Editor’s Note: If one thing has become clear during these recent historical events in our country, it’s that many people don’t appreciate the concepts of “compassion,” “humility,” “loyalty,” or “solidarity.” A Momma & Her Pen believes wholeheartedly in supporting others and championing their personal and business ventures. We all have a style, we all have a voice, and we all have a story that deserves to be shared. That’s why I’m partnering with professionals from various walks of life in a special guest column series titled “Friends With Pens.” This is a chance for these talented individuals to share their perspective and promote their accomplishments, all of which are noteworthy and amazing. The ideas, observations, and opinions expressed herein are entirely those of the writer. A Momma & Her Pen hopes you enjoy this special series.
A Momma & Her Pen: In today’s “Friends With Pens” column, A Momma & Her Pen sat down with the lovely Rose Marie Zagami, photographer extraordinaire and the talent behind Rose Marie Zagami Photography, to chat about her decade-long journey from hobbyist to business owner and how she manages to juggle being a momma (among many other roles!) while still pursuing her dream job. We hope you enjoy this exclusive interview!
By Rose Marie Zagami
A Momma & Her Pen: When did you decide to become a professional photographer and why?
Rose Marie: I started my photography journey in 2011 as a hobby, taking photos primarily of nature, horses, and landscapes. It wasn’t until about two years later, when I became pregnant with my son (who will turn 7 in February!) that I realized I did not want to go back to working as a dental assistant (a job I’d been in for 15 years). I loved taking pictures so much that I began to consider starting my own photography business. I knew it wouldn’t be easy at first because taking photos of people is not the same as taking photos of nature (nature is what it is—you simply capture what you see; people need guidance, direction, and a lot of patience, especially when dealing with children). Plus, I knew I had a lot to learn about portraits and using Photoshop (a photographer’s best friend when it comes to editing!).
In the beginning, I started out slow and simple, practicing on my friends’ children—at no cost, of course—and I realized I had a knack for photographic creativity. I kept at it for about two years, practicing every chance I got. And then once my son was born, I began snapping photos of him like crazy—as any parent would! At that point, I began teaching myself how to use Photoshop and how to edit my photos, which was all trial and error for me at that time. Then, when my son was about two years old, my friend suggested I start advertising my services, soliciting clients, and turning my hobby into a profession. I was so nervous at first because I wasn’t 100% confident in my abilities or my photos. I felt I still had a lot to learn about posing, editing, lighting, etc. But it’s true what they say: Practice does make perfect and before I knew it, I was well on my way. Fast forward to today and business is booming so much it’s difficult to keep up at times (2020 notwithstanding), but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Photography is my passion, and I am immensely proud of the pictures I make and of the successful business I’m running today.
A Momma & Her Pen: Explain the path you took to launch your photography business and make it profitable?
Rose Marie: Honestly, Facebook took away much of the behind-the-scenes work in terms of publicity and profitability. Facebook is everything when it comes to (free) advertising, mostly due to the “sharing” and “liking” aspects, which are key. Everyone wants to share their photos online, even more so when they are professionally done. It’s a great way for people to see their loved ones from afar. I got my business off the ground through friends and family, who happily jumped on the bandwagon as my first clients. But it wasn’t until they all began sharing their pictures on Facebook and other social media that my name and photography style got out into the world. And the more people who saw my work—and, of course, liked what they saw—the more likely they were to think of me the next time they were hosting a special occasion, like birthdays or communions or even simple family holiday photos. In the end, if it wasn’t for Facebook, I would not be where I am today in my business.
A Momma & Her Pen: What, if any, roadblocks did you face on your journey?
Rose Marie: I wouldn’t call it a “roadblock,” but sometimes it’s challenging trying to juggle a business while also being a mom, and for me being a mom always comes first. My son is my top priority and as any parent will tell you, kids require a lot of time, attention, and sacrifice, which means I had to put my photography business on hold many times throughout these past six years. I have no regrets about that, though, and if I had to, I would do it the same way all over again. But I never gave up or lost interest in my work. I always had it on the back burner and knew I would come back to it eventually, when my son was a little older. And I did! Looking back, though, I’m so thankful I had that time with my son even if it meant being away from my photography more often that I may have liked.
A Momma & Her Pen: Which of your personality traits has been the most useful in the business world?
Rose Marie: Anyone who knows me knows I am extremely outgoing. I am a social butterfly for sure. I love chatting up new clients and making them feel comfortable. Happy, relaxed clients make for better pictures—their demeanor is calmer, their smiles are more natural, they’re more likely to take suggestions for props and poses, all of which are critical when you are dealing with families and children, who make up a lot of my business. My son takes after me in this, as well. I see a lot of my personality in him, which I am proud of because I feel he will go far in his future having a sociable and outgoing personality.
A Momma & Her Pen: What’s your favorite thing about being a photographer? What’s your least favorite thing?
Rose Marie: My favorite thing about photography is creating beautiful photos. I really consider myself an artist. Whenever I’m taking pictures, I envision images and scenes in my head and I’m always so proud whenever I can make those images come to life using only my camera. I don’t think I have a least favorite or negative thing about what I do: Photography is an art and I love every aspect of my craft.
A Momma & Her Pen: How would you describe your photography style?
Rose Marie: I consider myself more of an artist. I like my photos to tell a story. My style is very natural, too. I’m not a fan of props or big sets. All you need is a beautiful natural landscape/backdrop and a subject in the middle of it. To me, that’s everything. It’s also important to capture a person’s eyes. They are the windows to our souls and in a single portrait can say so much.
A Momma & Her Pen: What does photography mean to you?
Rose Marie: My photographs are my canvas. As I mentioned in the previous question, when I’m taking pictures, I love for my photos to tell a story. When my images can evoke emotions from the viewer even when they don’t know the individuals in the photos, that’s when I feel most accomplished and happy. For example, when I do equestrian shots out in the middle of a farm or field, not only do I want viewers to envision a young girl who grew up training, showcasing, and competing with her horses, I want them to sense the rider’s connection to her horse. I want them to smell the grass and the dirt and the scent of a horse after a run. I want them to close their eyes and imagine letting go of their worries and becoming one with this beautiful and graceful animal. Those are the moments that mean the most to me and they are the reasons I became a photographer in the first place.
A Momma & Her Pen: What is your favorite subject to photograph?
Rose Marie: I still love nature photography because it’s not staged. It’s as natural as natural can be. There is so much beauty to be found in the world—even if doesn’t seem like it during these uncertain times. There’s something so appealing about using the environment around us to paint a picture and tell a story through a simple image, especially because everyone views art in a totally subjective way based on their own lives and experiences. That is the beauty of true art and what I try to capture any time I’m behind my camera. That said, I also love doing themed sessions, too, like the horseback riding imagery I talked about above. They are fun, unique, and thought-provoking.
A Momma & Her Pen: How has being a photographer and a business owner affected your life as a momma?
Rose Marie: It’s hard at times because being a photographer can be very demanding and physical. It also requires me to be fully present so that I can focus and do my best work, which means a lot of time away from my son, especially during my busy seasons: fall and spring. When my schedule is packed with back-to-back sessions and then hours spent editing all the photos I take, my mommy guilt sets in hard. And that doesn’t even take into account all the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that come with owning a business. Thankfully, though, my family understands my passion for photography and are incredibly supportive of my endeavors. Plus, I’m teaching my son about the importance of hard work, motivation, independence, and passion for a career, all of which are critical for his future.
A Momma & Her Pen: What are your short- and long-term goals as a business owner and as a momma?
Rose Marie: I’m more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kinda girl, so I try not to focus so much on setting specific goals. If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s that having a “plan” pretty much means nothing in the end. Life is short so I’d rather take things one day at a time and see where the journey leads me rather than plan too far ahead. That said, I do hope to stay in the photography business for as long as I can because I love what I do and for me that’s important to living a fulfilled life.
A Momma & Her Pen: Does being a momma put any limitations on your career? Please explain.
Rose Marie: I think being a mother and trying to juggle any career is hard, but my son always comes first. I love being a photographer and a business owner, but if I were ever forced to choose, I would choose my son over anything.
A Momma & Her Pen: When you aren’t taking pictures or running a household, how do you enjoy passing the time?
Rose Marie: Oh, I have lots of ways to enjoy my “free time.” I’m a nature girl so my favorite ways to de-stress are just being outdoors (I love horses and horseback riding and spending time on the farm) or at the beach. And, of course, a day at the spa and a nice lunch afterwards is glorious.
A Momma & Her Pen: If you weren’t a photographer, what other profession would you love to pursue?
Rose Marie: I would work with animals, maybe even become a veterinarian or a marine biologist.
A Momma & Her Pen: If you had to choose one person in your life who is an inspiration to you, who would it be?
Rose Marie: My husband. If it wasn’t for him, I would not be a photographer. He bought me my first 3TI Cannon for Christmas one year and that’s how it all started. Plus, he has been so supportive of me and my art over these past several years, championing my efforts and being a true partner on the parenting front when business requires me to be away from my son.
A Momma & Her Pen: Do you have any advice for other mommas who have a vision of their own but are unsure how to take the first step?
Rose Marie: Always try and never give up on your dreams. Sometimes you may have to put your goals and dreams on hold, but never give up on your vision or creation.
A Momma & Her Pen Bonus: Which three famous people, living or dead, would you want at your fantasy dinner party? Why?
Rose Marie: Patrick Swayze, Queen Elizabeth, and Frank Sinatra, LOL. I think all three individuals are fascinating. Patrick Swayze was such a talented guy. He danced, rode horses, sang, and acted. I would have a lot of questions to ask him on how he views life with all his talents, especially his love for horses and dancing—two subjects I have such passion for! Not to mention the fact that he was hot! 😂
Queen Elizabeth is another fascinating woman; I love learning about her royal history. She became queen not because of birth right but due to rare family circumstances and she really tried to hold together what she felt her father and family expected of her. She was an insecure woman who didn’t believe she was smart enough for this important role and yet she handled herself like a boss and didn’t let anyone bully her. She stood her ground, took pride in her position and accomplishments, and did what she had to do out of duty. I’m sure her father, King George the 6 th, and grandfather, King George the 5th, are very proud of her.
And Frank Sinatra, well, who wouldn’t want to meet old blue eyes? Such a great, handsome, talented man, with his classic tunes and his silky-smooth voice. And what an era in which to live! I would love to hear his stories on wild Vegas nights, women he dated, movie stars he hung around with in that era. What a glorious life he must have enjoyed in his days. He is a timeless icon for sure!
About The Author:
Rose Marie Zagami is a stay-at-home mom whose passions—outside photography—include horseback riding, party planning, and historical documentaries (think the TV show Ancient Aliens). She loves visiting local farms and canoodling with all the animals, especially the goats! Rose Marie lives in Tinton Falls, NJ with her husband and son. For more information on Rose Marie Zagami Photography, please visit www.rosemariezagamiphotography.com.
If you’re interested in submitting your own narrative or in recommending/promoting a friend, please email me at amommaspen@gmail.com. I am beyond excited to work with all of you on this collaboration project! Happy writing!