We were lucky to catch up with Autumn Theodore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Autumn, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

A few things really sum this up!

1. Photographers are rarely also videographers, and vice versa. The difference in equipment, knowledge, and experience is WILDLY different!

2. For events, photographers should be consulted ahead of time…FAR ahead of time! We need adequate light, no screens behind presenters, space for us to move around, etc. I’d never expect folks to know exactly what we need without talking to us, which is why I recommend we be invited to walkthroughs at the beginning of the planning meetings! (Link to blog post about this: https://www.autumntheodorephotography.com/focus-friday/great-event-photos-3-things-a-photographer-needs)

3. Don’t hire a photographer until your marketing plan is developed and you know EXACTLY what you 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.

A couple years after graduating from college, I got my first DSLR camera for $600 in the fall of 2011. I never thought about having my own business, but I certainly thought it would be pretty cool to someday make that $600 back since this was just a hobby camera.

After reading the manual, watching YouTube videos, and asking friends about how to use flash, I began sharing my photos online – just for fun. People quickly started to reach out and ask if I’d do family photos, engagement photos, and eventually wedding photos…all within a year of having bought the camera.

After a couple years, I realized I wanted to transition into business photography and step away from individual/family sessions. I started a food blog called Best of the Menu (helping me connect with so many people in Columbus), went to networking events, and found myself meeting so many new people. I could quickly tell the work I was putting into just meeting people (not selling to them or giving them an elevator pitch!) would really help me long-term.

My business grew each year. I finally thought it would be safe to make the leap, and I reached my goal of being self-employed before my 30th birthday. It felt like (and still feels like) a dream – most days, I wake up whenever I want, I travel anytime I like, and I have the best colleagues – we often fill in when the other is unavailable.

When I bought that first camera for $600, I wouldn’t have believed it if someone told me I’d make $50,000 as a photographer in the first five years. I would’ve dropped to the floor if someone told me I’d make nearly half a million in the first decade.

Today, I’m so happy to own a successful, thriving business. I focus on brand, product, event, and portrait photography, and I’m known for making people feel comfortable, the efficiency of my work, and my ability to provide exactly what my clients request of me.

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

As a successful photographer, my achievements extend beyond capturing exceptional moments; they are rooted in the art of cultivating meaningful connections throughout the Columbus community. While my ability to produce outstanding photos is a key component, my dedication to building and maintaining strong relationships has become the cornerstone of my success. By investing considerable time in fostering genuine connections, I’ve established a network that consistently fuels my clientele growth, making interpersonal engagement an integral and effective strategy in my professional journey.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I am blown away by my most recent read, “Unreasonable Hospitality.” It is a thought-provoking book that delves into the transformative power of hospitality in both personal and professional contexts. Authored by Will Guidara, the book challenges conventional notions of hospitality, advocating for a more expansive and meaningful approach. It explores how embracing hospitality beyond mere politeness can lead to profound connections, innovation, and positive change. Drawing on real-life examples and practical insights, the book inspires readers to adopt a mindset of generosity, empathy, and openness, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate world. While I don’t own a Michelin-star restaurant, this is an excellent read for anyone who has customers/clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.autumntheodorephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumntheodorephotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumntheodore/

Image Credits
All photos were done by me EXCEPT the one of me (holding the camera)…that one was done by Megan Leigh Barnard. Thank you!