Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abby Watkins, a portrait photographer who runs Abby Watkins Photography in Castle Pines, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I absolutely love what I do - I pinch myself a little every day, knowing that this is my career. It's truly amazing. My clients range from large companies to families and everything in between.
Tell us about yourself
My journey to becoming a professional photographer started with just me and my camera. Kinda boring, right? I was determined to learn it all on my own, yes, I'm stubborn, but I wanted this to be my journey. This took me down the road of reading and learning about every aspect of photography. I love the art of it and how light affects everything. My biggest advice if you want to get into it? Learn what every button and/or dial on your camera does, put it in manual mode, and go outside. You will get frustrated, but you'll learn! I have loved photography for as long as I can remember, but it became a full-time career ten years ago. I have been so lucky to have gained the best clients over the last decade, they keep me doing what I do, and I am so grateful for each and every one of them. If you're a client of mine reading this, THANK YOU! You know how much I love and appreciate you.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I've had so many amazing opportunities in my career, but I have a few that really stick out in my mind. When I was first published in a local magazine when I worked for Discovery + for their Generation Drag series, and last was doing a series for Boston Children's Hospital.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is the business aspect of it - the back-end stuff that's boring. Blah! I just want to take beautiful portraits and make people happy!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have the desire to do it every day - it doesn't feel like work if you love to do it.
- Integrity matters. Stay true to yourself and be kind. Good things will come.
- Passion and drive to keep showing up year after year.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.abbywatkinsphotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyWatkinsPhotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbywatkinsphotography/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyPhotography
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbywatkinsphotography/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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