Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alison Barnes Martin, founder of Alison Barnes Martin Photography, located in Kansas City, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a photographer and have a studio in the Crossroads. My customers range from marketing firms to individuals who want a small library of themselves for branding purposes. I shoot editorial, beauty, lifestyle, and portraiture. Past clients include TODAY Magazine, Deloitte, The Kansas City Symphony, various law firms, private equity firms, accounting, and personal finance firms.
Tell us about yourself
I usually tell people I'm 80% photographer and 20% human. I am constantly thinking about the image, what I can do better, and what I can do differently. I work with an incredibly talented group of freelancers, and together, we like to make magic.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest high as a photographer was shooting for a car magazine in California. The CHP, California Highway Patrol, stopped traffic for short periods of time while I shot a car racing down Highway 1 along the beautiful California coast. The adrenaline rush was shooting in a moving car with an assistant holding onto me as I shot another car on the highway. Now, I photograph people and sometimes people in cars, but they are fashion shoots. I don't quite get that same adrenalin rush!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Faith. As a freelancer, you must believe in a lot of different things and have faith that you are going to be able to make beautiful images at the same time paying for your studio lease. I feel so lucky and full of gratitude that I live and work in an incredible space and have the best talent around me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Always do the best job you can. Don't cut corners or think it's good enough. Love what you do. Keep going.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.alibarmar.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisonbarnesmartinphotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alibarmar/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-barnes-martin/
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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