Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nina Ferentinos, owner of Nina Ferentinos Photography, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Have you ever had a customized photo session where everything is tailored to you and your family? If not, I am happy to assist. When you book with me, nothing is impossible.
Want your family on the top of the mountain or at the beach? Let's plan for it. Want to replace that ten-year-old canvas over the fireplace with an updated one that shows your beautiful family. Let's do it. Don't know what to wear for your photoshoot? I will come to your house, and I will go over your clothes in your wardrobe with you! You want to look your best on that special photo shoot day? Just say the word, my session fee covers the service of a hair- and makeup artist that comes to the place of your choice.
And at the end, I help you choose the best images and even hang your artwork in your home at your favorite spot. That's what my clients call the "worry-free photography experience." They value high-quality artwork and outstanding service.
Tell us about yourself
Born and raised in northern Germany, I grew up with a lot of discipline and the belief that everyone can achieve everything if they work hard enough. It took me several years to find out what the one thing I am willing to work on every day without getting tired. When I got my first camera (a gift from my husband 😃), I could not stop trying it out. Soon after, I took my first workshop to learn how to take better pictures. Then, people started asking me to take their family pictures. I learned how to guide and pose them in a connecting way. When I realized how valuable my work is and how important it is to capture a moment that will never be the same, everything changed for me.
I now offer a complimentary consultation in my home studio and also an in-person ordering session, where my clients get to choose their favorite images on a big screen, and we decide together what WALL ART we create together and in which size. There is no guesswork anymore, and my clients appreciate that customized service and are happy to come back the next time they need to update their pictures or headshots for their business.
The positive feedback and the tears in my customers' eyes when they see their images for the first time motivate me every day to keep doing what I love.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Returning clients and great referrals. Is there anything better than clients who come back year after year and also tell their friends how great their experience was?
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say that wearing ALL the hats is one of the most difficult parts when you start your own business. I only knew how to take pictures, everything else I had to learn from scratch. I don't have any role models since nobody in my family ever was an entrepreneur. Now I find support in networking groups and enjoy sharing successes and failures with other business owners. I even help other photographers improve their businesses by sharing the insight I have already earned. My belief is that community is more important than competition and that there are enough customers out there for everyone.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be patient. There is no such thing as an overnight success!!!
- Do the work. Every day. Hustle. Work for free just to get your name out there. Show up, even if you don't feel like it. Network hard. Give a lot, and you will get a lot in return.
- You don't grow in your comfort zone. I step out of my comfort zone every single day because I know that I either learn something or meet someone or see something that helps me grow my business or grow as a human being. And next time, it is not as scary anymore.
- Always keep in touch with existing clients. They already know your prices and how it is working with you. They are your biggest assets, and if you do it right, they will always come back to you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ninaferentinos.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinaFerentinosPhotography/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninaferentinosphotography/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-ferentinos/
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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