Ever since I was 4 years old, I have had a passion for photography. Hardly a day goes by when I don’t have a camera in hand, capturing the stories of people, places, and our world – This is my story.

I started freelancing and eventually opened my own business in early 2019. However, in 2020, due to the global pandemic, I decided to completely shift my business to remote photography, which has opened new opportunities for me. While I still meet with local clients for traditional photoshoots on occasion, an increasing number of clients are opting for remote sessions due to the convenience it offers.

Running a business can be challenging and isolating

No one can excel at everything. I have always enjoyed helping others in any way I can, and one of my passions is assisting entrepreneurs in confidently telling their stories through photography. It matters to me that their audience gets to know them better, elevating their brands and making a genuine impact. I truly want them to succeed. I love what I do, and being able to share my passion and skills to enhance the lives of others brings me happiness, especially when my clients experience positive growth as a result of my photography and their dedication to embracing the whole experience collaboratively.

The pandemic presented the biggest challenge I have ever faced. In a single day, I went from working a traditional job like many while building my business on the side, to being unemployed with a young business that I couldn’t operate due to COVID-19 restrictions. I had to make quick and significant decisions, and fortunately, I learned about remote photography early on and set forth to learn everything I could about it. As someone who thinks on their feet and tends to follow my intuition and heart with new opportunities even when I am unsure of the result, I embraced remote photography and I’m incredibly grateful that I did. Not only did it provide me with a focus during those stressful couple years but also allowed me to find creative solutions for personal, financial and employment challenges.

I was determined not to give up

I was determined not to give up on my lifelong dream of owning a business, so I channelled that determination into making a success of my business no matter what. By being open to innovation, I created new opportunities within my business that enable me to assist my clients in a more convenient and unique way. It also enabled me to expand my business internationally, which I didn’t think would be possible, offering busy professionals a perfect solution for their photography needs without the need for unnecessary travel or the logistical complexities of assembling a team for a photoshoot, especially when they were working remotely or in different parts of the world.

As someone who has always preferred to stay in the background, I understand when new clients express their lack of confidence in front of the camera. I share the same sentiment, and this understanding allows me to put myself in their shoes and help them overcome their self-consciousness through patience, understanding, attentive listening, and genuine care for them and their desired outcomes. When a client tells me they enjoyed their photoshoot after telling me they never liked their photos, well this is why I do what I do the way I do.

Telling remote stories from around the World

Something I am incredibly proud of is that I was able to remain receptive to new ways of thinking and by embracing new approaches to my work, I also embarked on a two-year project that led to the publication of my ground-breaking book, “Remote Stories Around the World,” in May 2023. This project combined my passion for photography and travel with remote photography, allowing me to narrate stories through pictures of people and places from around the world, all without leaving my office. It’s something I would have never considered back in 2020, and I’m immensely proud of this accomplishment.

I’m thankful for everything I’ve learned

Networking is another area that is so important as an entrepreneur. Over the past few years, I have wholeheartedly embraced virtual networking, which has expanded my global network. Consequently, I have made numerous friends and connections that I would have otherwise missed, leading to collaborations and even being invited to participate in an international Thought Leaders Group. These connections, along with my family, friends, coaches, and mentors, formed and continue to serve as the foundation of my support system. I’m thankful for everything I’ve learned from them and for the opportunity to share my experiences with them. They have played a crucial role in helping me navigate the challenges that all business owners face, especially during unexpected global events.

As a creative professional working from home, I did not qualify for most of the emergency funding available to larger businesses. Thus, my network became an invaluable source of support, not only emotionally, but also through knowledge sharing, support, and referrals. Without them and my unwavering determination to find a way to continue sharing my passion with others no matter what, I might have had to seek other avenues of work. I also participated in business courses offered by my county’s Growth Hub to enhance my business skills and joined professional associations such as the Good Business Charter whose mission I 100% support.

What have I learned along this journey? Be open to all opportunities, no matter how crazy or impossible they may seem. You never know what can come from being creative and open to opportunity.

To find out more about Joanne visit www.joannemoorhousephotography.com or arrange a call here.

Grow a business that makes you burst with pride.