Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Cottrell, Owner of Cottrell Photographers, located in Jacksonville, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a professional headshot, business portrait, and branding photographer. My clients are individuals and corporations who always want a great first impression.
Tell us about yourself
I've always had a creative streak in me, and when I first photographed an old building in Cornwall, in the Southwest of the UK, with a disposable film camera and loved the results, I was hooked! From there, my love of art, photography, and how to make people look amazing has grown, and it really is the ability to keep learning and growing that motivates me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being published in various magazines, including WNC magazine and Jacksonville Magazine, and winning awards for my work is a pat on the back, but becoming a Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Certified photographer, a hard-earned accolade ensuring high standards of work for my clients is a huge accomplishment as there are not many Certified Professional Photographers in the industry.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Continual marketing, getting the right people to work with me to get my message out to the world and help prospective clients, corporate, or individuals find me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Understand how to market your business.
- Specialize and not be all things to everyone.
- Continually learn new things related to your business and strive to be the best in your industry.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cottrellphotographers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cottrellphotographers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cottrellphotographers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CottrellPhotog
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscottrellphotographer/
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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