We were lucky to catch up with Kim Hymes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kim , thanks for taking the time to share your stories 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?
Earning a full-time living from your creative work may seem like a pretty big mountain to climb but as with anything in life, perseverance is key to turning your creative passion into your full time job!
Many people find themselves with a hobby and turn it into a side gig, especially in today’s economy. Make a little extra money while doing something you love! But what if you want to turn that passion into your full time job. What does that look like? How do you make the switch from hobby to full time? How can you earn a living off your passion?
Some people will tell you it’s easier now, with youtube and social media to start and run a business. While the availability of information is easier I wouldn’t say it’s easy! In fact it’s a bit overwhelming to say the least. Information overload is real! Everyone is a mentor, everyone is a teacher these days and part of the problem is where to go and who to listen to.
Being creative and having the skills to create are only half the battle. You actually need to know how to run a sustainable business to be able to make a living. Most creatives shy away from the business aspects ,which will limit your success.
I am not an expert by any means, but I can tell you how I turned a photography passion into a full time career that not only replaces my teacher income but allows me to travel with my family.
Here is the step by step process I took that led me to a full time career in photography ( which took about 3-5 years )
1. Learn your craft. Practice, take classes, read, watch youtubes, join mentorships, shadow, attend styled shoots, hold model sessions. Learn how to use flash, off camera flash, different lighting. ( this process took 2 years! I had never even picked up a DSLR before but just had a passion for it and a desire to learn)
2. Open your LLC, a business bank account, get a CRM, figure out your CODB, obtain an accountant, get quickbooks, set up your website, branding, social media. ( This process was a few months to learn how to do everything and implement it)
3. Start charging once you have perfected your craft. ( this is a process, and while in the beginning your prices may be lower because you are still learning, you should always consider your CODB ( Cost of Doing Business). There are many photographers that are actually paying clients to work -yes you read that right!
4. If your wanting to get into weddings, attend or hold styled shoots, become and assistant.
4.Decide on your niche after you have done a little bit of everything if you don’t know what you want to do. You need to have a niche to be successful! You can’t and shouldn’t do it all! ( this process took about a year to figure out. I did a little of everything and said yes to a ton of things until I realized what was fun and what wasn’t.)
5. Develop your editing style with your niche if you haven’t already. Be consistent and define your style
6. Invest in better/professional equipment with the money your making after you have done your research of what you need/want. Dual memory card cameras( you need two cameras not matter your niche) flashes, off camera lighting, lenses and computers. ( this is ongoing as technology is constantly evolving and if you are a professional photographer, your cameras are needing to be updated due to wear and tear quite often.
7. Become a second shooter AFTER you have had a few weddings under your belt. This will help you fill up your calendar while practicing and watching how other photographers work and most photographers will allow you to share the work as long as they are tagged and after the album is sent out. Everyone has different rules, so please ready over your contract carefully.
8.Keep investing and Learning and pour all of your income back into your business. Do your research and invest in quality mentors and workshops. Invest in SEO, learn about good business practices. Invest in a better website if you have not already.
9. Hone in on your customer service. Create guides and streamline your workflow, hire assistants if needed, house cleaners, child care etc.
10.Make sure your charging your worth! You need to not only pay for your business expenses and your taxes, but you need to be making a living where you actually have enough money to live off of and save and invest!
Continue to take a look at your business and learn how to use tools that help you to decide where you need to improve. Always set aside money for new equipment and education.
Here are a few things I would have done differently;
I wish I would have invested in a better website and branding to begin with! It’s like starting all over from the beginning and is difficult when your busy with your current clients.
I was pretty naive in the business aspect and didn’t realize how much money it actually takes to run a photography business. It’s not as simple as just owning a camera and lens.
Owning your own business is harder than your 9-5 and if you let it, it will overtake your life. You can easily find yourself working all day and all night. Learning to take breaks and prioritize your mental and physical health is very important.
Investing in your business as a glance;
Start Up Costs for professional wedding photographer
Camera and Lighting Equipment
12-15,000.
website and branding, seo, copywriting
6-10,000.
Subscriptions for editing, running your business (yearly)
1000.00
Education – mentors- workshops (yearly)
3000.00
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?
Hi! I am Kim Hymes owner of Kim Hymes Photography. I am a timeless and classic wedding photographer based in the Atlanta area. I am actually located in between Atlanta and Athens Georgia but I am always up for an adventure and do travel. I have traveled as far away as Hawaii for a wedding!
Previously I worked as a teacher and turned a hobby into a full time wedding photography business. I am a wife and mom of four children ages 13-23. I love to travel , especially national parks and overseas! This past summer we were in Scotland!
I also love florals and gardens, the mountains, especially North Carolina. I also love the beach, our favorite is Santa Rosa Beach Florida. When our children were younger, we had a camper and camped at all the state parks in Georgia as well as some in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, South Carolina and Florida! It was one of the best things we did as a family.
I work with couples that want to enjoy their day and are focused on making memories with each other and loved ones. I capture genuine expressions and emotions as well as all the details from the day and create a visual story that it is timeless and classic. My editing is true to life and organic to your wedding day, meaning I am not light and airy or dark and moody. I use your venue and lighting to create a story that represents your day. If you choose a getting ready space with light walls and then follow up with a candle light reception I will work with your lighting to best reflect what you day looked like. I use natural light mostly during the day and use flash/ off camera flash during the night time. I realize couples put a lot of trust in their photographer to capture one of the most important days of their life. and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. I have invested in quality equipment along with backup equipment to minimize any risks. I am warm and genuine and I offer a calming presence on your wedding day. The teacher and mom in me is not afraid to direct and speak up when needed on your behalf.
I have been featured in many publications including Southern Bride Magazine and Atlanta Style Wedding Magazine.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I started my photography journey with one camera and lens my husband had. It was outdated but a full frame Canon. I used it to learn and practice with and as I started to charge I invested the money back into the business by buying updated equipment. Every time I made money, I put it right back into the business. I didn’t make a profit for the first two years at least.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My instagram has been a slow steady stream of organic followers. I try to give helpful tips that are useful to my audience. Instagram algorithms are always shifting, so I try not to get wrapped up on it and just use it to highlight my work. I try to keep something on my story always and I try to make a few reels every month, but mostly just show my work and give tips and interact with followers. There is definitely some room for improvement in this area and I plan on coming back to Tik Tok after a break.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kimhymesphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhymesphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kimhymesphotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-hymes-photography-atlanta-ga/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimhymesphotos
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kim-hymes-photography-hoschton?osq=kim+hymes+photography