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

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

One of the biggest challenges in our industry is finding the balance between creativity, making money, and trends. In today’s fast-paced digital age, trends come and go with remarkable speed. What’s popular one day may be passé the next. For photographers, this constant flux presents a significant challenge. While it’s tempting to follow the latest fads to stay relevant, it’s crucial to balance innovation with authenticity. Clients often seek photographers who offer a unique perspective or style, rather than simply replicating what’s currently in vogue. Hence, finding the delicate balance between staying true to one’s artistic vision and adapting to evolving market preferences is a perpetual challenge. There are a lot of popular photographers that newer photographers attempt to emulate- whether it’s just because they enjoy their work or think their style is the magic key to success, it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game.

Building a successful photography business isn’t just about taking stunning photos; it’s also about crafting a compelling brand identity. In an industry saturated with talent, standing out from the crowd can be daunting. Photographers must invest time and effort into defining their unique selling proposition (USP) and communicating it effectively to their target audience. Whether it’s through distinctive editing techniques, a signature shooting style, or a compelling narrative, establishing a strong brand identity is essential for attracting and retaining clients in a competitive market.

Determining how to price photography services is a perennial challenge for professionals in the field. Pricing too high risks alienating potential clients, while pricing too low undermines the value of one’s work and can lead to financial instability. Moreover, photographers often grapple with imposter syndrome, doubting whether their skills justify higher rates. Overcoming these mental barriers and accurately valuing one’s expertise and experience is crucial for achieving sustainable profitability.

Beyond the artistry of photography are the practicalities of running a successful business. Many photographers, particularly those new to the industry, lack formal training in entrepreneurship and may struggle with essential aspects such as marketing, finance, and client management. Investing in ongoing education and seeking mentorship can help bridge these knowledge gaps and empower photographers to build resilient, thriving businesses.

The rapid evolution of digital technology has transformed the photography landscape, offering both opportunities and challenges. While advancements in equipment and software enable photographers to push the boundaries of their craft, they also necessitate continuous learning and adaptation. Keeping pace with emerging tools and techniques is essential for staying competitive in an industry driven by innovation.
By addressing these multifaceted challenges with creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking, photographers can navigate the complexities of their profession and cultivate sustainable success in an ever-changing market landscape.

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

Life isn’t always picture-perfect; it’s raw, authentic, and wonderfully messy. And that’s where my love for photography truly shines. I’m a storyteller, specializing in capturing the beautiful chaos of family life as a North Houston and The Woodlands family photographer.

For over 14 years, I’ve immersed myself in the art of storytelling through photography. I believe that every family has a unique story to tell, and it’s my mission to preserve those precious moments in time. From the laughter-filled adventures to the quiet, tender moments, I strive to capture the essence of your family’s journey in every frame.

One of the challenges many families face when considering professional photography is navigating complicated pricing structures. No hidden fees or confusing packages—just straightforward pricing that allows you to focus on what truly matters: creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

But I don’t stop at taking your family photos. I also offer family films to further enhance the storytelling experience. Imagine reliving your family’s most cherished moments through a cinematic lens, complete with laughter, tears, and everything in between. These films add depth and emotion to your family’s narrative, creating a timeless keepsake that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Whether you’re embarking on a new chapter of parenthood, celebrating a milestone moment, or simply cherishing the everyday joys of family life, I’m here to help you tell your story. Let’s capture the magic together, one beautiful moment at a time.

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

Having been in the industry for as long as I have, you truly must diversify in order to be successful. You cannot just have a website or social media- no one single thing will get you there. For me, I focus heavily on SEO and maintaining a good website, but you must also be active in other areas as well, such as:

Having a strong online presence through a well-optimized website and active social media profiles is crucial. However, it’s equally important to explore other channels such as email marketing, content partnerships, and industry networking events.

Investing in Search Engine Optimization is a cornerstone of any successful client growth strategy. By ensuring that your website ranks well for relevant keywords in search engine results, you increase your visibility and attract organic traffic. This involves not only on-page optimization but also off-page tactics such as building quality backlinks and creating valuable content.

Another thing I focus on is content. Creating high-quality, informative content that resonates with your target audience helps establish your expertise and builds trust. Try to think of what your ideal client might be looking for, have questions about or need. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, podcasts, or downloadable resources, consistently producing valuable content keeps your brand top-of-mind and attracts potential clients.

I don’t do a lot of paid ads, I mostly focus on organic methods. But paid advertising can accelerate client growth, especially in competitive markets. Platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads allow you to target specific demographics and reach potential clients effectively.
If paid ads aren’t for you, client referrals and testimonials are another way to organically spread your business. Encourage clients to refer others to your services and showcase positive testimonials on your website and social media channels. Authentic endorsements from happy customers can significantly influence potential clients’ decision-making process.

This next part goes back to finding your niche and style especially as an artist. Building a strong personal brand establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and attracts clients who resonate with your values and expertise. Actively participate in industry events, conferences, and online communities to expand your network and establish meaningful connections. Engage with potential clients authentically and demonstrate your passion for solving their problems.

And my last tip would be, no matter what avenue you take, regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your client growth strategies through data analysis and feedback. Identify which channels and tactics yield the best results and allocate your resources accordingly. Stay adaptable and open to experimentation, adjusting your approach based on evolving market trends and client preferences.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

It all began with a love for capturing moments – an artistry that stemmed from a BFA in fine arts and a career nurturing young minds as an elementary art teacher. But life took a turn when the responsibilities of motherhood multiplied, leaving little room for a return to the traditional classroom setting. Faced with the challenge of balancing parenthood and professional fulfillment, the seed of entrepreneurship was planted.

In the precious slivers of spare time between diaper changes and nap schedules, I began to document the candid joys and tender moments of my family. With each click of the camera shutter, a new chapter unfolded – one that would ultimately redefine my path and purpose.

What began as a humble hobby, sharing glimpses of familial bliss through photographs, soon blossomed into a fledgling business venture. Soon, word-of-mouth propelled me into a position where I could no longer claim it was just a hobby.

The pivotal moment arrived with a relocation – a daunting leap into unfamiliar territory. Uprooted from familiar surroundings and social circles, I faced a crossroads: retreat to the safety of familiarity or seize the opportunity to cultivate success in uncharted territory. It was one of the hardest things, but one of the best decisions ultimately.

From market research to networking, every resource became a stepping stone toward the business you see today. With each connection forged and every lesson learned, my business flourished against the backdrop of a new landscape.

Yet, the journey didn’t end there. Another move, another challenge – this time to Houston, Texas. I was able to use everything I had learned to continue my business and tell the stories of so many other families.

Today, I continue to look for new ways to share my business, my story and capture the stories of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashleynewmanphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleynewman.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewman.photog
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZDvv79op49H9pWLk95PpA?view_as=subscriber
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/EFf6I5Hw_Uq1SeT5obasmg
• Other: https://g.page/ashleynewmanphoto/review