Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannie Liautaud Maul.
Hi Jeannie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a child, family stories were pivotal. My dad lost both of his parents in early adulthood, which made us a sentimental crowd, holding onto moments and items. Old photos were treasured. With that and my extroverted nature, I picked up a point-and-shoot camera as a teen. What started as shots of friends and daily life turned into a true passion. By high school, my business launched, capturing headshots, family and senior photos for my (small) network. It was an obvious path to pursue this in college. I moved to St. Louis from the Chicago area in 2012, to attend Webster University for their photography program. I grew a deep love for photo history, the “greats” — major Diane Arbus fan — and became deeply connected to professors, mentors and peers. Studying abroad in Thailand gave me an opportunity to practice street photography and self-reflection. Post-grad, I assisted commercial photographers and picked up gigs. I remained deeply enthralled with this business. The light hasn’t dimmed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a solo creative business is anything but smooth. From being one of the only female assistants in town to making work for myself to sharing said work to remembering to take care of myself along the way… it’s a lot! Luckily, I’m an ambitious person. I am unafraid to put myself out there. I’ve gotten better with failure and rejection. If your skin is thick enough and you truly love the work, the photo world can be a dream.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographic multihypnenate. After making images for over 15 years, I’ve learned to adapt and take what comes through the door (if it’s the right fit). It’s critical to running a sustainable business in a small market like St. Louis.
That said, my main specialities are corporate lifestyle and headshot photography and interior design photography.
Within the business-to-business umbrella, I offer everything from team headshots to portrait-centric advertising campaigns and product photography. Corporate events have recently taken me on some crazy adventures to Australia and Las Vegas. Of course, I can’t forget my “retail” clients, primarily local actors and performers bringing their beautiful faces to my studio for audition headshots.
Interior design photography is a newer passion, over the last five years or so. Interior photography is extremely technical and profoundly personal. My design clients and I have had an exciting year with features in St. Louis Magazine and Architectural Digest Poland.
If I had to define it, I’m known for having vibrant, authentic images that are personality-driven. My headshot work often utilizes bright, colorful backgrounds. For the photo-philes, I love a dreamy-soft 8′ parabolic, but with two negative fill cards. I’ve been told by manny clients that my team makes the experience of professional photography fun and low-stress. We run a tight ship with professionalism, but make it pleasant.
What’s next?
I recently became a mom (in 2024.) Future plans include carving out more time for unpaid creative pursuits, “spec work”, bringing me back to what I’ve loved about this field from day one. I founded a networking group for women in the local film and photo production industry in 2021, which has grown to include over 275 people. I’ll be making a push for more frequent meetups, more opportunities to connect and support each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jliautaudphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jliautaudphoto/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jliautaudphoto
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannieliautaudmaul/
