Today we’d like to introduce you to Simona Byron.
Hi Simona, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love for photography started at a very young age. There was always a camera around when I was growing up. At the age of 12, I received my very own 110 pocket camera. Taking photos and dropping off the film to be developed was always so exciting for me. I took photography classes in college. While there, working in the darkroom I fell in love with the process of developing images. Unfortunately, being a student and living on my own there was not enough money to buy supplies outside of the classroom, so I wasn’t able to continue the pursuit of that skill. I never stopped clicking though and always considered myself an amateur photographer.
I have four daughters and have enjoyed documenting their lives through the lens. For many years I printed and scrapbooked all their photos. Not only did I take photos of my family, I explored macro & still life photography. Along with my scrapbooking skills I would make cards with my photos and sold them at a few art fairs and events.
In 2012, we had a house fire and we lost everything including all of our photos, scrapbooks, albums, computers with 1000’s of images saved on them and my Nikon DSLR camera. I was devastated. To this day we have very few photos of our girls when they were younger. This event has created a deeper value of our remaining photographs and how photography documents and preserves our stories. Photos are my most prized possession.
Shortly after the fire, I accompanied my oldest daughter on her Senior Photoshoot, I was intrigued and her shoot was so much fun. My daughter’s friend needed a photo for the yearbook so I volunteered to do it. Photo turned out awesome, thus was the beginning of a new path with my love of photography.
In 2017, I decided to go back to college and I earned a degree in Photography at Century Collage with a focus on portraiture. I have also taken countless workshops to hone my craft and I belong to TCPPA (Twin Cities Professional Photographers Association) where I am able to learn from other photographers and get support when needed. I enjoy working in the studio, exploring lighting set ups and pushing myself in creative ways. I work out of a shared photography studio in St. Paul, Mn. creating modern & authentic portraiture: portraits, boudoir, fitness, headshots, maternity, family and high school seniors.
Creating stunning portraits for women is definitely a passion for me. For some women committing to a photoshoot may seem indulgent, I feel It is a necessity, I wholeheartedly believe everyone deserves beautiful photos of themselves.
For many years I was always the one behind the camera or hid when I saw a camera, so photos of myself are rare and I regret that. The older I have gotten, It is important to me to preserve my legacy and have amazing photos to share and treasure with my family, that capture my true self at this moment in time and I want to do that for others.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being a portrait photographer has its ups and downs, there is definitely a busy season and an early winter lull. Luckily each year my client list gets longer and business grows. I am so grateful for every single referral I have gotten. Most of my business has been word of mouth.
My biggest obstacle and critic is myself. I get in my head and doubt my talent and worth, that is when I need to sit back and reflect on how far I have come, how much I know, why and I thinking this way and keep on moving forward.
I am not the most business savvy, thank goodness for my husband who keeps me in check because the behind the scenes paperwork, emails, bookkeeping is hard for me…..I just want to be in the studio creating and awesome images.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Portrait Photographer. My style is modern, clean & authentic. My photography is inspired by real expressions, intimate-minimal styling, as well as fashion photography and artsy black & white portraits. I take pride in creating amazing photographs for my clients. With every session, I do I want my clients to walk away with a boost of confidence and self-worth, along with stunning images that they love.
Over the years I have noticed how a photoshoot can be healing, a way to see yourself in a new light and promote self-growth and acceptance. Everyone is a work of art and I am here to show them that.
Right now I am working on a project called ‘This is 50″ I am photographing 50 individuals in their 50’s. This is such a special project for me because I just turned 50 and it’s a great way to celebrate how fabulous our 50s can be. Everyone I have worked with so far has had a wonderful experience and it is stirring for me to be able to capture images that really reflect who they are and tell their story in a new way. If you are interested in this project head over to my website for more info.
This past summer my photo “Grandma’s Dress” which is an image I created from 5 images of my client wearing her Grandma’s dress was on display at the Minnesota State Fair. It was so exciting to go and see it on display, with all the other amazing art at the Arts Building, a building I visit every year I visit the fair.
I also entered “Grandma’s Dress” into a photography show at the Halberg Center for the Arts in Wyoming, Mn and it won the Peoples Choice ribbon. It is very fun and emotional to have your work recognized and awarded.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Having all of my girls home together is my “happy”; to hear their voices and laughter makes my heart burst with love.
I love to travel and visit places I have never been, all the while capturing it with my camera of course. I also find it very meditative doing macro photography while on my travels. There is beauty in slowing down and noticing the little things.
Additionally, when I am in the midst of a photoshoot and I lose track of time, my client and I are vibing and creating together and I am truly “living in the moment” that is my happy place.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.Simonabphotography.com
- Instagram: Simona B Photography
- Facebook: Simona B Photography
