Meet – An – Entrepreneur
Janet Taub—Founder of Planet Photo
Please share the backstory and vision of your business, Planet Photo.
As a teenager, I became fascinated by classic cameras that I found in antique stores, which triggered my interest in photography. My hobby eventually blossomed into a profession, and in 2013, I founded Planet Photo in downtown New Milford, Connecticut. It didn’t take long for me to discover that I thoroughly enjoyed photographing families, and especially teens, which led to extensive professional training in this facet of photography.
Teens, and especially high school seniors, are at a critical juncture in their lives, and my goal is to capture and immortalize those beautiful, but fleeting moments. As a mother of a college student, I know how teenagers rapidly evolve into young adults when they leave the house for the first time. Their transition to adulthood is evident each time they come home to visit!
I started my Teen Model Program in 2015 with one goal in mind: I wanted to create the ultimate high school senior year experience for my clients. Their familiarity with social media and their continuously expanding network of friends facilitated the establishment of brand awareness —and my teams proudly became the face of my business. During the first year of the Teen Model Program, our motto was “Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe!” I now simply refer to my current models as “The Tribe.” Members of The Tribe support one another with their positive attitudes and creative energy. Together we create unique, charismatic photo collections, many of which are highlighted on social media and have appeared in the annual Planet Photo Tribe Magazine.
The feedback I consistently receive from teens and my high school senior clients is that a Planet Photo shoot is an amazing experience! Planet Photo ensures that all teens who are involved are actively encouraged to be proud of who they are, and we carefully tailor their personal photo shoot to reflect their individuality and to highlight their very best qualities.
How would you describe your style?
The style of my work is heavily influenced by fashion and editorial photography. I want each of my images to be appreciated as classic and timeless; my goal is to create portraits that transcend fleeting trends and gimmicky filters or edits.
I design and manage all aspects of the photo shoot process. I guide the styling of each shoot, recommend suitable locations, and coordinate the look and feel of the shoot based on the preferences of each participant. When the images are ready to review, I assist in choosing the best portraits and recommend the highest quality products for you and your family.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I was born and raised in the UK, and I have always had an interest in traveling and meeting new people. I met my husband while living in Southern California, and after spending a year together in Boston, we moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, where our son was born. Since 2002 we have called Connecticut home, and our daughter was born here. When it’s time for a break and a new adventure, my husband and I like to vacation in places we’ve not yet visited, providing unique experiences for ourselves and our kids.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am fluent in Danish!
Favorite things to do in your free time?
I love to spend time with my family. We hike together, go to the movie theater and concerts, try new restaurants, and of course, plan our next family vacation!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I have had tremendous support from friends in my local community. My local network generously shares my images on social media platforms and recommends my business to their friends and family. I enjoy working with local vendors whenever possible and I embrace any opportunity to support the local business community.