Tell us about you, who you are, hobbies, fav things. Can be random and silly!
Our names are Jafar Edrisi and Nasim Yousefi, and we are the photographers behind JaNa Photography. In addition to being maternity, baby, and newborn photographers, we are also world travelers and storytellers. In 2007, we spent 2 years traveling around the world to help promote environmental conservation and peace, sharing experiences from our travels with people along the way. In fact, we financed the trip through our photography, taking pictures and selling them in international exhibitions!
We are a crazy adventurous couple. We love paragliding, hiking, swimming, biking, traveling, and trying new things–anything that involves exploring and enjoying the outdoors.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
We are both actually trained in computer engineering. Despite our parents wanting us to pursue a career in that industry, they always supported and encouraged us to following our dreams in art.
My dad was a baby photographer about 40 years ago, so I was lucky to have access to great gear. I would take his camera with me to the mountains on my hiking trips. My motivation was always to reach the summit and capture the beautiful landscape from the top through the lens.
Nasim was also involved in photography at a young age. She began working with slides and spending time in a dark room at the age of 10. As a teen, she practiced portrait photography using studio lighting and even came to be the event photographer at her school.
I guess it’s fitting that Nasim and I first met one another on top of a mountain. We discovered that we were both passionate about capturing and sharing with others the beauty of life; we have been doing this together ever since!
How did you first start out?
When we returned home after our travels, we decided we didn’t want to focus on computer programming. Photography was no longer just a hobby or means to generate some extra income on the weekends.
We started putting on photo exhibitions in different cities. At the same time, we went to photography school and took professional lighting courses to accredit us as professional, studio lit, portrait and commercial photographers. Initially, we made our living in advertising and commercial photography, but after about a year, we switched to newborn and baby photography.
How did know when the right time to start charging was?
By comparing ourselves to other photographers in the industry, we knew we were producing high quality images and providing exceptional service—it was time to make it a business.
How would you describe your style?
We are both trained as studio lighting photographers. This particular background gave us a unique ability to play with light and experiment with different angles and types to create or change the overall mood or impression of the photo.
What’s in your gear bag?
We both shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III as our primary, and Canon 5D Mark II as our backup camera.
For newborn photography, our favorite lenses to capture detail are the Canon Macro compact F2.5 and Canon 24-105 F4. We always use these with baby, maternity, newborn, and family photography sessions, because it gives us a proper range, from wide to tele.
We use 3 Alien Bees flash units 800, 400 and 400 in our studio.
For on location we mostly use Canon Speedlight 580EX II and our favorite lens to shoot with is Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L
One lens you can’t live without?
The world is a terrible place without our 50 mm lens 😉
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
The first session was a newborn photography on-location session. We charged only $140 for all the service and all the pictures on DVD. We never did the same service ever since. So, I can’t really compare it price-wise but something similar to that package with 15 files and prints is now $1090.
How did you market yourself when you started out?
We first started promoting through family and friends, and then through traditional means like magazine ads and brochures. We currently advertise online, which so far has proven to be the most effective way to market ourselves. Google and Facebook ads and optimized searches bring us the most clients.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
We would be…newborn photography instructors and photo editors! I would probably create tutorials for Photoshop—specifically newborn photography tutorials. We’re grateful for our background in IT. It has helped us immensely with our current work and is a nice fallback option, if we ever need it.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
Photography has grown our patience and fueled our creativity!
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? If self-taught, what helped you the most?
We are both certified photographers, with diplomas in portrait, commercial advertising, and fashion photography styles. We have taken dozens of workshops relating to newborn photography, baby photography, business, and marketing.
I, Jafar, have also given instruction on lighting and have taught editing workshops, using both Lightroom and Photoshop applications. Back in Iran, I used to be the photography instructor at several art institutes and photography schools.
We both love to learn and to stay current with new techniques, styles, and equipment. Continuously participating in workshops has always been a great way for us to expand our networks, stay engaged in the profession, and return with new ideas to keep us inspired and innovative.
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business?
Our biggest struggle thus far is related to finding the right clients–people who value newborn photography and are willing to invest in a quality product and service. We find it difficult when customers try to negotiate on price or time. We want the opportunity to produce our best and enjoy the process—this is our art!
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
Please have the confidence to charge for your work right away; value your time and unique style. Think about the brand you want to create. Come up with a nice, professional name and create a website to promote yourself.
What are your thoughts on props?
It can be a big challenge sometimes to find props that match with your style and vision for a shoot. As a result, we often make props ourselves, like hats, headbands, tutus, and pants.
Simple, neutral, and unique; these are our three main considerations when choosing props.
We are going to play a game… name the first person that comes to mind when you think of…
Newborn photographer: Kelly Brown
Most inspiration person: Terry Fox
JaNa Photography specialized in Kids, Maternity and Newborn Photography is a family base photography business owed by Jafar Ediris and Nasim yousefi, located in Vancouver, BC
JaNa stands for the first 2 letters of the names, Jafar and Nasim. We are the photographers, world travelers, and story tellers behind JaNa Photography where we tell the story of the babies’ lives.
Find JaNA Photography on the Web: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
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