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

Gillian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I worked for a successful photographer in Tampa Bay and he was very professional with each gig he had. He showed up early every time and focused on the client’s needs throughout the process. And I’ve just observed successful business people my whole life. They show up on time and take their work seriously. So I make my reliability a top priority. I show up early and I make myself available with any questions or concerns a client has before or after the photo session. I have worked with people in the industry who have lost the excitement and enthusiasm for capturing beautiful moments in their clients’ lives, and I believe the clients can really feel that too. I want my clients to have fun and relax while we’re shooting, so I love to connect with them and make them comfortable. Photography should be fun and I tell my clients that we can try creative shots, poses, and angles. If it doesn’t translate to a stunning photograph, no harm, no foul. But if we do create something unique and captivating together, it’s so rewarding for both of us.

Gillian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into photography after my brother passed away. It was a wake up call, where I realized I want to pursue my passion now. Life is so precious and somewhat fleeting for all of us. And I truly love this line of work to the point where it doesn’t even feel like work. I think my appreciation for the craft of photography comes through to the clients as well. I am most proud of how I treat my clients because I value and appreciate them and their experience, and I will do right by them. For example, I am photographing a surprise engagement tonight, so I’m meeting with the client separately beforehand to review the logistics and make sure I’m perfectly positioned to maintain the surprise, but also able to capture her look of excitement and joy. I did another surprise proposal a couple of days ago, and I met with the client’s mom to get the “Will You Marry Me?” sign and accompanying decorations and and I went to the beach early and staged the proposal. And people really appreciate when a photographer goes the extra mile to make the session go smoothly. I get so many repeat clients, and I’m sure it’s because I work hard to make the entire experience enjoyable for them.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is simply the enjoyment I get from creating art every day. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to pursue my passion full-time. Before I learned the craft, I used to look at professional photographers with such awe and admiration. I realized I felt such respect for photographers because they were doing what I wanted to do with my career. So I did it! I took the leap. Tracee Ellis Ross said, “I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.” And that’s the type of attitude I have towards photography. When taking the leap to become a professional creative, it’s not courage or fear, it’s courage and fear. And with each accomplishment, I gain confidence in my abilities. My relationships with my repeat clients are essential and rewarding. In addition, no matter how many photo shoots I’ve directed, I’m always learning. I learn through other photographers, business partners, my clients, and my own experience. I will learn every day that I’m on earth and that’s so satisfying.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best source for new clients is word of mouth. For example, a friend of mine owns a local hair salon and she hired me for an event. She loved the photos and refers me to clients of hers all the time now. The growth of my business has felt very organic, which is a blessing. It’s been so many new clients and opportunities that I am constantly working to keep up with it all at my standard of professionalism. I’m very protective of my brand because it represents my hard work and creativity, so it is incredibly precious to me. I will only take on projects where I know I can successfully deliver amazing photographs, and this strong internal drive keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gillianphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilliancripp/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillian.crippen

Image Credits

Gillian Photography