Women Photographers Who Inspire Me

Women's History Month kicks off today. Women photographers have shown extraordinary mastery and passion for the art and study of photography and entrepreneurialism for creating women-owned and operated businesses. This month I want to spotlight the women photographers and business owners who inspire me. There are so many women photographers I admire; too many to list here, so I will share just a few. These are the women whose work speaks directly to me and who are excellent at their craft, women I admire for their mentorship and business acumen, and a few who inspire me through their work as well as with their friendship and support.

Michele Celentano & Sue Bryce

I love scrolling through the creative works of both Michele and Sue. They have different styles, but they bring classic elegance to their subjects. These highly-regarded women claim the title of Explorer of Light by Canon. I found Michele through a Family Portraits class when I turned to CreativeLive for some extra training. I fell in love with her and her work instantly. Her teaching style is very relaxed and easy to follow. I love her family posing style as well. I would also have to say the same about Sue - my introduction to her was also through CreativeLive. I love her mad portrait skills, business savvy, and spirit. (@michelecelentanophotographer @suebrycephotographer) 

Sandra Coan & Sarah Petty

These women helped me jump into the fray and start Christine Houle Photography. They are both educators, mentors, and studio owners. Sarah gave me the courage and initial tools for business to jump into the deep end of the pool with her Boutique Breakthrough Workshop. Her guidance directed me toward a business model that allows me to put family first. Sandra is a certified educator, professional photographer, and marketing expert who has helped me hone my style, message, and business processes for an effective and efficient studio. I also love Sandra's work. Her portrait style is clean and classic. (@sandracoan @sandracoanstudios @sarah.petty)

Saba K Alhadi 

While looking for something to do, knowing I had a whole day to kill in Boston (pre-covid) while my youngest was at a dance workshop, I was excited to find PhotoWalks in Boston. I met Saba, the owner of PhotoWalks, outside the Boston Public Library for an hour and a half PhotoWalk in the Backbay area. It was a very inspiring afternoon walking around, looking at, and photographing Boston architecture. Saba provided helpful advice while getting out of my comfort zone of portrait photography. She instilled me with confidence in my craft. If you are looking for something different to do, I hight recommend it. (@Photowalksbostontours)  

Kate Seymour, Shara Louder, & Angela Lynn Gondor

These three women I call friends. They have been with me from the start of my journey into business. We all have different styles and goals are in various phases of our journeys, but we are there for each other whenever advice or support is needed. We "lift each other as we climb," a belief we all learned in the workshop where we first met. (@kateseymourphotography @sharalouderphotography @inthegrit_photography) 

Lastly, A big "Thank You" special mention and shout out to the women in my life every day, my mom and daughters; they constantly give me the support and confidence to continue every day in anything and everything I do. To follow through with the encouragement and support of women photographers, I want to share that my daughter Avery has taken an interest in photography and is developing her style. I'm a proud mama. (@venomdoesphotography)