We ask our members to share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this instalment, we interview Irena Naca of Irena Naca – Newborn and family portraiture
Tell us about your business:
I am a professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Den Haag. Photography was my passion almost my whole life and what started as a hobby transformed in full time business. I believe in simple, organic and natural portraiture, a storytelling style that focuses on capturing families as they are. I take pride and joy in capturing the essence of every person, a newborn to adult, in front of my camera . My philosophy is that in this dynamic world some precious moments will go away, sometimes without even noticing, and I am helping preserve these memories. How long you may ask? Imagine forever…
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Professional, creative, original, dynamic, dedicated, exclusive.
What are your most popular products or services?
Newborn and family portraits
What do you like best about owning a business?
Being my own boss, time flexibility, endless creative possibilities
What or who inspired you to start your business?
Photography was may passion almost my whole life. When I was a little girl my favourite photos were those of Anne Geddes. But growing up everyone advised me to pursue career in law (because you can’t make living with taking photos, right? Wrong!) but continued with photography as a hobby. Having my own kids pushed me towards newborn photography, because searching through Internet I saw a workshop by Kelly Brown and Sue Bryce and I totally fell in love. They inspired me profoundly to start my own business which I did. After moving here I opened my own company in the Netherlands and continuing with my work and passion! Hopefully forever 🙂 I loooove what I do!
What makes your products/services special?
Working with newborns, small kids and families is very challenging. It took me many years of education and practice to gain full confidence in working and handling newborn babies. To have someones few days old newborn baby in my hands makes me feel like I have a great privilege and trust from the parents. I take it very seriously and their safety and happiness is all I think about during my sessions. Shooting families is a different story. I try to make it stress free and joyful experience, especially if I work with small children. We talk, run, play so they don’t feel pressure with posing and instruction. This is something that comes naturally to me and I love goofing around. 😉
Who is your role model or mentor?
Sandra Hill, Sue Bryce, Stormy Solis
What is your biggest fear?
To charge what I am worth and that I won’t be accepted by my new community in the Hague
What motivates you on a daily basis?
Seeing my business grow bit by bit. Happy and thrilled clients! Endless creative possibilities that I can do with photography as visual media.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
Creating my client and follower base here in the Hague. This is still my biggest challenge.
What advice would you give women who are starting a business?
Every day do something for your business….Read, learn, reach out to their community. Research, network and socialize with people. Meet people and introduce yourself. I learned most of business stuff talking to people. Share your experiences and struggles. And accept it takes time to build your business and be patient (that one was hardest for me!).
What are your top tips for networking?
When you come to an networking event force yourself to talk to at least three people you don’t know.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I try my best. I try to be flexible with my time while my kids are small.
What do you care most about, as a business owner?
Happiness of my clients, professionalism and safety of my newborn babies.
What are your future plans?
To grow my business so I can support my family.
Are you running any offers or promotions that you would like us to mention?
I am giving 30% off my Collection in End Of The Summer Sale.
Thank you, Irena!
For more information about Irena Naca, visit Irena Naca – Newborn and family portraiture