We recently connected with Anastasiia Gaines and have shared our conversation below.
Anastasiia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.
The story of how I got my first client:
I had recently moved to America and was sharing pictures that I was taking with my iPhone on Instagram. A lot of my friends were enjoying my work, telling me I had artistic sensibilities, so I felt encouraged to learn about photography, which led to me buying my first Sony camera.
My first photoshoot with my new camera was with a friend modeling for fun. Like many other freelancers, after the shoot, I went to a coffee shop to work on Photoshop, which I was just starting to learn. As I was hyper focused on trying to understand all the buttons, the coffee shop employee brought me my coffee order and asked what I was working on so intently. At that time, my English was terrible, but I managed to explain that I was a photographer and I was working on my recent photoshoot. It turns out that this employee was actually the manager of the coffee shop, and he was looking for a photographer to create better content for their social media and other marketing channels. He asked me to send a portfolio, so I set up other shoots to get more material, then sent over my best work. I was then invited back to the coffee shop for a photoshoot and discussion about payment. I was extremely nervous, but I was very excited and determined. After the first shoot, I sent the final deliverables, and they hired me as their content creator for the coffee shop.
The coffee shop is still my client today, and since we’ve began working together, I’ve seen the shop grow into multiple locations. Additionally, I am humbled to say my photos have been published in various magazines and blogs, and I love what I do for a living. I am so proud that I have grown from being that nervous beginner preparing for my first shoot to running my own company with a wonderful book of clients. I still continue to learn all the time, but I have come a long way.
Anastasiia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a commercial photographer. I help brands tell their story, through honest, interesting, and exciting art. My goal is to capture, enhance and represent my clients’ products in a way that inspires their audience. When building my relationship the client, open communication is key to understanding each other. As time passes, and trust in the relationship strengthens, I naturally become more passionate and invested in the brand and people behind the brand. This not only helps me as a photographer, but also as a person.
In addition to commercial photography, I am also working as a videographer. I am constantly practicing, growing, and looking to improve this skill.
I am happy to have chosen and continue in this path and truly enjoy my work. Despite the challenges, as anyone would face in starting a business, I believe that persistence and hard work will lead to success.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Honesty and commitment to growth.
Maybe it sounds cheesy, but being a good person with a passion for learning is a great way to achieve a great reputation.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
When my work makes my clients really excited. For example, when my client tells me my work surpassed their expectations, or tells me it’s better than they imagined or seen before. Or when a client recommends me to someone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.contentplacemarketing.com
- Instagram: murzinastasia
Image Credits
Anastasiia Gaines