Meet Mona Marandy

We were lucky to catch up with Mona Marandy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mona , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is very real and more common than many people realize. When I first started, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy, which is quite normal. What truly helped me find the courage to continue my education and invest in my skills was the incredible feedback from my clients, the unwavering support from my family, and the mentorship of Lola Melani. She consistently reassured me of my talent and progress, which motivated me to persist.

I believe that if someone doesn’t experience imposter syndrome at the beginning of their journey, they might either be overly confident or lacking in humility. When you enter a new environment, business, or skill, it’s essential to recognize that you’re a beginner and to approach it with an open mind. Being receptive to learning from others is crucial. If you think you already have all the answers, you may miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and development.

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?

I’m a family, motherhood, and maternity photographer based in Los Angeles. My journey began in 2019 when I had the opportunity to photograph my sister-in-law and my lovely nieces. It was during that shoot that I discovered my passion for capturing the beauty of pregnancy.

I bring out my artistic side by playing with shadows and lighting, and I lean towards a style reminiscent of Vanity Fair and Vogue, rather than the lighter, more traditional maternity photography that was common in the past. My aesthetic tends to be a bit darker, focusing on shadows while beautifully highlighting the baby bump.

You can easily recognize my unique style by visiting my Instagram page and scrolling through my work. One of my greatest joys is ensuring that every mom feels fabulous during and after their shoot. I strive to make them feel glamorous, sexy, and empowered, celebrating their beauty during this special time in their lives.

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?

The advice I would give to anyone early in their photography journey is to focus on investing in their skills and to avoid judging themselves by comparing their work to those who have been in the industry for years. When I first started, I felt overwhelmed and put a lot of pressure on myself to match the level of my mentor. I wanted everyone to love my work, which led me to be overly critical of my own photography.

Looking back at my portfolios from that first year, I realize now that I had more talent than I could see at the time. It took me about a year to become comfortable with my camera and to truly appreciate what my peers, clients, family, and mentor were saying about my work. I simply didn’t have the perspective to recognize the beauty in my own creations back then.

So, my first piece of advice would be to relax, take the time to enjoy the journey, and give yourself credit for your progress. Secondly, invest in your skills and equipment. And finally, resist the urge to compare yourself to others in the field. Each photographer has their own unique path, and embracing that individuality is key to growth and fulfillment.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I would love to collaborate with influencers who have a strong community in the Los Angeles area. My focus is on family, motherhood, fatherhood, and maternity photography. If anyone is interested in working together, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.monamarandy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monamarandyphotography/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mona-marandy-photography-studio-los-angeles