We recently connected with Aaron & Jaclyn Ziefle and have shared our conversation below.

Aaron & Jaclyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success in our industry heavily relies on exceptional people skills and a welcoming personality. Establishing strong personal connections and building lasting relationships with clients is essential for cultivating returning clientele.

A key factor is the ability to confidently put yourself out there while minimizing self-doubt. We’ve often stepped outside of our comfort zones, whether by meeting new people, taking calculated risks, or collaborating with local companies. These efforts in fostering personal relationships have been pivotal in driving our business forward and achieving success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We are a husband-and-wife photography team based in Northeast Ohio, and we launched our photography business in late 2023. Since then, we’ve had the honor of being featured in the 2023/2024 edition of Through The Lens, a local Ashtabula County magazine. We’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with wedding vendors in the area and partner with local businesses to promote our hometown. Additionally, we’ve expanded our work to include boudoir photography, capturing intimate and empowering moments.

At the heart of our business is a commitment to providing high-quality photos at affordable prices. Our style is all about capturing the natural, everyday beauty of people and their relationships, focusing on the emotional and intimate moments that make each story unique.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth has consistently been our most effective source of new clients. Beyond recommendations from family, friends, and existing clients, we’ve also explored opportunities like “TFP” (Trade for Pictures). Through TFP, we collaborate with emerging or experienced models who participate in photoshoots in exchange for professional images.

This approach not only allows us to experiment with creative ideas and explore new styles before introducing them to potential clients, but it has also fostered valuable relationships. Many of our TFP models have transitioned into recurring clients who now book paid sessions, making it a mutually beneficial and innovative way to grow our business.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a photographer is capturing life’s special moments—images that people will cherish forever. A standout example is one of our newest clients, who has become a loyal, returning client since October 2024.

Initially, she was encouraged to try boudoir photography as a way to boost her self-confidence, foster self-love, and embrace herself as she is. During her first boudoir session, she was understandably nervous and uncertain about how to pose. However, as she continued to participate in multiple sessions, including our styled shoots, the experience has become almost therapeutic for her.

With every session, I’ve witnessed her growing confidence and self-assurance. She has become more comfortable in her own skin, allowing her true smile to shine through, replacing any lingering self-doubt with empowerment. Seeing her transformation and knowing we’ve played a part in her journey has been an incredibly fulfilling experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beyondtheoaksphotography.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondtheoaksphotography

Image Credits

Beyond The Oaks Photography