Joanna Law
Nestled with Photographic Moments
Episode 175
Joanna Law is a renowned fine art photographer known for her stunning maternity, newborn, children, and family portraits. As a proud immigrant who arrived in the U.S. at just eight years old, Joanna discovered her passion for photography alongside her future husband. What began as a beloved hobby has blossomed into a thriving business, beautifully capturing the essence of family life in their chic, private studio located in historic Old Town Pasadena, California.
Joanna is also a certified newborn trainer, having honed her skills under the guidance of celebrity photographer Ana Brandt. She is currently developing a training program aimed at educating fellow photographers on the importance of newborn safety, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to protect these tiny subjects. Joanna is dedicated to informing expectant parents about the nuances of newborn photography, helping them understand industry standards and the significance of a photographer’s expertise in those early days.
As devoted parents and business partners, Joanna and her husband skillfully balance the demands of entrepreneurship with the joys and challenges of family life. Their personal experiences, including navigating the economic ups and downs that affect their business, create a deep connection with their clients, allowing them to transform each family’s unique story into stunning works of art.
At their studio, Nestled in Time Photography, Joanna’s commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail shine through. Her work has earned her accolades from Portrait Masters and recognition as one of the top 20 photographers in the newborn category in 2023. Known for her true-to-life colors and sharp details, Joanna captures each moment as a piece of art worthy of display.
Passionate about creating unforgettable, customized photography experiences, Joanna and her husband incorporate their clients’ personal styles, hobbies, careers, and family heirlooms into every session. They strive to craft portraits that families are proud to showcase in their homes and offices, preserving fleeting moments and creating timeless treasures for generations to come.
Website: nestledintimephotography.com
Instagram: @nestled_in_time_photography
Joanna Law Takeaways
The Importance of Family Photos
Joanna Law emphasizes the significance of family photographs in turning a house into a home. She believes that photos tell the story of a family, capturing moments that become lasting memories for future generations.
Journey from Science to Photography
Despite having a background in microbiology and her husband being a chemist and engineer, Joanna pursued her passion for photography. This decision was initially met with skepticism from her highly educated family, but she chose to follow her dream and later gained their acceptance through her success.
Fine Art Newborn Photography
Joanna specializes in fine art newborn photography, which involves highly skilled posing and ensuring the safety of the baby. She underlines the importance of proper training for photographers in handling newborns to avoid any potential harm.
Community and Cultural Connection
Growing up in East LA and frequently visiting Alhambra, Joanna felt a strong connection to the San Gabriel Valley. This area allowed her to reconnect with her cultural roots and inspired her to start her business there, fulfilling a long-held dream with her husband.
Joanna Law Quotes
“When you walk into a house, you know if it’s a house or a home, because a home will have photographs of the family that live there and tells the story of that family.”
– Joanna Law
“I will get successful first, and then I’ll let them in.”
– Joanna on her strategy to gain her parents’ acceptance of her career choice.
“We were looking for… our first studio was in Alhambra and the space was quite small and people, it was hard for us to find, you know, people to find us.”
– Joanna discussing the challenges of starting her business.
“Legacy didn’t happen if it wasn’t captured in a photograph.”
– Joanna on the importance of preserving family memories through photography.
“I always encourage the clients to bring the grandparents and then we make a full album for them if they choose to, where it tells a story.”
– Joanna on including extended family in photo sessions to create a richer family history.
Show Notes
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Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Joanna Law
Top’s (Burgers) in Pasadena
Joanna fondly remembers Top’s Burger on Allen and Walnut in Pasadena. Despite not being a huge fan of hamburgers, this place holds a special place in her heart from her high school days.
Noodle World & Noodle Planet
This spot was a favorite hangout for Joanna and her friends, offering a variety of Southeast Asian noodles. It provided a taste of home and comfort food that reminded her of her Burmese roots.
The old Temple City Studio Strip on Las Tunas
Joanna reminisces about the row of photography studios that once lined Las Tunas Drive. These studios offered a one-stop shop for wedding preparations, including dresses, photos, and invitations, a unique feature that she misses today.
