Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Janee.
Hi Imani, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Imani Janee and I’ve been a photographer for as long as I can remember. Originally, I am from Dallas, TX, but moved to Houston about 5 years ago to follow a career in food science. I have been working within the food science industry for the past seven almost eight years now. After developing a monotonous routine of going to work, I began to reflect on my life decisions and questioned if I was walking in my purpose. I have always said that the cure to monotony is creating new goals for yourself. So, I decided to practice what I preach. Photography had been one of those hobbies of mine that I always enjoyed, but never seriously pursued. I would always designate myself as the photographer when out with friends, or at family events. Over time it turned into a business. My best friend was the one who actually planted the seed in my mind to focus on ownership and handed me a letter envelope filled with the forms to file for an LLC. So, I did.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a photography business was not easy! The biggest struggle outside of building the brand to attract clients was starting the business—like actually making concrete gestures of starting and not just saying that I would start it. I went through this mental challenge where I questioned if I could even do it. I was trying to figure out how to be “perfect”—not just as a photographer but also with marketing, especially on social media. I’ve learned and I’m still learning that I may never be a “perfect” photographer or a business owner. Photography, like most mediums of art is subjective, but I understand that as long as I love what I do that I will continue to be successful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I. Janee Photography specializes in capturing people where they are—wherever that may be. The client could be early on in their business journey and require brand content for their website, or simply wanting portraits of the event that they are hosting. I do not limit myself to a specific photography style. I am always looking to try something new. My goal for each client whom which I interact is to make their vision come to life and ensure that they are receiving a seamless experience from start to finish.
What sets me apart? What sets me apart from others in this field is the fact that I genuinely feel as though I am walking into my purpose. I don’t do it for the money. I do it because it brings me freedom. I do it because it’s the childhood friend who moved away and came back years later and this time, we swore we would never separate again. I’ve been capturing moments in not just my own life, but in the lives around me since my first pink Barbie Polaroid camera back in the late 90s. Moments come and go, time never stops, and this is the only way that I can make time stand still.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
In order for me to remain balanced and continue to be a business owner, I ensure that I make time for myself outside of photography. During the time with myself, I am practicing self-love, which includes listening to music or creating playlists, working on non-photography projects on Canva, listening to Cole Cuchna breakdown some of my favorite albums on the Dissect Podcast, and enjoying the T&T, A Podcast by Timothy & Taylorean where they discuss hip-hop and the culture. I am also constantly working on being the best version of myself as I believe that’s the only way you’ll reach your full potential in life. A book that has assisted me with that is called “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra. I urge everyone to read or listen to it, study and apply it to one’s life.
Contact Info:
- Website: ijanee.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/i.janee
- Facebook: facebook.com/ijaneephotography
- Other: linktr.ee/imanijanee
Image Credits
All images were photographed by I. Janee Photography.
