Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dezirae Webster, Founder of Dez’s Golden Moments, located in Twain Harte, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a freelance photographer who specializes in capturing authentic & real moments exchanged between couples, families & pets!
Tell us about yourself
I first got intrigued with photography by an old friend’s boyfriend (at the time). He would capture such captivating photos that would make you feel things. Whether it was a happy feeling or dark, you felt the emotion of the image. I wanted to do that! I wanted to learn to capture such images that made you feel something that told a story in a single image or a series. So since then, I’ve continued to learn & grow in my craft to achieve that within my work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment in my career life wouldn’t be the time I got the cover of a rad photography magazine, although that was pretty cool, but the number of clients who have turned into friends who continue to book with me time & time again. From the very beginning to now. From charging $20 to now $450! Their loyalty & value in my artistry means the absolute world to me. After doubting my style, thinking I’m not good enough compared to x & x. They chose me to capture their life moments & in that, I am forever feeling accomplished.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Gosh, learning that it’s okay to have more than one editing style because that’s what photography is all about! Especially if my niche is to resemble film. If you go shopping for film, you’re usually looking for a specific roll because each one captures color & light very differently, but all capture a mood like no other. Isn’t that beautiful? Now, who says that the same thing can’t be applied to digital? Some photographers argue that you must have one consistent style, so your potential or booked clients know what to expect in their photos, but I say the heck with it! Make it known on your website, communicate with your clients on how they prefer the editing to look & have fun with it! Each session is so different in itself that I find editing to which I see the vibe (and what the client wants, of course) gives me a sense of creativity I started to lose with having just one consistent style to edit.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you want to start up a photography business, I recommend not only learning your camera & shooting in manual mode first but know the laws of your state, having a lawyer check to make sure your contracts are legally binding, paying the money for software like HoneyBook, & most importantly, don’t take on paid clients if you aren’t filed under the IRS & have insurance yet. Practice with family & friends first!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dezsgoldenmoments.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaccy.chan153
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaccy.chan/
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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