Noelle Neff – Founder of Noelle Neff Photography
Noelle Neff is a photographer and business woman. She founded her company, Noelle Neff Photography after deciding to pursue photography full time and knowing that she needed autonomy in doing so. Neff studied at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Her photographic areas of expertise include wedding photography, travel photography, fine art photography, and portrait photography.
1. What are your favorite books?
I read so many books that at times it can be hard to keep track of my favorites! I always find books that speak to me during whatever I am going through at that stage of my life. Lately, it seems that I am very focused on my business. Because of that, I am drawn to two books, Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan’s “Execution: Getting Things Done” and Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends”. Dale Carnegie is a big personal development icon and I like immersing myself in his mindset, even though some of his advice is a little bit outdated! I keep perspective on it and only use the advice that suits me. His mindset helps me get inspired to network and work with other people. I also come back to “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron again and again. It is my go-to book on creativity!
2. What’s your favorite type of food?
I am obsessed with Japanese food. I don’t eat a lot of meat, but I love the flavors in a big bowl of Udon noodles, broth, and lots of yummy vegetables. I enjoy sushi, and get the vegetarian rolls. Sticky rice is such a treat. Since visiting Japan I find that I crave Japanese food at least once a week!
3. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Wow, that’s a tough question. A lot of the teachers that I have had through out my life have actually been through books. I love to read, and I find that when I spend time with a really great author I start to feel as if they were sitting at my side speaking to me. I think that one of the most meaningful pieces of advice that I’ve soaked in over the years was in a book about Bill Thetford. The book was called “Never Forget To Laugh”, and that was the message behind the book. No matter how serious things can start to seem out here in the world, you can always go within and find some humor. Never forget to laugh! This reminds me not to take myself too seriously, which is always a temptation in business!
4. What is your favorite thing about working in your industry?
I love the energy of a really high-vibe wedding. People are getting married, and I get to be a part of it! Wedding photography has been something that has grown on me more and more, as I progress in my career. I have seen so many weddings, and am always blown away by how unique and precious each and every one is.
Couples celebrate their love in such individualized ways these days. Weddings are not really constrained by traditions any more, through tradition clearly plays a role in weddings. But I find that people are really creative in the ways that they are able to express their commitments.
I get really excited about all of the creativity and thought that has gone into this one ceremony, and it fuels my desire to take magnificent shots for the bride and groom. I find that some of my most inspired work happens at wedding ceremonies, and as an artist that is a really rewarding and exciting feeling. There are many things that I enjoy about working in photography, but that is one of the big ones, without a doubt!
5. What motivates you every day?
That is a great question. It’s actually something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. I used to be motivated by fear, in really subtle ways. I would to things because I didn’t want to go to debt, or I didn’t want to loose a customer. This led to some stressing on my part, and I had to stop and say, ‘What is going on here? Why do I feel like this?’
I found all of these subconscious things that I was afraid of. That was a really big moment for me. At that moment, I decided to be motivated by joy and love rather than fear. I don’t want fear of a loss to be the thing that keeps me ticking. I want to move forward with the clear intention that I love what I do, I am relaxed, and I am inspired. When I feel that way, motivated by positive forces, I am much more creative and productive.
