Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Miles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. So, we’d appreciate if you could open up about your growth story and the nitty, gritty details that went into scaling up.

How I Scaled My Photography Business: Lessons from the Journey

Starting a photography business was one of the most exciting and challenging decisions I’ve ever made. What began as a passion for capturing moments turned into a career I deeply cherish. Scaling up, however, was not an overnight success—it was a journey of trial, error, and growth. Here’s how I took my business to the next level and what I learned along the way.

1. Finding My Niche

When I first started, I photographed almost anything: events, portraits, nature, and even product shots. I also tried real estate photography and weddings, but I quickly learned that I didn’t enjoy them and they weren’t where I was at my best. Over time, I realized I was most passionate about photographing people and their stories. Narrowing my focus to maternity, families, seniors, and headshots allowed me to market myself as a specialist. Clients knew what to expect, and I became more confident in my expertise.

2. Building Relationships with Clients

The foundation of my business has always been building genuine connections with clients. I aim to make every session enjoyable and relaxed, helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera. The positive feedback I received—that sessions felt easy and fun—reinforced the importance of this approach. Happy clients often became repeat customers or referred me to their friends and family.

3. Investing in Education and Equipment

To provide the best for my clients, I prioritized continuous learning and upgrading my equipment. Workshops, online courses, and practice helped me refine my skills. Investing in high-quality gear improved the final product and saved me time during sessions and editing.

4. Growing Slowly and Steadily

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of growing slowly. If I had started my business at the volume I handle now, I wouldn’t have been prepared to manage it. Over time, I developed efficient workflows, learned to manage my time effectively, and discovered my personal limits. This gradual growth allowed me to scale sustainably without becoming overwhelmed, ensuring I could consistently deliver quality work for my clients.

5. Creating a Strong Online Presence

Social media became a key tool in growing my business. Platforms like Instagram allowed me to showcase my work, share client stories, and connect with potential clients. I also made sure my website was professional, easy to navigate, and included testimonials. Using local hashtags and engaging with other businesses in my community increased my visibility.

6. Adapting to Client Needs

Listening to my clients played a significant role in scaling my business. For example, when I noticed many clients struggled to find time for sessions, I added an online booking option to my website. This small change made it easier for families to schedule sessions and reduced back-and-forth communication.

7. Staying Consistent

Consistency in branding, quality, and communication helped establish trust. Whether it’s delivering galleries on time or maintaining a cohesive style in my photos, clients know what to expect when they book with me.

8. Setting Goals and Measuring Success

Scaling up required me to set clear goals and track progress. Whether it was increasing bookings, growing my social media following, or achieving a specific income target, these metrics helped me stay focused. Regularly reflecting on what worked and what didn’t kept me moving forward.

9. Prioritizing Client Experience

At the heart of scaling my business has been creating memorable experiences for my clients. I believe family photos aren’t just keepsakes; they’re experiences to cherish. Whether it’s playing favorite songs during sessions or finding unique ways to showcase someone’s personality, I aim to make every session special.

Conclusion

Scaling my photography business has been about staying true to my passion and continuously adapting. By focusing on my niche, building strong relationships, and investing in growth, I’ve been able to turn a small business into something I’m incredibly proud of. Growing slowly allowed me to build a foundation that could sustain the volume I handle today. If you’re looking to scale your own business, start by identifying what makes you unique and build from there.

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

I’m Amanda Miles, a professional photographer based in Goochland, Virginia, serving Central Virginia, including Richmond and Charlottesville. My passion lies in capturing authentic moments and helping my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. I specialize in a variety of photography styles, including maternity, lifestyle newborns, families, seniors, couples, headshots, and special events. My approach is rooted in creating a relaxed environment, which I believe brings out the best in people and results in stunning, genuine photographs.

Photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been drawn to the power of images to tell stories and preserve memories. My journey into professional photography began over five years ago when I realized I wanted to help others document their lives in a meaningful way. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless individuals and families, capturing their unique stories through my lens.

When it comes to the services I provide, my goal is to solve a variety of needs for my clients. Whether it’s capturing the joy and anticipation of a growing family during a maternity shoot, preserving the fleeting moments of childhood with family portraits, or helping professionals make a memorable first impression with polished headshots, I strive to deliver images that are both beautiful and impactful. For seniors, I work to create portraits that reflect who they are at this pivotal moment in their lives, often incorporating their interests or favorite locations to make the session uniquely theirs.

What sets me apart is my dedication to authenticity and connection. I take the time to understand my clients’ stories and what they hope to achieve through their session. Many clients have shared that they feel at ease working with me, and that comfort translates into natural, vibrant photos. My belief is that the experience of the session is just as important as the final product. I want my clients to look back not only on the photos but also on the memories of the session itself with joy.

I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. Seeing families grow, children mature, and milestones achieved is incredibly rewarding. For instance, I’ve photographed families whose children I first met as newborns and are now energetic toddlers. These ongoing connections remind me why I do what I do.

For potential clients, or followers, I want you to know that my work is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating an experience that celebrates your life and the people in it. Whether it’s a sunlit senior portrait session downtown, a cozy family session at a local park, or headshots that open doors to new opportunities, my goal is to craft images that you’ll treasure for years to come. I approach every session with creativity, professionalism, and a genuine love for the art of photography.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At my core, I am a creative person who finds true joy in appreciating beauty—the kind of beauty that reveals itself when we quiet the mind and truly observe the details around us. Photography allows me to capture and preserve these moments, especially in people. I find endless fascination in the details of a smile, the movement of hands, a shared embrace, or a simple snuggle.

But more than that, I want my clients to see themselves as beautifully as the world sees them. So often, we are our own harshest critics, focusing on our flaws or imperfections. My goal is to capture my clients in the best light, with authentic expressions, in a way that helps them truly see and appreciate themselves. It’s about creating images that remind them of their beauty, their strength, and their unique story.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic has been a guiding light in my creative and entrepreneurial journey. I’ve read it five or six times, and my copy is filled with highlights, circles, and notes in the margins. It has been my anthem during moments of self-doubt, reminding me that creativity and courage go hand in hand. The book’s insights about embracing curiosity over fear and treating creativity as a partnership have profoundly shaped how I approach both my art and my business. It encourages me to show up for the work, trust the process, and let go of perfectionism—a philosophy that has helped me stay grounded and inspired.

Contact Info:

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