Keeping It Honest, Capturing Your Life

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christy Swanberg, Founder of Christy D Swanberg Photography, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

I am an international wedding and portrait photographer based out of the Calgary, AB, area. My approach to photography is being authentic is the best way to capture someone with a camera. I tend to guide folks on how to be themselves regardless of my camera gear in front of them. I want them to feel and look their best.

Tell us about yourself

I decided to be a photographer when I was pregnant with my son over twelve years ago. I wanted a job I could work from home while still caring for my family. As I began to see my clientele grow, I decided that I wanted not just to capture people or events in others' lives but to show them just how amazing and beautiful their lives are right now, furthermore, in a world where we are criticized for being too thin or too overweight or too old, etc. I want to ensure anyone who steps in front of me with my camera that they are worthy, matter, and I will make them feel at ease.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

With a lot of patience and guidance from other photographer industry professionals and small business entrepreneurs, I have overcome a recession and a pandemic, and somehow I am more successful than ever before. I am honored to be able to help support my family with my career as a photographer and a creative.

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

The ability to choose when to work and when to not accept work has been the hardest lesson to learn. I never expected to succeed but to fail. So, when I was growing my business, and it was succeeding, I had to learn not to overwork and miss out on my own personal life. I had to try to keep it all in a state of balance. It is something I choose to have a priority in my daily practices.

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

You must save for the future you want for your business. You must pay yourself always, and you are your brand a thousand percent of the time. Whether you are traveling abroad, at the local grocery store, or on a date with your partner, people are watching how you conduct yourself and what you share of your life. So, be the best person you can be as if everyone is watching.

Community and local support has been a huge asset to my life and business. So often, we get caught up in our daily work-life that we forget to come up for air and meet other entrepreneurs like ourselves in our communities. This is where the most important connections must be made. Where do you shop? Where do you spend time? How do you want to support others like you is vital to feeling connected and supported? We all need a community to belong to because owning a business is one of the hardest jobs to be successful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cdsweddings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristyDSwanbergPhotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christydswanbergphoto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CDSwanberg

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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