Meet Griffin Montgomery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Griffin Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Griffin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
While I was in photography school and even for years after graduating, I was very determined to not start my own business. After many years, struggling to find any job even remotely related to photography, and being incredibly unhappy bouncing from job to job, I contemplated the possibility of starting my own business. During this thought process, my grandmother passed away and it really sparked inspiration that life is too short and so why should I waist my time working jobs I don’t like or care about. I love taking photos and at the time I found myself not even holding a camera. So I just took the leap, quit my job and started cold calling companies. And here we are, ten years later.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the early stages of my career, I primarily focused on catalog and commercial work. Photographers in Los Angeles are quite abundant, so being professional, efficient, friendly, and available was key to my success. I was always hustling to secure clients while also managing my workload, which was certainly challenging, but I loved every moment of it.

As my family grew rapidly, I decided to take a step back from the hectic pace and shifted my focus to portraits, especially family portraits. Becoming a mom made me appreciate the difficulty of capturing that perfect shot among countless others. It feels like the greatest achievement to deliver that special image to the families I work with.

This motivation has naturally led me into event photography as well. I understand how challenging it is to concentrate on making memories while also wanting to be present in those moments. That understanding is my favorite aspect of working with people—providing them with the opportunity to fully enjoy their experiences while having those moments beautifully captured for future reflection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love that L.A. has a little bit of everything, from popular tourist attractions to serene escapes. I moved to California to live in Santa Barbara for college, so I always appreciate the opportunity to visit when I can. The weather there is consistently perfect, and it feels like you’re entering a different world.

If we have a short visit and want to stay local, Burbank offers a wide variety of escapes. We have the entire Griffith Park to hike and explore, along with charming local farmers’ markets and craft fairs popping up. There’s also the option to relax at a local café like Basecamp, which has delicious sparkling iced tea. It’s easy to find whatever you’re looking for; we’re very fortunate to have such a diverse range of activities just a short drive away.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been very fortunate to have a loving and supportive husband who has always encouraged me, even during tough times. My parents, brother, in-laws, and sisters-in-law have been a loud cheering squad, and I am incredibly grateful for their support. During my years in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to work with many photographers, and it was while working for Sterling Steffen that I really understood the business side of photography. I realized that one day, I could pursue this path as well. He was an excellent mentor who truly prepared me to face challenges while also enjoying the creative aspects of running a photography business. Over the last decade, I have also been surrounded by supportive friends—too many to name. I appreciate all of them for always having my back and recommending me first!

Website: https://www.griffinjoyphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffin_joy_photo/

Image Credits
All photos by me! Griffin Joy Photography