We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Robles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberly below.

Hi Kimberly, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

My first paying client was a wedding photography client. I was in college in a tiny town where there was a little coffee hut that I used to frequent. I befriended the owner, and one day I came in for my coffee and she asked me “hey – would you want to shoot a wedding?” Her niece was engaged and found out she was pregnant and due on her wedding date, so they decided to move their wedding date up. The family friend who had planned on taking photos for them was no longer available, so I agreed to do it. Their budget was $200. I was SO NERVOUS to be capturing such a significant moment for someone, but so excited that they would trust me to do it. It was such a special day, and the photos actually turned out pretty good in light of me having had very minimal experience. (I think I had second shot a couple of weddings with another photographer previously) I’m thankful for such kind clients to trust me and pay me that first check!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been doing photography as a hobby for as long as I can remember. I believe I asked for my first digital camera for Christmas when I was 12. In 2014 I got a DBA and started pursuing photography as a career. I have also done illustration and graphic design intermittently through the years. (I also have a few side hustles, one being a greeting card company that I run with a business partner) My main focus until this year was portraits and weddings, and I got to shoot all over the United States and in Mexico. I absolutely loved the process of storytelling for my clients! When COVID hit, my momentum in the wedding space tanked, and it was about that time that I decided I wanted to pursue more work in the commercial space. Food and product photography was something I had always enjoyed but never focused on, so I decided that the change in momentum meant it was the right time. I officially re-branded and re-launched my business at the beginning of 2023, with a focus on commercial food and product work.

Throughout my career, I’ve read countless blogs, listened to tons of podcasts, etc. that have all advised the need for finding your niche. While I don’t disagree with this advice, I’m very thankful that I didn’t follow it before now, because having a very broad range of experience has had a major impact on my skills and artistic perspective. Shooting weddings has allowed me to hone my storytelling skills and to develop the ability to manage any scenario of lighting or less than ideal shooting conditions. Graphic design has taught me to look for contrast, color, and other important elements of composition.
I believe this is what makes me valuable as a photographer – the ability to adapt to changing situations, handle unique creative briefs and communicate with a broad range of people.

Ultimately as I grow my business, my hope is to get to work on larger-scale projects with the opportunity to be creative and innovative as a photographer!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I read and implemented the strategy from Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, and it really changed the game for me. Dividing out my finances and ensuring that the right money goes to the right place BEFORE re-investing in the business has helped me manage my spending and create a sustainable income for myself.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think as someone in a service-based business, I’ve found that I just can’t assume that I understand what people really mean at first glance. Often people are approaching me who have no experience in photography whatsoever, so they are trying to communicate in a field they’re uninformed about. A big part of my growth as a professional has been learning to be a better listener and ask my clients better questions to ensure that the project truly supports my client’s goals and vision. (even when they initially ask for something but don’t know what they’ve asked for. haha)

Contact Info:

• Website: greenhouse-creative.com
• Instagram: @greenhouse_creative
• Facebook: @greenhousecreative

Image Credits
All images belong to Greenhouse Creative