Exploring Life & Business with Basma Orgel of Vivid Focus Images

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Basma Orgel.

Hi Basma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a mom to two adorable girls and two cats, Bro and Luna, based in Phoenix, Arizona. After working in the health industry for 17 years with a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, I found my true passion in photography.

With the support of my husband, I left my corporate job to stay home with our girls and pursue photography full-time. I love capturing precious moments with children and families, and since diving into photography full-time, I’ve discovered my knack for wedding shoots.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For any new business, the road is often challenging. Standing out among numerous talented and competitive photographers can be difficult. Staying active on social media and keeping your website fresh are great ways to stand out.

It’s also important to keep improving your photography skills consistently, even when things are slow. Practice makes perfect! And don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth – happy clients can be your best advertisement.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer based in Phoenix, AZ, specializing in capturing moments with families, children, maternity, newborns, boudoirs, and headshots! Since leaving my corporate job in March 2023, I’ve expanded my services to include weddings, and I must say, I’ve developed a deep affection for them.

Being happily married, shooting weddings always takes me back to my special day. Yes, I’ve even shed a tear during heartfelt vows while photographing the bride and groom, haha! Whether it’s a wedding, newborn session, or family shoot, I aim to capture and deliver the emotions, connections, and beauty that make each moment unique in still images.

I offer local sessions, travel to venues, and can also shoot in-studio. Additionally, I provide customized options for clients, such as panoramic shots. I’m highly adaptable and enjoy collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
1) When you’re starting out, it’s really important to invest in your education. You can do this by buying online lessons, finding a mentor, or reading books.

You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn and how many different ways there are to have a successful photo session. Learning to use your camera in manual mode and understanding the exposure triangle (aperture, ISO, and shutter speed) are super important! Once you get the hang of the exposure triangle, start working on your composition skills. Keep it simple at first and then gradually try more complex compositions.

Practice is key, so keep practicing as much as you can. I often chase after my kids to photograph them. They run from shade to sunlight, which gives me a chance to quickly test my photography skills in different lighting conditions. They usually end up running away from me because they’re tired of being my models, haha!

I also love following successful photographers because no matter how much you already know, there’s always room to improve and new ideas to try out.

2) Mistakes are inevitable along the way. There will be moments when you feel like a failure because you’re not yet where you want to be in your photography journey. There may even be times when you consider throwing in the towel because progress seems elusive.

I remember feeling that way when I first started, and I used to confide in my husband about it. He, being a successful businessman, shared that he experienced similar doubts at the beginning of his journey. The key is to keep pushing forward and remain dedicated to your passion. You’ll eventually reach your goals!

Another crucial aspect is to value your work and charge accordingly. This means considering not only the cost of your equipment and supplies but also factoring in your time and any other expenses related to the shoot. Calculate the time you’ll spend on the shoot, editing the images, and other associated tasks. Once you clearly understand your expenses, you can establish your prices accordingly.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vividfocusimages.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vividfocusimages/