We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Annie Billings. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Annie below.
Alright, Annie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
I began my career as a Kindergarten Teacher in which I put my whole being into teaching. Once I had my own family, the balance was off between work and home life so it was important for me to rethink my career when anxiety was getting the best of me. I would like to say I dove head first into my photography business but it actually took over 10 years to really discover how to run a thriving business. The artistic side came natural but as for the business side I had a lot to learn. After going back to school, I finally figured out the balance of the artistry and business in order to reach my dreams of being a successful photographer!
Annie, 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 sunrise or sunset portrait photographer where I soak up every last bit of those warm, glowing rays with families! Being a teacher in my previous career, I bring my bag of tricks to create a carefree session full of movement and play!
All my sessions include prints or some sort of product, such as an album or a piece of wall art delivered within a few weeks of your session. I proudly have taken the guess work out of where to order being a full-service photographer that assists with outfit styling and designing albums and wall art specific to areas of your home!
Have you ever had to pivot?
My business first began when a fellow mom friend asked if I could take pictures of her family the same way I do my own since she saw them on social media. Initially I was hesitant since I didn’t want my love of photography to ever feel like a job. My husband encouraged me to just try it. Sure enough, I fell in love with photographing families. I immersed myself in photographing everything I could and saying yes to every job that came my way. Looking back this is the best way to perfect your craft and figure out what type of photography you love. I quickly figured out that sunset portrait photography was what inspired me. I attended local photography shoot outs and meetings, watched tons of how-to videos and became a master at manual mode. I invested in quality equipment and my brother even surprised me with the newest Mac computer to show his support of my business!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Reputation is everything! I put my clients first by responding quickly to inquiries and listening to what they are looking for. From graduation announcements to gallery walls, I walk hand in hand with clients to create designs that match their style. Positive reviews are huge so I share any Google reviews I receive through social media as well. Word of mouth is important so I often offer an incentive for referrals since that is the best way to build a thriving business!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anniebeephoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniebeephotography?igsh=bjJ4eTl2cXF2ZWg3
- Facebook: Source: Facebook https://share.google/3FvCFpiLxgga3CYaV
- Yelp: Source: Yelp https://share.google/A3Mizj0AfO7HdfYNI
