Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Bruno.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Janelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved pictures. I used to spend hours looking at photographs of my family and friends, and always had my disposable camera in hand when I was in college. I never considered taking my interest any further and decided to pursue a path in education, moving to North Carolina to teach for a couple of years before ending up in Boston and earning two masters degrees from Boston College and Harvard.
Following that, I worked in literacy for the Beverly Public Schools, but it wasn’t until I got married in 2010 that I became more interested in photography. We had the most magical photos of our intimate North End wedding taken by Rachel Kate Photography. I felt that her pictures were such a gift and I knew then and there I wanted to be able to give someone else photos that made them feel the same way. Luckily for me, Rachel took me under her wing and became a great friend and mentor.
With her guidance and a class or two from New England School of Photography, I gained the confidence to go into business for myself after having my son, Leo. I now work as a wedding and lifestyle photographer in the Boston area and in Canandaigua, NY, my hometown. I feel so lucky to have found a job where my work is to find beautiful places and moments in everyday life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel so blessed to have two jobs that I love, being a photographer, and being a mom, but the struggle between having two young children, Leo 3.5 and Nico 2, and building a business is real. There are no sick days or maternity leave or vacation days. But, when you do what you love, it never feels like work.
Being a mom has made me a much stronger photographer; knowing how quickly moments come and go, giving me the confidence and know how to work with newborn and children, and capturing all the moments between parents and their children during wedding days (I cry during the mother-son dance every single time).
Likewise, being a photographer and pursuing my passion makes me a much better mom, it’s helped me to prioritize and communicate and made me so happy. I hope my kids can look back and be proud of what I’ve accomplished.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Janelle Carmela Photography – what should we know?
As a lifestyle photographer, I like to capture families and babies just the way they are–the crazy, the cute, the chaos! I always am sure to get a classic picture of everyone smiling at the camera, but I also want to get so much more than that. I want to capture the way your baby looks at you with a big old smile like you’re the most important person in the world, I want to be sure to document the big gummy grin that your child has right after they lose their two front teeth, I want to freeze the look your husband gives you when you turn your head.
All the moments that are so fleeting and can sometimes go unrecognized until they are still. As a wedding photographer, I want to take the months of planning you’ve spent creating this magical day and give you a way to relive every moment. I want you to want to reach into your computer and hug each and every photo. I want to cry with you when your grandmother gives you a hug and your dad sees you for the first time.
I only book a limited number of weddings each year because it’s important for me to give each of my client’s special attention. By your wedding day, I want you to feel like a friend is showing up (who happens to have a camera in your face the whole day) rather than another wedding vendor. My clients are more than just costumers, but they become family.
Out of all the things I’ve accomplished, I am most proud to have repeat clients who have come back to me year after year and allowed me to grow with their families. There really is no other compliment in the world than that.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I am absolutely obsessed with Charlestown and think it is hands-down, the best place to be. The people who live here are friendly and happy and so welcoming. It is such a unique place in that it still has that small town feel within a big city. We know our neighbors, we walk everywhere, and we love to support other local small businesses.
And as a photographer, I couldn’t ask for a more charming backdrop than our little neighborhood to photograph in. There is one drawback, however, which is that it is much too far from our family and friends in New York.
Contact Info:
- Address: 411 Main Street #2 Charlestown, MA 02129
- Website: janellecarmela.com
- Phone: 5855065501
- Email: janellecolosi@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janellecarmelaphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanelleCarmelaPhotography/
Image Credit:
Allison Wolfe Photo
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
