Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kim Forrester, an award-winning published photographer based in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I specialize in at-home maternity, family, and baby photos across Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and the Lower Mainland. I use a mobile studio and natural lifestyle photography to capture your pregnancy and precious first days with your new baby in a meaningful, organic, timeless way. Our premium in-home photo shoot experience includes hair & makeup, client closet access, fine art printing, custom wall art, and album design.
Tell us about yourself
In 2013, I was diagnosed with a painful orthopedic condition that prevented me from continuing my corporate job as an assistant to the camera buyer at Best Buy Canada. I had worked so hard to get there through years of assistant managing retail stores while working towards my degree via distance education. This condition affected me for 2.5 years. I could no longer sit or stand comfortably for prolonged periods. I couldn't drive or do many of the activities I loved. Financially, my husband and I took a massive hit while I waited for a surgery that was only offered by two specialists with extremely long waiting lists. We put off our plans for buying a home, traveling, and starting a family.
I felt trapped by my condition, and I hit rock bottom. After a pep talk from my husband, I picked up my entry-level DSLR and learned it inside out, carried it on my doctor-prescribed daily walks, and kept my mind fresh by offering quick photo shoots for friends. I started assisting and second-shooting other photographers just so I could learn more. My camera became my therapy, physically and emotionally.
After my surgery in 2016, I dove right into starting my own business and got a job with the photography company based in BC Women's Hospital, where I went on to photograph over 1000 babies for over two years!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
After only two months in business, it was apparent that I had entered a highly competitive field saturated with "momtographers" and many newborn studios that had been in business for years. I knew I had to position myself differently, so I was offering something unique and valuable to new families. I learned that many families were not up to trekking to a studio with a new baby and that most didn't have the time or energy to print their professional photos. When they did, they were shiny, orange, 4x6 prints from their local lab.
I developed a setup and system that would allow me to travel to clients' homes as a full-service, mobile newborn studio and have them select their favourite images through virtual or in-person proofing images so I could have them printed or developed into a gorgeous heirloom album or fine arts prints.
Since starting the business, I've had two babies, one just this year, and my family has experienced some new challenges that coincide with the pandemic that most small business owners are struggling through. However, my unique business model and determination as an entrepreneur helped me achieve my busiest year to date.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You have to do it all! Not only focusing on the creative but marketing, accounting, administration, etc. As a small business owner, you take on every role within the business, so managing your time can be challenging. Thankfully, with the growth of my business, I've been lucky enough to be able to contract work out and build an amazing team. This has enabled me to focus on the areas I need to and pass along tasks and responsibilities.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your worth. I see a lot of photographers that are undercharging and burning out. Costing your business so it's sustainable is important.
- You can't do it all. If you can outsource or take on contractors, do it! You may think this is costing you money, but in truth, it's allowing you to focus on what you need to in order to grow your business.
- Don't be afraid of change. You have to start somewhere, and as your business grows, so will you. Don't be afraid to change your model, and remember; it's a work in progress. I've learnt so much along the way, and from what I started with to where I am now is vastly different.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kimforresterphotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimforresterphotography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimforresterphotography/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimforresterph
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kim-forrester-photography/
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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