We recently connected with Shannon Matlock and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shannon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
The most important aspect of earning a full time living from your creative work is putting as much time into the business of your art as the art itself. While I do earn a full time living now, it was not always that way. I worked part time as an assistant photographer while I was a student and for some time after. I used the extra time to do my own photography work and learn while making extra money. The hands on experience was invaluable to me. I spent time working under other entrepreneurs and saw how to do what I wanted to do firsthand. I also continued to educate myself through industry leaders. I did a lot of online workshops. When I felt ready, I started my own photography company. It was a journey with a huge learning curve. I was persistent. It was when I decided on a brick and mortar studio that I really started to take a hard look at numbers. As an artist, one may find it hard to place a value on the art. I learned to look at things from a business point of view and based on the numbers, I doubled my prices. How could I have gotten here sooner? I only wish I had had more confidence, valued my time more and become active in my community sooner. That has been a big key to my success.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I began my photographic journey in the mall. Humble beginnings! I will say that job taught me so much more than basic studio portrait photography. I learned communication and customer service skills. That is one of the most important part of being a portrait photographer. My clients are busy moms with families. Booking and planning for family portraits shouldn’t be so hard there is a meme about it. When I opened the Arrowhead Photo portrait studio, I wanted it to be a one stop shop for families with young children. We have so much fun! From new siblings, to birthdays, princess photo shoots and Santa Claus, I really have the best job. 99% of the kids leave with smiles. I joke that the other 1% just doesn’t want to leave. Then the fun really starts! My real passion is in printed portraits. Nothing comes close to the feeling of holding that perfect pose or expression in your hand. I’ll stand on my soapbox all day and talk about how technology fails us all the time but a well cared for portrait is forever. I mean, are you looking at old pictures on a floppy disc? If the last few years has taught us anything, it’s don’t wait. Update that family portrait!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Treating my clients like family. My google reviews tell the story. I try to really go out of my way for the families that hire me. Being a portrait photographer, especially a newborn photographer is a very intimate exchange. Parents are trusting you with this precious little life. They are in a very vulnerable state a lot of the time. I bring a caring and supportive vibe to all my interactions and communications. I think some creatives may put to much of themselves into the art, and may forget to also be of service. On the flip slide of that some people might be surprise to find out just how attached portrait artists are to their work. There is so much competition in the photography industry, focusing on experience and how I treat people sets me apart.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I’ve found the best way to grow clientele in the photography world to be fostering personal relationships. Whether it be connecting with clients or partnering with other small business owners, getting to know people in my community has brought me the most referrals. I love to do collaborative promotional events with other small businesses who share my same target client. It’s always a fun way to give back to the community and meet people who may turn into a future client or refer me to a friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arrowheadphototx.com/
- Instagram: @arrowheadphoto_TX and www.instagram.com/
arrowheadphoto_TX - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arrowheadphotoTX
Image Credits
Arrowhead Photo