First things first, sorry that I’ve been a bit quiet here recently – there’s been lots going on! Since I have put my website live, my aim was to get my name out there. Was it easy? No! And I am still learning how to get my head round lots of different channels of marketing and advertising. Family lifestyle photography is popular but I believe there is a space for everyone. Especially for everyone who works hard.
I am currently staying at home with my two girls which take up most of my time, literally. Any mum who reads this knows what I am talking about. It’s constant and my first priority is to make sure they are fed, rested and had a good day playing without major meltdowns! So you might ask how do I do it, when do I have time to work on photography? And the answer is easy – I work in the evenings and weekends wherever possible.
I think a lot of people who are self-employed will testify that the dream of self-employment is that you get to work whenever you want. The reality however is that you’re working all the time! Adding children into the mix means it’s looking after children during the day and working during the evenings. It is hard and sometimes I really can fall asleep on the sofa at 8PM but once you get your head around it then it’s easier. There are still lots of long nights ahead of me and I know I could even try harder and I will as I really want to! Family lifestyle photography, lifestyle newborn photography and natural maternity photography is what I want to do. It’s what I enjoy doing. The best part of my job is meeting people and new families, listening to new stories and getting share some time with your family.
Even in the first few weeks of starting I have so far met some amazing families who always wanted family lifestyle photography, and I can easily say the best marketing for photographers is word of mouth. You are not only selling pictures you take. I come as a package and how I look after each single client matters as my aim is to be there for them from the enquiry to the delivery of final images. My families receive minimum e-mail correspondence, a call, family lifestyle photography guide and my full range of printed products that I offer, including a choice of photo albums (read all about these here). I know that a high level of service will bring clients and returning customers.
Excitingly, I have also featured recently in Basingstoke Gazette. I was a little nervous to be interviewed but at the same time I really enjoyed it. I felt a little like a celebrity! You can read the full article here. I am really glad that a local newspaper is interested in people’s aspirations and dreams. It’s great and I think once again hard work will eventually pay off. Family lifestyle photography in Basingstoke is growing ever so fast and I really want to showcase my work and capture day of life of lovely families.
I am also going to do my first photography stand at the Summer Fayre taking place at the Four Lanes Infant School on the 22nd June. I would love if you could come along and say hello and also to look at my display of my products from my family lifestyle sessions. Once again I am super excited and super nervous too!
It’s the commitment and being able to keep pushing yourself brings joy and real results you want. If you are in the same boat as me then keep going and you will get there. Remember also to get joy out of what you are doing as this will encourage you to have a reason to fulfill your ambitions!
