We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Bennish recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Vanessa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

As a wedding photographer and creative business owner, you wear more hats than is ever imaginable.

Photographer. Editor. Social Media Manager. Web Designer. Bookkeeper. Accountant. Stylist.

One of the best ways I have invested in myself and in my business is by learning when to outsource tasks that do not require my personal touch. It is overwhelming to do it all alone, and your clients will get the best version of you when you are not spread too thin. Whether this means outsourcing tasks in your personal life, like cleaning or cooking, and/or outsourcing business tasks, such as blogging and tax preparation, it can make all the difference in the world.

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?

I am a Maryland-based wedding and portrait photographer for ALL wildly in-love partners. My clients’ love stories + memories mean the world to me, and it is my greatest joy to be able to capture and immortalize them for years to come. My style can be described as warm, earthy, and joyful, and I aim to create a photoshoot experience centered around kindness, openness, and comfortability.

I studied photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, but knew from early on that I wanted to pursue wedding photography. My own special relationship with my now-husband sparked the desire to capture these precious moments for others.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My two primary sources of new client inquires are Instagram and client/vendor referrals. By utilizing Instagram’s hashtags, location services, and by tagging applicable vendors and venues, I have been able to connect with so many wonderful couples exploring those channels to find the right photographer fit for their wedding day. By serving my clients and fellow vendors well, they share and refer my services organically by word-of-mouth to engaged friends and clients.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I once took a mentorship course from photography business coaches Amy & Jordan Demos, and they said that social media is like preparing a slow cook crockpot meal, not an instant microwave meal. Keep putting in good ingredients consistently, and you will end up with a wonderful meal in the end. It just takes time. And they were right! Keep posting consistently, sharing behind the scenes, and interacting with your following and the organic growth will come. The number of your followers is less important than the number of followers who are actually engaged in your services and what you are sharing.

Contact Info:

• Website: vanessabennish.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessabennishphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vebphotography
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj7hJzxF9gLXHLNKsfn-S-w

Image Credits
Vanessa Bennish Photography