Meet Hiromi Sekiya | Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Hiromi Sekiya and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Hiromi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There weren’t much thoughts, I just decided to do it.
I was working for a newborn photography company and COVID happened. I got laid off and after few weeks was told I can go back to work. At that time, things were uncertain so I didn’t feel comfortable going back and that’s why I decided to start my own business.
I was thinking of starting it later but I took that chance as an opportunity.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love working with babies and children. I have so much to learn from the children. I just love how they see the world and remind us the little beautiful things that grown ups tend to forget. I used to teach little children and I think that makes me different from other photographers.
I try to keep my sessions comfortable and fun for the children and family.
It was not easy to get where I am and I’m still in the middle of growing my business so still trying.
Lessons I’ve leant are;
– keep trying and be open because you never know what kind of opportunities are around.
– connect with people who you can trust, also be someone that people can trust
– don’t be afraid to try
My husband is also a photographer and we believe we are creating a connection to the future like teachers do!
When you take pictures I know a lot people think you are just keeping the memories.
But you are also keeping that moment for your future, your children’s future, grand children’s future.
When you or someone look at the picture, there is a connection between the subject in the picture and the person who is looking at it. There are stories behind the pictures and that connects the person looking at the picture with the subject in the picture.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: I will take her and her family to Malibu Farm Pier Cafe for brunch then go to Malibu Park at Cross Creek so the kids can play at the play ground and my friend can enjoy shopping at the complex.
Day 2: go hike the Hollywood sign hike! Then have lunch somewhere… maybe In n Out. Then will check out the walk of fame and do the bus tour.
Day 3: we will enjoy taking a walk at Abbot Kinney and Venice beach then cycle from Venice beach to Santa Monica pier and enjoy Santa Monica pier and the beach. We will stop at sidecar doughnuts for some snacks and coffee. We will have dinner at Shirube at Santa Monica.
Day 4: go to the Broad and go to the infinity mirrored room. We will take the angels flight (from lalaland) to Grand Central Market, have lunch there and then go to the Dodgers game at Dodgers stadium.
Day 5: go to Griffith Observatory and have a relaxing day.
Day 6 & 7: Disneyland and California Adventure
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jun Sekiya (my husband), my son, families, friends who have been supporting and encouraging me. South Bay Women in Photography group especially Bethann Greenberg and Codi Wilcox, and Sweet Me Photography for the mentorship and support. Growing Place and Willowbrook International School for the support and where my love for photography started.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiromisekiyaphotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiromisekiyaphotography?mibextid=wwXIfr
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