Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Derek Bissonnette, Owner of DB Food Photo, located in Saco, ME, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a food, beverage, and product photographer. My clients are both local and national brands.
Tell us about yourself
I am a former chef of over two decades, from bakeries to 3 Michelin-starred restaurants. I always enjoyed making food look great on a plate, and it's a refreshing industry change to do it through a new medium. I stepped out of the kitchen to focus on my photography, and I have published 6 cookbooks since and welcomed many clients into my commercial kitchen studio in Saco, Maine.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating something out of nothing. I am a self-taught photographer, and since opening my business, I have written and photographed several cookbooks and have shot photographs for national campaigns, including billboards, images for the sides of a tractor-trailer, promotional pictures presented at sports arenas, and many more.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Wearing many hats. I am a one-man show, except for some shoots that require additional freelancers. I both run the finances of my business, the bookings, the pre/post work, the imagery, food styling, prop styling, etc. Being able to think quickly on my feet has been a gift that kitchen work gives you.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay organized, and don't procrastinate. What could seem like a simple day can get complicated with additional tasks that come your way.
- Decide on your business plan and stick to it. Businesses can ebb and flow. Don't change your course of action if you hit a lull. Stick through your mission until it's time to change, and that usually means growth.
- If possible, have some alternate income. It usually takes years to profit from your business, and if you can at least pay your bills, you're doing GREAT.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dbfoodphoto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derek.bissonnette.923
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbfoodphoto/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-bissonnette-0a76105b/
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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