Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Blaire Ensing. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Blaire, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?
I am the sole owner and employee of Blaire Denae Photography. Unlike some photographers, I don’t own my own studio or office space; I work from home. Working from home has its challenges, but I love the flexibility it brings and how it has helped me stay disciplined in my workspace. I have created my own workspace in my home, which includes a desk, all of my camera gear, my favorite candle (of course), and various photos that keep me motivated throughout the day. I think it’s important to include a few of your favorite things in your workspace because they bring you joy and help you stay motivated. One of my favorite things on my desk is a photo of my fiancé and me at the beach together. It is easily visible throughout the day and brings me joy whenever I look at it.
One benefit of remote working is being able to take your job on the go. Sometimes I need a break from my desk, and one of my favorite things to do is take my work to a local coffee shop.I try to do this once a week because it helps stimulate my creativity and gives me something to look forward to. I don’t have the cost of renting an office, so spending a few dollars on coffee each week is very reasonable for the benefits it brings to my business. I’ve noticed many other business owners and remote employees doing the same, so it brings comfort knowing there are other remote workers in the community. I often pair up with another photographer or friend during these days which helps create a “coworker” atmosphere.
One challenge to working from home is the lack of community. I don’t have any coworkers alongside me throughout the day, nor do I meet with clients face-to-face every day. I look forward to the photo sessions I have, where I get to meet clients and capture their sweet stories, but I still prioritize other ways to engage in community. Being a part of my local church is very important to me. I am part of a women’s small group that meets weekly to discuss various topics and biblical passages. Paired with working at coffee shops, I’ve created my own sense of community. I think prioritizing other ways to engage in community is important as remote business owners, as we were created to be in community with one another.
Some non-obvious benefits to working remotely include getting to spend extra time with your pets, setting your own business hours, having lunch at home every day, and wearing comfy clothes whenever you’d like. I tend to still dress up as if I were going into an office because it helps me feel put together and successful for the day. Another way I make working at home successful is by listening to podcasts. I love listening to various people talk about important topics or stories while I edit photos. Not only am I learning something new, but this also helps me pass the time throughout the day.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I like to think of myself as an outgoing and kind person. I strive to serve those around me and show them the love of Christ. I am a Christian and my faith has become a huge part of my life. It has anchored me through the highs and lows of life and helped me pursue photography full-time. My family is also very important to me and a huge support to my business. My soon to be husband is my best friend and biggest encouragement. We’re getting married in 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited! As a wedding photographer, I’m excited to be the couple in front of the camera for a change! A little bit more about my business. From a young age, I would bring disposable cameras wherever I went. Snapping random photos along the way; I just had a passion for taking pictures. As I got older, I started taking photos in nature. Whether it was of the sunset, flowers, or the Lake Michigan shoreline, I loved capturing God’s beauty in creation. My dream as a child was to become a National Geographic photographer and travel the world with my camera in hand, capturing exotic animals and landscapes of different countries. Although I no longer focus on nature photography, I would still love to take my business outside of the US for a destination wedding, or styled session. I started my photography business in high school with family sessions and assisting in wedding photography. I began to build a portfolio and name which I displayed on my social media pages. Photography started out as a side hustle and hobby, but soon became my full-time job as a young adult. My weekends quickly filled up with wedding bookings for the 2023 season, and the Lord continued to provide session after session for me. In the summer of 2023, I made the decision to leave college and pursue a career in photography. I felt the Lord calling me to trust in Him through the process knowing He would continue to provide everything I needed. I was finally able to pursue my passion full-time. It was very nerve racking at first but through prayer and support of family and friends I had a very successful 2023 wedding season. On April 26, 2024, I made things official by registering my business as a limited liability company. Now I’m busier than ever and continue to give all my praises to God for gifting me with this passion and eye for photography. I’m so thankful for my family and friends who have supported and cheered me on along the way, as well as all the amazing clients I’ve gotten to capture.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I’m continually building my reputation as a new business owner and full-time photographer. One way I do this is through word of mouth. As a new photographer, it’s crucial that I share client experiences, and actively ask for reviews. By doing so, I can share their feedback on social media and spread the word about the amazing services I offer. Sharing client reviews helps build trust with potential clients because they can relate to past clients and imagine themselves in their shoes. Word of mouth marketing also doesn’t require extra costs associated with advertising. Another way I’ve built my reputation is by working alongside other photographers in the area. A great way to learn more about photography is through second shooting or assisting other wedding photographers. This allows you to meet other photographers in the industry and develop valuable skills about what it takes to be a wedding photographer. Before taking on my first wedding solo I worked alongside a few different photographers. This helped build my reputation, as my name was shared with other photographers who recommended me to clients they couldn’t book due to scheduling conflicts. Lastly, one of the most essential ways to build credibility and reputation as a photographer is to publish your work through a website or social media platform. It’s important to showcase your work because it gives potential clients the opportunity to see your shooting and editing style. Rarely will clients want to book with you if they haven’t seen what they’re getting. It’s like hiring an interior designer for a kitchen remodel without seeing examples of their previous work. You want to view photos of their past projects to understand the quality and style you can expect. In the same way, publishing your photos online allows clients to know exactly how their photos will look.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As an artist, the photos I create hold meaning and emotion. I strive to help my clients relive the memories captured in the photos I deliver. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of so many milestones in others’ lives—such as their wedding day, pregnancy announcement, senior year of high school, and the arrival of a newborn. The joy on my clients’ faces excites me and reminds me of the ways God is working in their lives. I aim to capture candid, authentic moments during each session, showcasing the raw beauty of life because not everything is posed. Hearing positive feedback from clients is also incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that they love their photos and that they are exactly what they hoped for is priceless. It keeps me motivated to continue shooting weddings, seniors, and family sessions. Another rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the growth my business is having. When I started, I never dreamed I’d be as profitable as I am today. It’s so rewarding seeing all my hard work pay off and to reach the goals I’ve set for myself. I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today without God’s faithfulness in my life and the support of my family and friends. At the end of the day, the most rewarding part of my work is capturing life’s best moments that tell a beautiful story about my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blairedenaephotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blairedenae_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Blaire-Denae-Photography-100083200748701/
