Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Moran.
Hi Regina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been an artist. Whether it was on paper or on stage. It was my dream to express myself through art. My childhood was very rough and for as long as I can remember something about art helped keep me optimistic. The beauty of paintings and the stories in movies and plays. The memories and history in photographs always gave me the warm and fuzzies!!. I would look through my mom’s photo albums and steal pictures to keep. I was such a doodler, I loved art class, and I was in theater all through middle and high school. I was 10 when I first picked up a disposable camera, I never put them down. “Click, click, click” anything and everything! I always had a camera and have so many pictures to prove my obsession! I am also one of those people that keeps photo greeting cards forever. My mother passed away last year and going through her apartment I found at least a dozen undeveloped film rolls from me taking so many pictures when I was younger. My Photography is my art. I express myself through it and want it to tell a story. I started in August 2015 with a Facebook page and my first professional camera my husband bought me for my birthday. I offered a few different mini sessions like fall minis and Halloween minis. The Halloween minis took off! So many people loved them. With Minnesota winters being so long and cold,I knew I had to make space for a studio. Luckily my home has a finished basement so I have the space and am able to stay home during busy days of session after session. That year I offered Christmas mini sessions for the first time and it was so much fun. Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday so I do look forward to my Christmas season. The rest is history or the story in my storybook! Hehe!
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?
No, it has not. I face a new challenge at least once a year. Photography is always changing and improving. There will always be something new to learn or buy. Whether it be a prop, equipment, editing techniques, different poses, marketing techniques, new session ideas, etc. So many obstacles that keep me on my toes. I am such a tactile learner too so just watching a video or something along those lines doesn’t help me completely. I have to do it for myself. I often have an idea so I use my youngest daughter as a model. I set up everything, dress her, sometimes go to a park (depending on the weather) take pictures and then go home to edit. I have to say they don’t always come out the way I want which means all that time for nothing and that is so difficult. It can be so nerve wracking to offer a new type of session or post a sneak peek. I am my own worse critic so I repeatedly doubt my work. I hope that people give it as much love as I put into it.
I always say if you don’t have a true passion for this career, it will be so hard to keep your love for it. That and a support system. I hate to boast but I definitely do.
My family is always there to help me face the challenges. If it wasn’t for my husband and daughters I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a children’s and family photographer. I work mainly with children or families with children. My edits are a fine art style (so moody, like a painting) and also a bright and colorful style. I have a studio with so many props, backdrops, and so much more and I travel all around to parks around the Twin Cities for outdoor sessions.
I also offer many themed or holiday mini sessions throughout the year that I love! My favorite being Christmas. I try to live by my name “Storybook Photography” I want my pictures to look like they came from your favorite storybook. That is one reason why I adore working with children! They have such a beautiful innocence and joy that I try to capture.
I’m most proud of where I am and where I’m headed right in this moment. I have amazing clients and “fans”. The support from people who just follow me warms my soul!! I truly love my clients and have watched many of their children grow up. I have made friends and have been able to connect with them.
I have had many people tell me that my setups are so creative and different from others. I bashfully shrug and say shucks in response because that creativity is one thing I live for! It doesn’t always come easy but I’m happy to know it is working for me.
Also, I’ve been told, my patience. It honestly comes naturally. Working with children, patience is number one! But I must say humbly I don’t put too much thought into this, it’s almost like it’s just my aura.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Something I want more than anything is to make people happy. Not just clients but people who see my work. If they love it then I am.
Contact Info:
- Email: Reginamoran46@gmail.com
- Website: Www.storybookphotographymn.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/storybook_photography_mn
- Facebook: Facebook.com/storybookphotographymn
