We recently connected with Annette Gray and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Annette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a time you helped a customer really get an amazing result through their work with you.

Around December 2022 I had a young lady reach out to me wanting to take Christmas pictures of her twin daughters. We booked the mini special I was running and maybe a week before her appointment she reached out again stating she needed to cancel due to recently losing her job. After praying about the situation I messaged her informing her I wanted to do the session and it was a Christmas gift from me to her. So the client, her daughters and their dad came and I gave them the same customer service experience as a paying customer would receive. When they received their images she was ecstatic and promised to return for her girls six month session. March of 2023 came and it was time for her to book the twins six month photoshoot. My client messaged me to inform me that she was ready to schedule but it would only be for one twin because the other passed January 2023. Once it was time for the photoshoot I made sure to pay tribute to the twin that passed. After mom received the pictures she was filled with joy that I was able to incorporate both twins in the photoshoot. I was more grateful that I listened to God’s instructions and did the Christmas session because mom would have never had professional pictures of her girls together.

Annette, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was previously a manager of Walmart portrait studios for about five years but left to go work in the corporate field. During the pandemic when businesses were laying people off I thought about what makes me happy and how can I have more control of my situation. So March 2020 I stepped out on faith and purchased a camera, lighting equipment, a few props and leased a space to start my journey of entrepreneurship. I’ve always loved photography because once a person is gone memories like pictures are what we have to look back on. I shoot portrait photography and after being in my original studio for two years I was able to move into a bigger location with more clientele. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph people from many different paths and perfect my craft every chance get. I think I have become the theme photographer because clients tell me their vision and I recreate it on a higher scale than what they expected. I am dedicated to providing long lasting memories, exceptional customer service, as well as quality photographs to every individual. I pride myself on getting to know all my clients on a personal and professional level. I make each photoshoot affordable to clients of all backgrounds. I’m most proud of the reactions I get after clients see their images because it makes me happy to see others happy. I feel what sets me apart from other photographers is I do this with passion and love. I keep things professional but treat my clients like family. I want everyone to feel comfortable in their skin and be proud of their unique beauty. I challenge myself daily to become better rather its shooting the right angles, lighting, creating individual props, or editing. I want to be the best version of me for not only myself but my clients.

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

I built my audience on social media with family and friends first. I constantly interact by posting pictures, specials, contests and involve my audience by asking what type of photoshoots they want to see. I also offer a discount for leaving honest reviews not only to better my business but to allow others to see what kind of individual I am. I create videos of me setting up for shoots like before and after. I am apart of many different photography groups to showcase my work. My advice is to post everyday, the more people see you and your personality the more referrals and business you receive because they feel like they know you even if you never met.

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

The best source of new clients have come from word of mouth. People will recommend you when they see others have a need for your services.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/focusedxpressionsphotography?igshid=NGExMmI2YTkyZg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusedxpressionsphotography?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photo credit: Focused Xpressions Photography Photo credit: Heather Cheatham Photography (image of me)