***All images in this post are copyright Elizabeth Messina***

NEXT WEEK: Julia Woods

{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear dot com }

Make sure to check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!

Elizabeth, I remember seeing your work years ago. I loved that you were shooting film and that your images had such a nostalgic feel to them. I just saw your presentation in Las Vegas at WPPI and was impressed by how simple you keep your business and life. Thanks so much for being here on Women and Business.

You have kids that are teens and younger, what does a typical day look like for you?

for us there is no typical day....certainly there is school & homework...dinner and baths....and photographs....lots

of photographs....mostly, my husband & i work together through the ever changing needs of our children....we

all spend alot of time together which is important to us....

What do you think are the most important things you do as a mom and every day?

kiss my children & tell them i love them....every day...all the time....

Your approach is simple and emotional, how do you keep it this way when everything in the industry moves so quickly?

there is no other way for me....all my time is devoted to my children and my love of photography....i don't often know

what else is going on....being a mother makes me a better photogapher....being a photographer makes me happy....and

being happy makes me a better mom....i always strive to make the best possible images i can....good work is always relevant....

How did photography find you? And why did you decide to go into business?

photography found me....my first camera was a gift from my mother when i was twelve years old....i fell

in love....the fact that i am business doing what i love is simply wonderful...

How do you keep from getting overwhelmed by business when you are at home and with your family?

i don't...there are days when i am overwhelmed...i am always on some kind of a deadline....but i am doing what i

love....and i have a wonderful family....so i am blessed, in so many ways....this is all i know.....

What does your business workflow look like? How long do you sit at the computer?

i photograph with film...it contributes alot to the look and feel of my work....i have all of my negatives scanned

after every job...so i do spend a good amount of time organizing and editing images on my computer....more

than you'd expect from a film shooter....

Do you have anyone that works for you/with you at your studio?

yes...i have several girls that work with me...both in the field & in my office....good assistants

are such an important asset.....

You have a studio that is at your home, are clients okay with this? Do you meet with clients in person?

my studio is in my home....in general i do not have any clients come here...this is my headquarters...but most of

my meetings are on location....i don't think its imperative to have a big fancy studio to be successful....for me its not

an option...when i decided to have children, i had to modify my ideas of running a business...that's the beauty of

being a photographer...you can make your business fit your life style....

You’ve created relationships with your clients that inspire them to come back to you year after year. What have you done to create this kind of loyalty?

the two most important aspects of photography for me are....

1. treat my clients with kindness & respect

2. make beautiful photographs....

treating people thoughtfully is important whatever situation you are in & giving

them beautiful images of themselves & their families is truly a wonderful gift....if

people feel good around you & like your images, chances are they will hire you

again....

To see more of Elizabeth Messina's work:

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***All images in this post are copyright Elizabeth Messina***

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