgaudy/
• Other: https://www.maisonhesper.com/
  https://www.instagram.com/maisonhesper

Image Credits

Jean-Laurent Gaudy