Picture of success: B.C. women and men tell it the way it is
Elayne Wandler
Founder, Bopomo Pictures (bopomo.ca)
Bopomo: what's that?
"A new photo studio that bridges the gap between department-store studios and independent photographers. I've been to department-store studios where you see the promise of a great shot -- but their set-up isn't flexible enough to capture it. And some independents can be expensive and inconvenient. Family photos shouldn't be stressful. At Bopomo, kids have fun."
And the name?
"Bopomo is a phonetic translation of "ABC" from Mandarin, which my husband was studying when we were looking for a name -- something kids would remember and was fun to say."
Unique studio?
"There are two studio spaces, a viewing bar, and elaborate play area for the kids, which they love. We have two photographers on staff as well as myself taking pictures. Our pictures are printed in-house and ready the next day."
Start of it all?
"We used to go south of the border for our own family photos to a place that was convenient and inexpensive. One day a border guard asked, 'Don't they have photographers in Canada?'"
What's the market?
"We do all kinds of studio portrait photography from maternity to family photos -- babies, kids, teenagers, adults, families or other large groups, fashion and graduation."
You left corporate work: scary or sweet?
"Both! Previously I was VP of business development and corporate communications at QLT, a local biotech company, which was a great experience. It's scary because you lose the security, salary and benefits -- and I'm a total risk-averse person so this was a big step for me. But it's sweet because you're creating your own vision."
Career advice?
"Always be watching and learning to get the most out of every situation, and don't be afraid to change paths when the opportunity arises."
Martini?
"The Tigh-tini at Tigh-na-mara Seaside Resort on Vancouver Island."
Words to live by?
"Trust life. Put your foot out and believe the ground will come up and meet it. And, of course, take a lot of great pictures along the way!"
Bopomo Pictures
2631 West Broadway
604-678-1411
www.bopomo.ca
Closed Mondays
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