Today's Cool Chick with a Cool Job is Candra, an uber talented professional photographer. I’ve known Candra since the days of us working our cute little tails off at
the Hallmark in Bakersfield. I always thought she was so interesting, she’s had
so many creative jobs, she’s constantly making her own gifts that look
flawless, and that accent…come on? Over the years, I have watched her travel
the world, live in Africa, battle illness, have a baby, and change her career
into something that just makes her seem so fulfilled and happy. It’s been
amazing to watch. I recently interviewed Candra about the long road to her awesome job...
V: What is your education/employment
background?
C: I was a florist for 11 years, and
did various other jobs along with it while in school. I have been a paid,
professional scrapbooker since 2007. You can see my scrapbooking and
photography work on QVC and HSN, as well as various other scrapbooking
companies. I currently work solely as a photographer. I have a Bachelor’s
degree in Consumer Science from the University of Houston (Go Cougars)
V: Is being a photographer something
you’ve always wanted to do?
C: Though I’ve always loved taking
photos, I never really considered it until my late 20’s. So many in my family
are big documenters; it goes back a few generations even. I have a big family,
especially on my mom’s side. My grandfather and his father always took photos,
so we grew up in that mindset. It was just something we did. They always pushed
us to be creative and it worked! In the photo below there are 3 of us (+1 who
wasn’t born yet) that are professional photographers across the U.S. and several
more that could be if they chose to make it more than a hobby.
It’s really great to be able to confide/collaborate on a professional level
with people you know and love. We can see what’s working or not with each other
or even just bounce ideas.
V: What made you decide to finally
go for it and start your own business?
C: What made me go for it was
twofold: lack of income and a creative outlet. We had been living in Houston,
TX when Hurricane Katrina hit. Most of our family live all along the
Mississippi Gulf Coast and were devastated by the storm. Only a few were left
with houses and without water. I have vivid memories of my mom’s house being
covered in people and photos trying to dry out. My in-laws were only able to
salvage a handful of photos, and only 2 from their wedding day. Many things are
replaceable, but not those photographs. There was nothing tangible left to
those memories. It was then when I started taking photography more seriously,
instead of for granted.
When we moved back to California, I couldn’t find a job, even with my shiny
new degree (in consumer science). The market was horrible. In between
interviews I began teaching scrapbooking classes and taking pictures. They were
a great until I found a “real” job with William-Sonoma. It wasn’t long before I
was overwhelmed with working all three jobs. Life helped me choose which was
most important when I was told I had cancer. At that point I realized that I
had 3 photos of myself in 7 years, and while I was busy, I wasn’t happy. That
realization may have been more devastating that the diagnosis. I realized that
my family would have little to remember me by. I wasn’t leaving enough behind.
I quit everything but photography and never regretted the decision. Also, this
past May marks 4 years in remission, and I make myself take photos at least
once a year (usually a lot more, lol).
V: What is your favorite part of
your job?
C: This is a hard one to narrow
down. Being practical, I like that I can somewhat make my own hours and schedule
things around my son. Outside of that, I’d say that I love helping people
remember the most memorable moments and people in their lives. Nothing makes my
eyes well up faster than watching a baby taking its first breath. To be able to
capture those precious, never to be seen again moments, it’s humbling. Secret?
My birth clients are usually my favorites.
V: What’s the hardest part of your
job?
C: Finding a time management balance
between being a mom and a photographer....and I hate bookkeeping and paying
taxes, because I suck at math.
V: What does a regular day for you
look like?
C: Days are rarely regular, but I
like that. Here’s what I WISH my day would look like... I wake up before my
son, shower and dress in an outfit that I’ve laundered, ironed, and that’s
straight out of Lucky mag. Dang, I’m having a good hair day! I get my inbox
cleared and photos edited before he wakes and wants breakfast. After a gourmet
breakfast we run errands/make phone calls/scout weather/lighting/locations for
the afternoon sessions. I go to the gym to run a few miles, while my 1.5 year
old sits quietly playing. Then there’s lunch and a 3 hour nap for him. I make
client phone calls finish in enough time to take a short nap myself. The nanny
arrives and I head out for client sessions until sunset. Once back at home, I
prepare a dinner that would rival Martha herself. Afterwards, my husband gives
my son a bath, while I relax and back-up today’s photo session. It’s
perfection, of course! Then we all go to sleep by 8:30!
Here’s what my day usually looks like... I wake up with my son, shower, and
put my hair up in a bun. I open my computer while putting Eggo waffles in the
toaster (because that’s the only thing he will eat this week). Wesley watches
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse while I answer emails and update my calendar. If I need
a bit more time, I may or may not throw some cheerios on his tray to get me 10
more minutes. Afterwards I put a bra on under my work-out clothes that I don’t
work out in, and go to the grocery store, post office, etc... We attempt a
healthy lunch, and then play a while with letters and Legos until naptime.
Once, he’s asleep, I dash like a mad woman to make client phone calls. Nothing
is worse than a toddler crying when you’re attempting professionalism. In the
afternoon I get an assistant/babysitter, and I’m off to client sessions for a
few hours. Then I cook a dinner to rival Martha (I didn’t let that time at
William Sonoma go to waste), family time, and then baths. After reading a book
and snuggling him asleep, I attempt late night back-ups and editing and
sometimes achieve perfection, until I fall asleep myself. During busy times, I
usually hire an assistant/babysitter on a regular schedule. I’d like to say
that I find time to run a few miles, but we all know I’d be lying.
V: What advice do you have for
someone who wants to get into your field?
C: Know that a camera is just a
tool. If you don’t know how to use it, or have an eye for photography, you
won’t be very successful. A good photographer can give a beautiful image with a
disposable camera, iPhone camera, or high-end digital.
Don’t go overboard with camera equipment, props, and editing. LOTS of money
can be spent, when the best thing is to get a simple camera and master it. You
shouldn’t be relying on filters and props to make your images better.
Know your client. If you have a young girl who is curvy and self-conscious
about it, study up on how to best pose her. Making her feel good about her
photos, not only lifts her spirits, but also your sales. If you have a family
session with all young boys, find out what they’re into prior to the meeting.
If you get them talking about their favorite super heroes, chances are they
will relax and you will get better pictures.
Back-up. Seriously, the rule around here is that the photos don’t exist
unless they are in three different places. You equipment will fail, cards will
get erased on accident, hurricanes might wash them away....back up.
Let your only competition be yourself. So many photographers, myself included,
fall into the trap of “I wish my work looked like __any other photographer
you’ve just discovered__.” While it’s great to have other professionals to look
up to, you should only be trying to best your own work. Challenge yourself.
Look at your best session and say “How can I make this better?” Don’t be afraid
to try something outside your normal. You might be surprised at the results.
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