We were lucky to catch up with Valarie Joy Winkleman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Valarie Joy, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Amidst life’s challenges, I have always considered myself an optimistic individual. Always seeing the glass half full knowing I can keep filling it….overflowing my life with joy even in the low points. I am a firm believer life will continue to challenge you, the only thing about life that remains consistent is the fact that it is always changing– we are always changing. We are adapting. Life doesn’t get any easier, but we continue to get stronger. My optimism comes from an early age of learning and growing. My late grandfather exhibited so much optimism, he always encouraged us to see the bright side. His positive attitude in life reflected in his work and service to others. “Excel where you’re at. Attitude can change adversities into assets.” That was one reoccurring quote I heard from my Grandpa Bud. It’s stuck with me my whole life and will continue to remind me that I am strong and I can overcome anything. I strive to create a happy life that continues to progress upwards. Each new challenge contributes to my growth and I am immensely grateful for every zig and zag. I am known for my bubbly personality and optimism. My name is Valarie Joy, which is very fitting as people say I’m a “joy” to work with and be around.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I love to document life’s sweetest moments and I am so grateful for the beautiful stories I get to watch unfold as I freeze these chapters in time. I specialize in the motherhood journey and have training and experience safely posing and photographing nearly 900 newborn babies (and counting). I’m so blessed to meet couples and photograph them together as their story grows with an engagement, a wedding…. and then, as they begin to start their family by welcoming a baby. I photograph newborns as young as 6 hours old in hospital, plus I offer newborn sessions in home or in the studio downtown. I offer photoshoots to document baby’s milestones. It is such a blessing to witness the love and life created that continues to grow. It’s especially sweet to be invited back for more family photo shoots. I also offer videography services along with my photography. There’s something so captivating about bringing the images to life with motion.
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?
Learning communication and how to provide excellent customer service is a skill I learned early on that continued to grow. Learning your camera and maximizing any opportunity you can to shoot different kinds of photography is something I would highly recommend to anyone who is early in their photography journey. That is one big part of why I love being a photographer and creative in general. There is always room to learn and grow. Learning the art of newborn photography and how to safely pose and learn babies is a great skill I’ve continued to build on over the past two years. It is such a dream job.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is each new person who contacts me ready to create something special. It is so encouraging to work with people of so many various backgrounds and in between various life moments. I love when clients are also excited and see our photo shoots as fun experiences. I want to share my love and light and show them how beautiful they are! When people trust in me, it is the biggest compliment. My clients are all so different– that is what I love about them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://servedinawinkphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servedinawinkphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/servedinawinkphotography/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/valarie-joy-winkleman-546b10139
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@servedinawinkphotography?si=e4MTobPI60lxHoxs
Image Credits
Headshot: Charity Rebekah Photography Additional Images: Served in a Wink Photography
