Daily Inspiration: Meet Paloma Havlik

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paloma Havlik

Hi Paloma, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a little girl, I was always drawn to art and anything crafty. Since I can remember, my papa (grandfather), would have a camera in hand documenting our family gatherings, outings and most of all his famous sunset photos on our far deck on Lake Michigan. I looked up to him a lot, and still do to this day. When I was in high school I was gifted my very first camera. With this, I took it and started taking senior photos of students in my high school as a Junior, in 2018. Once 2019 came around I was asked to second shoot for a wedding and that is when I found my true passion. Documenting the interactions and inbetweens of real life captured my own heart. Through all this, I was (and still am) attending college. Managing my own small business amidst years of schooling came with its challenges but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. To be able to call my passion my career is the most I could ask for. And even more than that, is knowing that I am able to preserve moments and memories to be passed down for generations.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting to where I am has been hard to say the least. Like I mentioned before, managing a business basically full time while simultaneously being a full time student among personal life too has had its ups and downs. I have had many moments of feeling defeated and wanting to quit school, but I continue to tell myself I am almost there. My degree will be in Studio Art (after bouncing around a few majors throughout my college career). I also have experienced a lot of love, heartbreak, grief, joy, and just my own emotions in general throughout this timeline which has contributed to the way I picture life unfold, my experiences lend a big hand to my perspective. In the end, I believe everything happens for a reason and the path I follow and continue to follow is right, whether new doors open or different doors than expected open, I will end up where I need to.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer, specializing in Weddings, Elopements, and couples however I’ve started to grow fond of documenting nuclear families as past couples have come to me once they hit those milestones (which is one of the many things I so love about my job). I also enjoy some portrait photography here and there. I believe I am known for my documentary and observational style and approach, meshing digital and film photography together to curate a mix of current and nostalgic vibes. I am very proud of building my business by myself, with little to no help or classes getting me off my feet, aka relying on YouTube and research to learn how everything works along with trial and error accumulating my experiences. I am also proud that I have never let age hinder me. Since I started out in the industry as a 16 year old, I’ve flown with that crowd of folks in terms of ‘older’ people- and now being 22 I even still feel a bit young in the industry but when I interact with those I have an age gap with, it is not an issue and doesn’t really come up. When it does, people are genuinely surprised to hear my age because they say I come off as more mature, well spoken, and amicable than what they would presume a ‘younger’ person would. To add to what I am proud of, I think most of all- keeping my papa’s legacy alive by turning his passion into mine and executing it to this degree. Not only am I proud of myself but I feel like he would just be over the moon to know this is where the life he gave me led to. In terms of what sets me apart from others, I would say the fact I offer a variety of film options; 35mm, 120/medium format, polaroids, and super 8 film videos. In addition to that, my essence I’ve been told, puts brides at ease on a wedding day, and the fact that I appreciate real connection brings my ‘clients’ and I on the same level to make our interaction and relationship less of a client to vendor or transactional process, and more of an authentic process. Lastly, my approach again, being all in on candids and finding the in-between moments is often why potential clients consider me as their photographer. (It’s also important to me to mention I am an inclusive person no matter gender, race, shape or size, etc! I am loving and accepting of all humans!)

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Not just my papa who I’ve mentioned, but my nana (who is still with us) deserves a lot of credit. When I was 10 I came to move with my grandparents in Michigan (all the way from Arizona). And she has never doubted this journey, she has showed interest and support throughout. In general, the whole photography community, and honestly wedding industry, has been extremely welcoming and supporting ever since I began. I of course need to credit each and every person who has stepped in front of my camera- they are the reason I so love my ‘job’, and they are the ones creating these memories that I have the honor of preserving. Lastly, my long term boyfriend of over 7 years, Asencio, is by number one fan and biggest cheerleader. Being in love while capturing love is so surreal.

Pricing:

• Weddings ranging from $3200-$6000
• Weddings on all film ranging from $3500-$6500
• Sessions ranging from $400-$700
• A la carte film add on options
• Super 8 Film Video $2500-$3500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.palomahavlikphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palomahavlikphoto