Side-Hustle Series: Interview with Photographer, Denise

I am enjoying interviewing professionals and mom bosses about their line of work or their side hustles. Today I am sharing an interview with Denise, who runs her own photography business.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business. Why did you select it and how did you get started?

I’m a wife and mom of 2 girls, 20 and 12. I have been working full time ever since my first daughter was born. I have always loved taking pictures. I always took lots of pictures of my kids – and everything else. I started to get a little creative with the way I was taking pictures of them and posting them on Facebook. I had a few people tell me they would pay me to take pictures of their families. That is how I got started. I made a Facebook group of friends and family and offered cheap photo shoots. I learned anything I could watching free online tutorials. I taught myself Lightroom. Over the past 4 years, I have started taking more involved online workshops.

 

Describe what you do and what you sell for those of us not familiar with your line of work or product. 

When I am not working my full-time office job, I am a part-time photographer with my own business. I take a limited amount of sessions a year because I can only work on the weekends and I also do not have a studio. At this time I am not looking to get one either. I prefer to use natural light and work outdoors only. I mainly take photos of children, family, and seniors. I have been working into more stylized portrait sessions as well. Those are my favorite.

I am located far west of Chicago. If you are near there or want to travel a bit, come see me! I would love to take portraits you can cherish for many years!

 

What are some of your favorite things about what you do?

I love taking pictures. Meeting new people, seeing some people I have not seen in a very long time. I like to try to make my sessions fun. I also love to try looking for new locations to work with.

 

What are some challenges of this business?

Getting new clients. This is a heavily saturated business at the moment. Working full time makes it very hard for me to offer any weekday options for my clients or even take on sessions such as newborns or even weddings. Those are things I have tried but did not work for me at this time.

 

For someone interested in what you do, can you share what to expect as far as earning potential and effort?

At this time, I do not earn a lot of money doing this. Nor do I need to as it is supplemental income and it is also something I just love to do. The potential could be a decent income. You really would have to make it a full-time job and have a lot of clients.

 

What does it take for someone to get started with their own side hustle in your line of work?

You have to love what you do and put in the time and effort. Starting up can be slow. Make sure you have some knowledge about what you are doing before you start.

 

Anything else you would like to tell us about your business?

My business is going into its 5th year in 2018. I have had a lot of struggles. I’m going to just keep going and see where it takes me next!

 

If you’re interested in learning more about photography, visit her website Photography by Denise Ann or her Facebook Page.

If you would like to be interviewed for my side hustle series, please fill out this form.