Hello, Hooga friends!
Some of our customers have created gorgeous content based around The Hooga Shop products, and we want to share the coziness with you all. Your aesthetic photos, powerful videos, and meaningful captions leave us inspired and at peace. Here are some sweet customers who shared their content and words about Hooga's impact on their lives.
We have a special feature for you today. Melanie, a talented photographer from South Africa, photographed our journal in a beautiful product shoot. We were so amazed that we wanted to share her inspirational work and story with the Hooga community! Read on for ultimate photo inspiration:
Hi Melanie, thank you so much for chatting with us today! Can you tell us about yourself and what you do?
It was quite a daunting decision to start my own photography business. I mean… me.. my own boss, where do I even begin? I prayed to God and asked Him to show me where I could start, and He started sending people over my path to do shoots for them! I've done photoshoots for a fashion brand, a local jewelry business, a wine farm, coffee shops, and a local skincare company – only God could supply me with so much provision. He is so faithful. Photography brings me happiness when I can see a client's dream come to life, when I worship God through my work and when my photos make others feel loved; that's when the happiness just trickles into my heart.
There are many in the Hooga fam who love creating and photographing. Can you give us a run-down of your creative process when you direct, execute, and edit a product photoshoot?
The creative process is my favorite part. When a client reaches out to me to do a shoot, I ask a few questions about their creative ideas, what their message is and what aesthetic or vibe they would like. After the brief has been set, that is when the real fun begins! I would search for inspiration on Pinterest while writing down ideas that come to my mind. I then source any props that visually support the product best. That could be anything from ingredients, flowers (my favorite), plates and bowls, and even my mom's dog called Peggy!
Once I have all my props, I set the scene with the products and get shooting. Once I am behind the camera, I play with angles, colorful backdrops, and different locations to bring the client's brief and product to life. I make sure I have fun with it.
When I have my shots, I download (and back up) my images to Adobe Lightroom and start editing. Everything I know I have learned from watching videos on Skillshare and YouTube. Once my pictures are ready, I upload them to an online platform called Pixieset and send the gallery to the client.
I do not have a studio where I do my product photography. I use well-lit spaces in my house, the backyard, kitchen, and bathroom! I did not let my lack of studio, equipment or jobs stop me from creating. I would do my own product shoots of the coffee I love, the jewelry I wear, The Abundant Life Journal, and even the honey in the kitchen!
How did you discover The Hooga Shop and how did it inspire your life?
Stephanie Lahart once said, "Do what makes YOU happy." Photography makes me happy. I fell in love with Anh's Youtube channel in 2019 when I was going through a rough time in my life. Her videos made a lasting and uplifting impression on my life. Anh had opened my heart to forgiveness, accepting myself for who I am, and finding a true relationship with Jesus.
When The Abundant Life Devotional Journal launched, I knew I had to get it. I've always struggled with cultivating devotional time each day, but the Abundant Life Journal makes it possible, fun, beautiful, and honest and takes me deeper with Jesus. I am very thankful for the work Anh's team have put into this beautiful company and Anh's devotion into making a marvelous journal.
What words of wisdom would you offer to fellow creatives that desire to start photography?
If you would like to start product photography, I would absolutely encourage you to do it! You already have everything you need, and God will guide you every step of the way. Invite your friends to help you with your creative process, let them be part of your shoots, show kindness to those you are serving and invite Jesus to use you and your talent to love others.
James 1:17 tells us that every gift is from God. We all have different talents and God-given gifts, but they are all important and can be used for God's Kingdom.
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Melanie, thank you so much for these beautiful words and helpful advice for the Hooga community. Check out her website and Instagram for more inspo... and remember that you can begin the journey of creating anytime, anywhere. We're here to inspire you with peaceful soundtracks, social media starter kits, and an artful journal. Cheers to creating beautiful things ❤️
Share your Hooga journey with us by tagging @thehoogashop on Instagram! We'd love to feature you in our upcoming blog posts.
With love and coziness,
The Hooga Shop
Comments
I LOVE my journal! I bought 3 and gave 1 to my sister last year I was able to slow down, grow and prepare for my next chapter in life. I tell my friends all about your site. Thanks and God bless you!
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