Daily Inspiration: Meet Pauline Ford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pauline Ford

Hi Pauline, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My photography journey began long before I started taking photos. I would say it started with my very early fascination with two things: light and observation. As a kid, I would be mesmerized by the way moonlight or sunlight danced on the water’s surface, or how it filters through the leaves of trees. I tried capturing those moments through drawings, however, drawing was never my strong suit.

I would also observe people, especially at the airport. I was born in the Philippines and moved to Missouri when I was four years old, so the Kansas City Airport was pretty much my first memory of America. The neat thing about airports is that when you live somewhere that generally exhibits less diversity overall, it’s one place where you can observe people from all walks of life. As a kid, it was fun to imagine where everyone was coming from, where they were going, what led them to that very moment. What was their story?

However, it was travel that led me to the point of having a camera in my hands. During one family trip when I was a teenager, my parents handed me their little point-and-shoot camera, and it became my job to document the trip. I started with photographing nature and our surroundings, and then people. A photography hobby was born then.

A couple years later, my parents gifted me my first DSLR as an early graduation gift. I began taking my friends’ senior photos, which led to family and maternity photos, then events. Eventually people started insisting they pay me, which made me realize I had something really special here. Still, I considered myself a hobby photographer and didn’t pursue it as a job until a decade later—2020 was the year Pauline Ford Photography was finally created, with a family, college degree, and marketing career already under my belt.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been an easy road, and part of me wishes I had taken photography more seriously sooner, but I had other things on my plate. So many people asked me when I was going to start my own business, but I was juggling being a young mom and wife, going to college, and working a full-time job—photography was just my creative outlet. I kept telling myself, “One day…”

Then during the first COVID year while working from home, I decided to officially make Pauline Ford Photography a thing. At that time, photography still seemed like a “dream job” that wasn’t realistic. What changed my perspective was my first time skydiving in Hawaii. I felt so empowered after that; if I could literally take the leap out of an airplane, why not with other aspects of my life? Just a couple months after that, I left my office job to focus more on my business. Now eventually, I became involved in more projects and other part-time work, but I think that’s just my nature. I’m just glad I’ve been able to keep doing photography.

When I got back into photography, I started badly struggling with imposter syndrome and comparing my work with others. For a long time, I felt like I was having an identity crisis as a photographer, and honestly, I still battle that every now and then. But I’ve been able to take a step back and remind myself what got me into photography in the first place, and I’m letting that guide me rather than trying to “keep up” with what everyone else is doing. I’m still very much in a growth phase, and after a year of rediscovery, I’m excited to further hone in my craft, client experience, and marketing. I’ve been prepping for some changes in my business and branding that feel more true to me rather than trying to be who I’m not. I’m excited to unveil it all.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer who specializes in artfully documenting couples, engagements, maternity, and families. I’ve also done a handful of weddings and travel as well, and this year I’m putting a special focus on micro weddings and elopements. I’m known for my storytelling approach, with a documentary style that evokes a sense of romance, nostalgia, and a touch of that cinematic magic. In fact, I draw a lot of inspiration from movies and shows. I love a good story, and I am such a nerd for composition and color grading.

I think what I’m most proud of is creating something that makes people feel. When a client calls me with happy tears after seeing their gallery, I know then that I’ve been able to give them something they can enjoy for years to come. And when they change their profile picture to one of your photos? Such an amazing feeling, as silly as it sounds! I’m also proud when I can make people feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. We’re not all models, and I know how awkward it can be to have photos taken, so I consider it a high compliment when someone says they felt at ease with me.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve found that finding a mentor isn’t about finding someone whose work you like or who has the best gear. Sure, those things are a plus, but speaking from experience, it can be easy to fall down the comparison rabbit hole. Eventually, you find yourself trying to emulate their work and processes, and you lose yourself a little. What matters and has made a difference personally is finding someone whose story and purpose resonates with you, someone who can give you the tools to find your “why” because that’s what keeps you going when you have feelings of not being good enough.

As for networking, don’t be afraid to reach out to others, including people outside your industry. You never know where it can lead. Those types of connections have led me to wonderful business relationships. And don’t be afraid to connect with other creatives who do the same thing as you. I see other photographers and think not of “competition” but rather opportunities to learn, share ideas, and collaborate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paulineford.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/paulinefordphotography
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/paulinefordphotography