Meet Hela Emanuel-Sidman | Photographer & Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hela Emanuel-Sidman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hela, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe the most important factor behind my success and brand is communication. I believe in good customer service, being kind, and consistent. I’m a people person. I love getting to know my clients, having fun during our session, and always making sure they’re comfortable.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is my personality and character. I believe in good energy and going with the flow. I’m most proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and trusting the process when starting a business. Originally I went to college for Finance at the University of South Florida. I learned a lot about business, the economy, and communication with others. I worked a full-time job and started a family while starting my photography business. I learned that starting your own business and making money immediately doesn’t happen over night. It takes time, hard-work, and dedication. Being a full-time photographer allows me the flexibility to be with my family more. It allows me to bring out my creative, fun side. Also, it;s a low stress environment career that I’ve always yearned for.

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.
If my best friend were to visit me in Key West I would take them out on the boat to a sandbar where we can enjoy the sun, water, sandwiches and cold beverages. I would take them to my favorite restaurant, Square Grouper. I love to dance, so I would take them out to Fat Tuesdays and General Horseplay. Another great restaurant in Key West is called Hot Tin Roof, so I would go there and then hit up the Comedy Club downtown for some laughs. We have views of the beach and sunset so I would definitely go down to Mallory Square for a little entertainment and watch the sun set.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to send a shoutout to multiple people and groups that have supported, encouraged, and mentored me along the way. My father for buying me my first camera and computer to start my journey in photography. Shoutout to my mother and husband for supporting and encouraging me to push forward, as well as to not let any obstacles get in the way. Shoutout to Nicholas Gould for mentoring me back in 2010. Shoutout to Jennifer Tiffany who has helped my business grow in the last year. She offered great advice with regards to communication, marketing, and using certain platforms to get my name out there. Shoutout to the local Facebook groups in my community. This is where 80% of my clients hire me from.

Website: https://happytimesphotosandfilms.smugmug.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happytimesphotosandfilms/

Image Credits
Image Credit by me: Happy Times Photos & Films, LLC