Today’s Mingle with Engle interviews the lovely Joanne Bartone…
Describe your photography style or words that describe your brand?
My work is…artistic, beautiful, trendy, haute, passionate, emotional, inspiring, thought-provoking, tender, exciting, memorable, rich, abstract…my many moods come through visually in my work depending on the assignment and the client!
What is a must read or must see?
Don’t get me started!! Movies: anything by director Pedro Almodovar – I love black comedy but also love the “chick-flicks” too: Out of Africa, Pay it Forward, The Notebook, Mama Mia. Books: “Think + Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino, “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran, and on, and on, and on…!
What are your work hours?
Well, it seems as if I work all the time so I’m taking pro-active steps to get and have a life this year by reducing my work load through better scheduling/management and outsourcing. I’ve stopped getting up at 5 AM and now start work at 8 AM ending it at 5 PM.
What is your favorite thing about Pictage?
By far, Pictage’s commitment to the photographic community they’ve nurtured and developed, BUT the innovative and beautiful products Pictage offers and the fact that Pictage stands behind everything they do speaks volumes to their commitment to us photographers. I’ve been with Pictage consistently since 2003 (I believe) – no lab hopping for me!!
What lens could you not live without?
My Canon 70-200mm hands down!!! You can do EVERYTHING with that lens!
How do you juggle your business and family/social life?
The beauty of having my own business is that I CAN have a life if I take time to have one! I have to remember that I am the boss, and despite that I expect a lot from myself (I have an incredible work ethic!) I’ve come to realize that I’m allowed to take time off too! Balance is everything.
What workflow tools do you use?
Lightroom for editing and Photoshop for enhancing.
How long have you been a photographer?
The photographic “bug” was instilled in me as a child through my father (he documented our family through photos), I got my first camera as a teenager, went to Art School as an adult (in my late 30s after leaving my established career of 17 years) and began to photograph professionally over 12 years ago! Dreams DO come true!
What was your very first job?
Babysitting – and I made a LOT of good money doing that. Love the little ones! Then retail, then as a machinist, then as a counselor/therapist and now as a photographer! HA! What a riot!
Most listened to song on your ipod?
“Could You Believe” by Al Jarreau from his “Look to The Rainbow” disc
“…just believe; God’ll keep you strong…”
What is something you learned last year?
That the one thing you cannot buy back is time; it is THE most important thing to remember. You can’t buy back time with those you love and care about so take the time to spend with them instead of working. Even if you love your work; no regrets…
What is a goal for 2009?
Do more Art photography and have a gallery showing of some of my work!
What is one thing we don’t know about you?
That I am the biggest love-bug you’d ever want to know and I frequently perform random acts of kindness to strangers!!!!! Don’t we all?!
Who inspires you?
There is so much, so many people that inspire me: my parents and family, The Source, musical artists such as Al Jarreau, local and nationally known photographers, creative directors, the petals on a flower…I am INSPIRED by everything!
How do you get most of your bookings?
Past clients and the network of fabulous local photographers I am connected with.
What is your primary way of marketing?
Cross-promotion with other businesses in my local vicinity.
What blog do you stalk?
The Pictage blog, of course!
If you had a tagline, what would it be?
I’ve had a tagline for years now, and it is “BE INSPIRED!” I chose that tag line because I am inspired by so much in life; inspired by so many people and things.
Any words of wisdom to share…
Do the right thing, ALWAYS and pay good deeds done to you forward!