Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Lee.
Hi Joy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been interested in photography but when I started traveling and backpacking as an adult and taking landscape and architecture photos, I knew this was going to be a lifelong passion for me. I took a few classes at Atlanta School of Photography (an amazing local resource) and I was hooked! When I had my son three years ago everything shifted. I had postpartum depression and anxiety and it took me a long time to work my way out of that. I started taking photos of him, which I loved, but it meant that I had almost no pictures of the two of us together during that first year. A few friends asked if I would take photos of their families and I realized how much I loved capturing the relationships between people and the little glimpses of connection – particularly between moms and their littles. It grew organically from there into an Instagram page, a Facebook page, a business, a website. It’s been such a fun ride so far!
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?
I feel very fortunate to have had the support of my friends and family (especially my husband) along the way. I wouldn’t be here without their encouragement (and referrals). I’ve been my own biggest hurdle so far. I struggled a lot with self doubt when I was first starting, and I definitely still have those moments. I know there is always so much more to learn and so many things I’d like to work on but I’m really enjoying where I am now.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I focus on family photography and my goal is always to provide a fun, easygoing experience and capture a bit of the connection between people – especially mama’s and their littles! I try to create images that are timeless and won’t look dated when you look back on them in 20 years. The biggest project I’m working on now is creating a package for expecting moms and moms of newborns to capture the first year of their baby’s life WITH their new little one instead of behind the camera – something I missed out on. I’m really looking forward to putting that project out there and to watch it grow. In all of this, I realize how fortunate I am and one of my major goals is to give back to the community. I decided before I started this business that 10% of every dollar that comes in would go to SisterSong. They are an incredible organization in Atlanta that works to amplify the voices of indigenous women and women of color to achieve reproductive justice. Their care fund helps Black people and other people of color during and after the birthing process – https://www.sistersong.net/bjcarefund.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I don’t know how I would function without Stitcher – I’m a podcast addict! Some of my favorites are Ologies, Stuff You Should Know, My Favorite Murder, Phoebe Reads a Mystery, Tenfold More Wicked, and Levar Burton Reads. I also really love the Insight Timer App. Meditation helped me so much with my postpartum anxiety and I find myself going back to that app time and time again. We’re also a big music household – mostly classic rock – and I use it to either bring in some fun energy or take it down when my toddler is being a wild man.
Pricing:
- Starting at $175
Contact Info:
- Email: joy@joyleephoto.com
- Website: https://www.joyleephoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.leephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.leephotography2021
Image Credits:
Mattie Bell Photography
