We were lucky to catch up with Sally Whetten recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sally, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
As a mother and a photographer specializing in capturing the precious moments of babies and families, I hold a deep belief in providing more than just digital files. In an industry where the debate over digital versus printed products continues on, I stand firm in my conviction that offering tangible, printed photographs is crucial. Why? Because I understand the chaotic reality of motherhood. Despite the best intentions, busy moms often find themselves overwhelmed with the demands of daily life, and the task of printing and displaying digital photos can easily slip down the never-ending to-do list.
My own experience as a bride solidified this belief. When my wedding photographer offered us the option to purchase a beautiful album, I declined, convinced I could create one myself later on. But as life unfolded and priorities shifted, seven years passed before I finally attempted to make that album. The regret I felt in that moment, realizing I had missed the chance to preserve those precious memories in a professionally crafted keepsake, has stayed with me. It’s a lesson I carry with me in my photography journey—to provide my clients with tangible prints, ensuring their memories are not only preserved but also displayed in a way that truly honors the love and joy of those moments. Because in the end, it’s not just about capturing moments—it’s about preserving the love, laughter, and joy of those fleeting moments in a way that touches hearts and brings smiles for generations to come.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Like many other mom photographers, my journey into this business began with a simple desire—to capture beautiful moments of my own children as they grew. As my photography skills improved, friends began to notice and asked me to take pictures of their children as well. What started as a hobby quickly blossomed into a passion. When economic circumstances required me to seek employment outside the home, I made the decision to turn my love for photography into a full-fledged business.
Over the years, my business has evolved from offering basic and affordable services to providing my clients with exquisite professional products and a full-service experience. As a mother myself, I understand the challenges and stresses that can accompany family portrait sessions. That’s why my goal has become to offer an all-inclusive experience for my clients, alleviating the stress of decisions like what to wear and what to do with the photos afterwards. I want the process of capturing and displaying family portraits to be as seamless and enjoyable as possible for my clients, so they can focus on cherishing these moments with their loved ones.
In addition to providing an top-notch experience, I strive to keep my photography style simple and classic. I believe in timeless elegance, opting for minimalist compositions and neutral colors that will stand the test of time and never go out of style. By avoiding trendy props and bright colors, I ensure that my clients’ portraits will remain timeless treasures that they can proudly display in their homes for years to come.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My journey into entrepreneurship as a motherhood photographer was born out of necessity and caused me to make a huge pivot in my life. I had always envisioned myself as a stay-at-home mom, dedicated to raising my six children.
However, when the recession hit several years ago, the harsh reality of financial strain forced me to reconsider my plans. With six kids to care for, the thought of leaving them to work a traditional job was simply too painful, not to mention the added expense of childcare.
I knew I needed a flexible solution that would allow me to contribute to my family finances while still being present for my children’s milestones and everyday moments.
Driven by the desire to create a life that aligned with my values, I turned to my love of photography as a potential avenue for income. Investing countless hours into learning the ins and outs of starting and running a business, I combined my need to help my family with my passion for capturing moments of love and connection. It wasn’t easy, and there were many challenges along the way, but with determination and perseverance, I slowly built my photography business from the ground up.
Transitioning from a stay-at-home mom to an entrepreneur was a transformative journey—one that required me to embrace uncertainty, adapt to new challenges, and continuously strive for growth.
Through it all, my children remained my driving force, inspiring me to build a business that not only helped provide for our family but also allowed me to be fully present in their lives.
Today, as I document the beautiful moments of motherhood for my clients, I’m grateful for the opportunity to combine my entrepreneurial skills with my love for photography, creating a fulfilling career that honors both my professional ambitions and my commitment to motherhood.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Building strong relationships with my clients and fostering brand loyalty are essential aspects of my business as a motherhood photographer. I believe in the power of connection and strive to keep in touch with my clients long after our initial session.
Utilizing social media platforms, I provide glimpses into both my business and personal life, allowing clients to see the heart and soul behind the lens. By sharing behind-the-scenes moments, client testimonials, and certain aspects of my personal life, I create a sense of transparency and authenticity that strengthens the bond between myself and my clients.
In addition to social media engagement, I stay connected with my clients through email newsletters. These newsletters serve as a valuable tool for keeping clients informed of special events, promotions, and opportunities to work with me again. Whether it’s announcing mini-session dates, sharing photography and parenting tips, or offering exclusive special events, I ensure that my clients feel valued and informed every step of the way.
It is also important that I maintain a consistent style in my work, both in photography and branding, so that when clients return for future sessions, they can expect the same level of quality and cohesion that they have come to know and love. This consistency not only enhances the overall client experience but also ensures that my work looks stunning when displayed in their homes for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sallywhettenphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallywhettenphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swhettenphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-whetten-b443013a/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sally-whetten-photography-mesa?osq=sally+whetten+photography&override_cta=Request+quote+%26+availability
Image Credits
sally whetten photography