Meet Janet Howard: Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janet Howard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janet, how do you define success?
There are so many ways to define success! Financial stability is the most obvious, but in the events industry and photography specifically, success means so much more. I used to think that success would mean working with celebrities, or making a lot of money, but the more I work in photography, I see that It also includes things like maintaining a good work/life balance, referrals from clients and vendors, and ultimately, the happiness of our clients. At the end of the day, I feel successful when I’m doing the kind of work that I love, with the kind of clients I love, and being able to support myself doing it. I feel successful every time a repeat client comes back to me to document important moments in their lives. I feel successful when a client tells me how much they love their images, or when they refer me to their friends. I feel successful when I can call my clients friends and reflect back on all the important moments we’ve shared together through the years.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a photographer for 15 years, but 2020 was an interesting opportunity for me to do new things. With most weddings and events cancelled, I had time to spend on personal projects, and go back to shooting just for myself. It was a great time to recharge my creativity and try new things, and that’s really what keeps me growing in my business and my art. No matter how long I’ve been at this, I always want to be adding to my skillset, growing as an artist, and improving my business practices.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is such an exciting city! The great thing about Atlanta is how our neighborhoods have distinct character. I’ve always loved finding great places to be outdoors, and outdoor dining has become even more prominent since Covid. Since I live in Midtown, I’m partial to walks through Piedmont Park and visiting the many outdoor dining spots, like Cafe Intermezzo. I also love Decatur, where you can walk through the square and visit cute little shops and make a stop at one of my all-time favorite spots, the Brick Store Pub. Marietta Square is always buzzing with activity, and there are tons of spots to grab food and lay out a picnic in the park. Atlanta also has amazing street art. I recommend finding the map of Atlanta street art and doing a tour. It’ll take you to some great spots. It’s almost like a vast city-wide art museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Day One in this industry has been Michelle Gainey of Lemiga Events. We met when I did maternity photos for her first child, before she was even a wedding planner. When she was first deciding to be an event planner, I was THRILLED because I knew even then that she had the drive, creativity, talent, temperament, and artistic vision to be one of the best in the industry, and she has proven that to be true every day since then. We’ve worked together on weddings and events both big and small, travelled U.S. and Caribbean, we’ve seen each other through the best times and worst times in our lives and in our businesses. My life and my business wouldn’t be the same without her.

Website: http://JanetHowardStudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janethowardstudio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanetHowardStudio/