We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Spruill recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the photography industry is digital photography. I absolutely love digital cameras. I also love film. With the change to digital though came some challenges. Everyone now has access to instant photos, whether it’s with a camera they just bought, or their cell phone. A mentor of mine mentioned that this generation is the most photographed in history, but there is very little physical proof. Meaning, we take thousands of pictures, but most of them live in our phone, computer or flash drives. A big part of my job is educating people to print photos and get them on the walls or in albums. Files can become corrupt in many ways, making these precious memories disappear. I love being able to share why it’s so important to get photos that bring you joy to the walls of your home.

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’ve loved photography as far back as I can remember. My dad always had a camera wherever we went. I was given his camera equipment when I expressed interest in learning. I went on the take photography classes and learning how to develop film and print my own photos. I majored in Art with an emphasis in photography. This love was always part of me. I remember not wanting to stay in the field because there was so much competition. I just wanted to take photos. So it stayed a hobby. People would eventually start hiring me to do photos of events or portraits and that reignited my joy.

I recently discovered why my mission, to photograph horses and their people, was so important to me. We never know how long the people or animals in our life will be with us. I had a horse, she was my heart horse, and had to put her down fairly suddenly because of a spinal cord issue. The only portraits I had of her and I were from a year prior when I asked a photographer friend to take some for an art show I was in. I was devastated when I had to say goodbye to her. From that point on, my passion became more about equine photography.

There are a lot of photographers taking gorgeous photos only to put them online or on a flash drive. When I sit with a client, I want them to visualize walking into a room and seeing gorgeous images of themselves with their horses displayed in wall art that will last for generations. I think it’s so important for the people we leave behind when it’s our turn to say goodbye too. Those portraits will be how people remember us.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives struggle to understand how hard it is for creatives to charge appropriately for their art. We struggle to ask for a price that will sustain our craft so we can continue to create. One of the most defeating things to deal with is when people ask for, or assume they’ll get, a discount. As a photographer, I’ve spent many years learning and practicing my craft so that I can deliver a quality experience and end product.

As a photographer, I pay for insurance, equipment and ongoing education. When you hire me, you are getting an expert in the field. You get someone who knows how to use their equipment and has a back up plan if things don’t go as planned. You also get an art director, fashion consultant, interior decorator and art installer!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding things I get from being a photographer is being able to unlock confidence in my clients. As the photo session rolls on, my clients become more and more confident and their light shines brighter. Then, after the session, when they come in for their reveal, they get to experience the joy one more time. If I can get my clients to cry tears of joy, I know I’ve done my job. After they order their art, they get to experience joy again as they see me hang the portraits they knew they needed to have!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethspruillportraiture.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethspruillportraiture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethSpruillPortraiture/