Meet Mona Jain | Portrait photographer & coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mona Jain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mona, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always been an entrepreneur. I started photography in my second year of college. So, there was only one way to go from there – to have my own photography business. And in all honesty, my main goal was to not get a traditional job! That was my driving force. To be able to choose my time, take a break when my body requires it and most eminently, to be able to choose the people I want to work with! Having a business was my way to strike a balance between work & life!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In India, photography is a man’s world! And, I started being part of the competition with a very basic camera+lens kit and too much curiosity. I remember going to this test shoot for a restaurant where the guy said “so, you’re a one-man show”!! I was appalled. He obviously meant that I didn’t have a team and this tiny girl will be able to pull this off or not! But, I live in a world where he didn’t even bother to change the gender in a metaphor. So, if I say it was easy, I’d be wrong. But, was it entirely like this? No! I had wonderful clients along the way.

If you’re starting out, make sure your business is secured with contracts and model releases. I learned this lesson the hard way when my photos were stolen for no money and credit. In the beginning, itself, make sure you have all your paperwork ready!

I live for happy faces, stunning locations and authentic moments. And that reflects in my photographic style. I have shot commercial shoots in a natural setting with only one lens. I am a simple no-fuss creator. I have been blessed with clients who embraced my style and put their faith in me. My clients often become my friends. I bring coffee to them on early morning shoots, or I’ll surprise them with burgers after we wrap up! This works for me!

One of the most favourite shoots that I did was free of charge! But, she raved about my work so much that I landed up doing a big gig for a gift company in my city! Incidents like these make me believe in kindness even more! Let your work speak for itself! You can overcome any challenge by just showing up in your best self!

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.
Ooo!! New Delhi is just full of history, architecture, culture and a very honest soul! I would definitely say Delhi’s heart is in Chandni Chowk! A nice stroll in old cumbersome alleys with parathas and lassi is a perfect way to embrace that part of the city, The overlooking site across the red fort reflects the true history of the capital city of India.

Lodhi garden is my favourite spot for almost all my photoshoots. It’s spread over 90 acres of land. The gardens are situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung’s Tomb on Lodhi Road and is a popular spot for morning walks for the Delhites. A trip to Khan Market afterwards is a perfect place for brunch or coffee!

I would also take a friend to India Gate. It’s the perfect spot on a sunny winter morning for a simple picnic or even a photoshoot. On a more religious level, a visit to the auspicious Bangla Sahib is a definite. It’s the most peaceful environment you’ll find and wouldn’t want to let go of. A trip to Sarojini for shopaholics is a must. And then I would probably hail to Connaught Place! The literal & geographical heart of the city!

Art or theatre enthusiasts could hail to India Habitat Centre where the country’s top artists come together for once in a lifetime events!

Delhi by and far is all about food. Especially street food! In any part of the city, you will find a little corner for Chole bhature or gol gappe which is so hard to miss! So, if you’re a foodie, Delhi is a place to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I learned most of my photography from magazines like ‘Better Photography’ & “Asian Photography’. I started way back in 2009-2010 when youtube creators in India were still upcoming. SO, I had to get my learning in more old school ways. Books and actually doing the work!

Currently, my life and mindset changed after working with my business coach Sakshi Dhamija. Her guidance and support gave birth to my Photography Coaching business where now I help women entrepreneurs to take better photos!
She truly is your anchor in a storm. Her approach to life, in general, is very simple yet progressive. I cannot thank her enough.

Instagram – @sakshidhamija_

Website: https://monajain.ck.page/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-jain-77846a48/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/monajain

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