Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adrian Steinbach, Owner of Adrian Steinbach Photography, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I'm a traveling elopement and wedding photographer based out of MN! The amazing couples who typically work with me are very laid back, goofy, and just looking for a photographer who will hang out with them on their special day. They're down for an adventure and some interesting/fun photos to go with it!

Tell us about yourself

I've been documenting the lives of friends and family for as long as I can remember - but coming from the fine art world, I didn't truly realize how playful photography could be until just a few years ago. I began documenting my drawings and illustrations and slowly let them evolve into more abstract compositions. While doing this, I continued to photograph friends and family - until one day; I allowed both sides of this collide at my first wedding (and haven't looked back since).

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's hard to narrow it down! I've grown so much since the beginning. I am so overjoyed at the milestones and progress on the way - from getting paid to travel to amazing destinations, to having the time to spend with my family again, to connecting with other amazing business owners, to just learning to ask for help. I want to be clear - none of it has been easy for me, but it HAS been 100% worth it.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Oh gosh - there's a ton!

But for this sake - learning to ask for and receive help. I think the modern Social Media Entrepreneur has accidentally convinced us that it's possible to be successful as an island by leaning on your own wits/strengths/talents. I really, wholeheartedly, believe that isn't true. I wouldn't have come this far if it weren't for the photography community, the offer of help and education from those further ahead in business, and the support of friends and family around me.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find a community (or several). The best places for me personally were industry-specific Facebook groups and Patreon. Though there is certainly some bad that comes with the good, they were key resources for me! Even years later, I still go there to ask questions when I'm stuck, see if I can help others, and learn whenever/whatever I can.
  2. If you don't already have a business in mind, make sure to pick something you can continually work on. Not merely a hobby you like occasionally doing, but something you're content to research, learn about, and practice day-in and day-out (because you might need to). I initially wanted to start a second creative business, but I got burnt out after four months because it was something I liked well enough but not something I was passionate about.
  3. Set some boundaries! It took me a long time to learn this, but it is important to set firm boundaries with yourself and your clients! Only checking emails during X hours, taking X days off a week, and keeping time free for non-business. Keeping them separated leaves room for you to breathe and helps prevent burn-out.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't spend more time worrying about the thing than actually doing it. When I first started, I was SO nervous about every little step. Creating an Instagram, building a website, etc. I was so concerned about how hard everything would be, how difficult it would be to make it all perfect, that it never occurred to me to just....start. I ended up spending more time worrying than working! And you know what? Things aren't perfect, but taking business moves in incremental steps was almost always way easier than I thought - just start!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:https://www.adriansteinbach.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriansteinbach.photo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriansteinphoto/

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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