EP 10: embracing creativity, motherhood, and a jungle paradise

I am thrilled to have the talented photographer Monique Pantel joining me for a candid conversation. Monique shares her experiences, insights, and the valuable lessons she's learned throughout her photography career. From setting boundaries to the importance of being fully present in your work.

Embracing Boundaries in Photography:

She opens up about her approach to maintaining a balance in my photography career. Reflecting on her experience with double-header wedding bookings, she stresses the importance of setting boundaries to deliver the best possible work. We encourage fellow photographers to prioritize their emotional and artistic well-being, emphasizing that clients deserve the photographer's full presence on their special day.

Crafting Meaningful Photography Experiences:

The conversation shifts into talking about pivoting and setting boundaries from a busier schedule to a more focused and intentional approach. She shares her transformation from conducting multiple engagement sessions to crafting fewer, more immersive experiences for her clients. She emphasizes the positive impact of dedicating more time and energy to each session, resulting in a more profound connection with both the clients and the art itself.

Navigating a Diverse Photography Portfolio:

We explore the challenges and rewards of navigating various photography genres. While she primarily focus on weddings and couples, she expresses curiosity about potentially diving back into fashion and the editorial world. The discussion touches on finding balance when one has their toes in multiple creative spaces, acknowledging the uniqueness of each venture.

Journey into Teaching Photography:

She sheds light on her journey into teaching photography, discussing how motherhood influenced her decision to set clearer boundaries. She share her passion for educating others, emphasizing the joy and energy she derives from her various projects. The conversation also unveils her upcoming venture, a photography retreat in the Alps, designed to empower participants in their photographic journey.

Environmental Advocacy through Photography:

Monique discusses her children's book, "What Grows When You Give," which centers around the themes of reforestation and land regeneration. Inspired by her life in Panama, the book reflects her commitment to environmental advocacy and fostering a compassionate mindset.

Monique shares about her experiences living in Panama, the conversation takes a lighthearted turn toward surfing. We contemplate conquering fears, exploring the beauty of Panama's clear waters, and the possibility of a photography retreat in this tropical paradise.

We wrap up the conversation with thoughts on the changing landscape of wedding photography, the excitement of international shoots, and the importance of staying true to one's values in a dynamic industry. The episode concludes with a playful discussion about horsemen, geography mix-ups, and the prospect of future adventures in Panama."

About Monique Pantel: 

Monique Pantel is an internationally acclaimed photographer and educator whose career has spanned over a decade, marked by a deep passion for connecting the realms of creativity and soul work - her speciality is in the luxury wellness space and capturing love in wild places. Monique is currently working on opening Alma: a women’s artist residency and tiny art gallery in the jungle of Panama, where she lives. Most days you can find Monique playing in the low tide or in waterfalls with her toddler and baby daddy - who runs Pizzeria Madera - a wood fired pizzeria in their front yard.

Since becoming a mother, she is particularly passionate about encouraging other mothers to become re-aquaninted with their own creativity, especially through photography. 

Monique teaches newbies how to use their cameras in her transformational course Photo 101 and also mentors women photographers into expansive careers in photography through her Clueless to Clients mentorship, which happens twice a year.

Monique is a Pic-Time ambassador and her work has been seen in publications like Europe's Conde Nast Traveller, Mantra Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.

Connect with Monique Pantel:

Instagram: @Monique_Pantel

Website: Pantel Photo

Children's Book: What Grows When You Give

Art Residency: Ama Kambutel

Connect with me online:

Instagram: @summergrace.photo

Check out my presets HERE

Give Honeybook a Try HERE