Where it all started - Part Two

WE ARE BACK WITH PART TWO OF HOW I STARTED MY BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS.

Here’s where we left off… 

While I was finishing up maternity leave with my second daughter, I started to feel ready to pick up my camera again. But I started to think.. what if I could build a photography business and be able to quit my part-time job? 

It seemed like a bit of an incredible feat - but once the idea lightbulb was lit above my head, it wasn’t turning off. 💡

I knew the basics of photography so it was time to figure out how to run a business. 

The very first thing I did was start to post about it on my old, beloved Teacup and Saucer Instagram feed. 

I shared some of my photos, said I was offering 1-hour photoshoots for $100 and to DM me to book. 

Now that putting myself out there was done, it was time to learn how to run a photography business. I started diving into podcasts and free resources (because I also had no money to invest in courses). 

I still remember the one podcast episode that really lit a fire in me. 

Remember - I still had my second-hand Canon Rebel T3i from Kijiji. I felt like I would need to spend a lot of money to upgrade before I could be successful.

Then I listened to Episode 12 of ‘The Photographer’s Podcast’ by Nicole Hill. 

The subject was “Listen to This BEFORE You Buy a New Camera”. 

The Coles Notes are that it’s not about how new, fancy or shiny your gear is. It’s about knowing how to use it and knowing your own camera like the back of your hand. 

(If you want to listen to the full episode you can find it HERE). 

It was like Nicole was peering into my soul and knew exactly what I needed to hear. 

I also listened to ‘Oh Shoot’ by Cassidy Lynne, ‘Passion with Purpose’ by Nathan Chanski and the ‘Shine and Thrive Podcast’ by Sara Monika. 

I was learning from all these photographers about how to start the business side of things. I spent every free moment learning. I even listened to shows with my AirPods while putting my baby to sleep and sitting up to feed her through the night. 

Then one night I was listening to someone talk about Brand Photography. The way the guest talked about it and described it made me want to learn more. 

The more I learned about it, the more I loved it and felt like it was the direction I wanted to go. But I didn’t know the first thing about Brand Photography and working with other businesses. 

After a lot of discussion with my husband Dan, we decided this was something I could really make a go of. So I made my first investment and purchased a new Sony A7iii and - you guessed it - learned it like the back of my hand. 

So once again, I put it out there on the Instagram World. I found a small handful of entrepreneurs who I could work with to nail down a system and practice this new niche.

I worked with a DoTerra Leader, a Seint Makeup Artist, a custom hat creator and a Medical Aesthetician. I crafted a Brand Questionnaire to help me plan the shoots and created a Moodboard and Shotlist for each. To this day those are the pillars of my process. 

Thanks to those practice shoots, I had some testimonials, a great system and a portfolio. Soon enough, I landed my first real client! 

I remember going into the planning session thinking, “Who am I to be doing this? She’s going to be able to see right through me!” But all those nights of podcasts on marketing and Brand Photography paid off. She was thrilled with the planning session and the ideas that came out of it! 

To this day, those are some of the best photos in my portfolio. 

I continued to build my website, promote on Instagram and go to networking events - all while working part-time at the credit union and raising my two girls. 

Towards the end of 2023, I had the opportunity to add copywriting to my services. Writing has always been something I’m so passionate about. Being able to tie it into my business has been a no-brainer. 

Now I work every free moment to serve my clients, market my own business, invest in education on top of...taking care of my girls…keeping a tidy house…spending time with my husband.

There's early mornings, late nights and a lot of blood, sweat and tears. 

When people ask me how I juggle it all, I know there’s not really a clear-cut answer. When you’re working towards something that you know is going to give you more freedom with your kids, you just do it. 

Which leads me to today.
March 4th, 2024. 

All the work and building over the past year was to reach one goal. 

It gives me goosebumps to even type this. 

But I’m so excited to share with you that today I put in my notice at my part-time job. 

I am now a full-time entrepreneur. 

I’m so proud of what I’ve built. I know having the time and freedom back in my life will only make it possible to continue to build. 

It’s all thanks to your support and to my incredible clients. Thank you for making it possible to get here. I’m so excited to be able to serve you in a better capacity. 

And THAT is the story of how I became an entrepreneur. 

P.S - Please continue to mention me to your friends and family! I’m open and ready to take on more business.. and I’m so pumped about it.