We were lucky to catch up with Amy Stephens recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

As a portrait photographer who specializes in babies and families, I always tell people I have THE best job in the world. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than working with brand new humans and their sweet families! My job is incredibly fulfilling and meaningful to me. But it also faces challenges as any business does. As a sole proprietor, it falls on me to tackle every single aspect of my business, from planning and executing marketing plans, creating a dynamic experience for my clientele, dealing with the financials of running a business, building and maintaining sets and props and backdrops, and even the top-to-bottom cleaning of my studio after every session! It can be exhausting and demanding…and lonely!

A few years ago the complexity of working by myself and tackling every aspect of the business started to get to me. I was 10 years into it at that time and looking for a change. I didn’t want to give up my business or stop what I was doing. I just wanted to see what else was out there for me. I took on a part-time job a few days a week at a local charter school. It was just a few days a week so I could keep my scheduling going with my photography business as well. I ended up spending three years – including the challenging Covid years – with the school. I loved collaborating with other people, interacting with the staff, students, and families, and providing value for something beyond my photography.

However, about halfway through my 3rd year of working part-time at the school and full-time with my business, I came to realize that I was happiest and most content running my own show, so to speak. I finished out the school year and then went back to my full-time life as a photographer. Working for someone else gave me a great perspective into what I wanted to make of my business, and how I could set limits for myself so I wasn’t overworked and could enjoy the many, many perks of being self-employed. It was a great life experience for me, and I have no regrets exploring that need.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Crib Tales Photography is an award-winning portrait studio located in Castle Rock Colorado, serving front-range families for the past 14 years. My studio is known for its whimsical and vintage-inspired style. I specialize in capturing unique and playful photography for wee ones and their families, including newborns, maternity, children, and families. I love to create customized backdrops and sets that really speak to the client I’m capturing. I provide not only beautiful and timeless portraits for families to remember special milestones, but I also provide an experience that families enjoy being a part of. The greatest compliment I receive is how much fun my clients have during their portrait sessions. Our time together is as much a part of the experience as the final product, and I’m so very proud of that aspect of my business.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Oh gosh, when I started my business I honestly didn’t even realize there was a whole industry behind it all! I was naive and single-minded; I just loved taking pictures. I quickly learned that there was a whole industry of people doing what I was doing, and doing it well. I discovered that the best resource of all is human connection.

I found a community of like-minded souls who shared their journey with me and helped me find the tools I needed to be successful. Starting with simple online groups, soon I was meeting other photographers in person and discovering connection can be very powerful. I learned to be open to learning and growing, as well as sharing my own knowledge. We may be each other’s competition in some way, but more so they are like colleagues to me in a career that can be very isolating. Community over competition!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

This may sound simple but the best strategy for growth is providing an exceptional experience and end-product. That’s a complicated way of saying word of mouth works wonders! I try very hard to create a seamless and enjoyable client experience, from our first communication to the day of portrait delivery, and beyond! I’ve never missed a deadline, and I always deliver ahead of schedule. This means my clients are not only returning to me year after year but also sharing with their friends and family about their experience.

My clients are like family to me. I just photographed a high school senior who I first photographed when she was just 4 years old. I have another client who I have photographed all four of her babies as newborns. They keep coming back to me year after year and that’s just the best!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cribtalesphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cribtales/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cribtales/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-stephens-cribtalesphotography/

Image Credits
Amy Stephens – Crib Tales Photograhy