Business spotlight: Side photography business is a family affair for Discovery Bay's Munanas

Name of business: Smiles: Creative Imaging
Type of business: Photography
Owners: Julie and Luke Munana
Founded: 2005
Address: Home-based studio, Discovery Bay
Phone number: 925-766-5773
Hours: By appointment
Number of employees: two, as well as independent contactors when needed.
Products and services: Smiles: Creative Imaging offers portrait photography, specializing in maternity and newborn photos. They also offer photography services for family photos, seniors, weddings and special occasions.
How did you get into this business?: When Julie Munana's grandfather died in the late 1990s he left a camera that no one knew how to use. At the time Munana was a nursing student and needed a few more credits and decided to take a photography class.
"I just loved it and I started taking pictures of friends and family and got a lot of positive reactions," she said.
Before long she had decided to make her hobby into a business.
Best part about the business?: "Getting to meet new people and being apart of some of the most special moments in life," Julie Munana said. "We are in the business of preserving memories."
Munana said they love to capture individual family dynamics. That includes "the amazing beauty of each pregnancy, the innocence of a child, the connection and passion between a bride and groom, and the personality and spunk of seniors," she said.
Worst part about the business?: "I don't think there are any downsides to the business," she said. She went on to say that she loves every aspect of the business, from meeting clients, brainstorming locations and creative poses, shooting the pictures, post processing and delivery of photos to her clients.
Key to success: "Always going the extra mile to please our clients so they will want to come back again and again, and in turn, send us referrals," Munana said.
Biggest misconception about the business: "I believe the biggest misconception in this business is that people tend to think that anyone with a good camera can take a good picture," Munana said.
She explained that to some extent this is true; however, having the ability to manipulate the camera and its functions, know lighting techniques, and have those personal connections with people to draw out emotions and capture them, that is when "art" is born.
"I have found that when first time clients hire us, we have always exceeded their expectations," she said.
Future plans: "We both work full-time jobs in addition to having this business. I would personally love to make my photography business my primary job," Munana said. "I love it, and to do this would be a dream come true."
-- Roni Gehlke