We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Babacar Faye a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Babacar, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in photography today stems from the unrealistic expectations some consumers have. With the rise of AI, filters, and instant photo-editing apps, the value of the art and craft behind photography has diminished in the eyes of many. People often forget that creating a stunning image isn’t just about clicking a button; it involves a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and post-processing—all of which take time, skill, and experience. In a world where everything is expected to be fast and immediate, the true artistry of photography can sometimes be overlooked.

While there are photographers with large teams, and the financial ability to outsource a lot of work, that can offer rapid communication and quick turnaround times, it’s important to recognize that many photographers starting out are managing their passion alongside daily responsibilities. Taking the time needed to work is essential not only for the creation process but also for our mental health and our desire to put out images that genuinely represent our brand of quality and craftsmanship. For those of us transitioning from passionate creators to full-time business owners, it’s a delicate balance that is often misunderstood in a marketplace increasingly driven by instant results, yet it’s crucial to the integrity of the work we do.

The financial burden doesn’t end there—high-quality equipment is essential and expensive, often cutting deeply into any potential profit. For those who rent their gear, the costs can quickly outweigh earnings, especially when starting out and doing work for free in hopes of gaining exposure.

However, perhaps the most significant challenge to profitability is imposter syndrome. Many photographers, and creatives, even those with natural talent, struggle with self-doubt. Questioning whether their work is truly valuable or if they’re good enough to succeed financially. Ever heard the saying that an artist is sensitive about their work. Goes a little differently, but same idea! But for real. We often get in the way of ourselves because of whatever the cause may be. This mindset can lead to undervaluing services or accepting low-paying jobs, further complicating the path to profitability and enjoyment.

Yet, despite these challenges, the key is to keep pushing forward—valuing one’s work, persevering through trials, being told no, and recognizing that the craft of photography holds immense value, both artistically and financially.

I’ll share this verse I think of when I’m going through hard times:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Babacar, 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?

Since entering college, I’ve always wanted to own a business. I spent years brainstorming ideas and exploring my interests but constantly hit a wall—I knew I liked certain things, but not enough to build a business around them. Then one day, I found an old hard drive from high school filled with pictures I took in a photography class, a class I had to beg my parents to let me stay in after they found out we had to buy our own camera. As I scrolled through those photos, I thought, “These aren’t that bad,” and began to relive those marching band football games. That moment sparked a realization—I’d always had a deep interest in photography. Whether at weddings or events, I was always drawn to the photographer, yet I never thought to pursue it seriously. But once I did, there was no turning back.

Recently, I decided to niche down and get more focused with my services. Currently, I specialize in branding and professional portraits, particularly headshots. Our branding services are divided into two categories: culinary branding, where I help those in the culinary industry create images that connect with their audience through photography and videography, and personal branding, where I help entrepreneurs tell their stories and convey their personalities to potential clients. Our headshot services are available to everyone, but we aim to work primarily with businesses.

What sets me apart is my attention to detail and genuine care for each client. From our first video consultation to the detailed questionnaire I’ve developed, I ensure that we’re always aligned with the client’s vision. Sometimes, our questionnaires even help clients uncover thoughts or ideas they hadn’t considered, or that life’s hustle had pushed to the back burner. Additionally, I’m committed to making sure clients feel comfortable during sessions. I understand how awkward it can be to be in front of a camera, so I take the time to make the experience as relaxed as possible, whether that means putting the camera down for a bit, chatting, or simply helping them breathe in confidence and breathe out anxiety.

Potential clients should know that I’m a man of faith, and I strive to treat others the way my Heavenly Father has treated me. I believe greatness is in the details, and that’s where I focus—on creating images that not only look great but truly represent who my clients are and what they stand for.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A story that illustrates my resilience comes from the early stages of my journey into entrepreneurship. When I first began pursuing photography as a business, my stepfather had already been diagnosed with cancer, and life was challenging. His passing brought even more difficulty as I struggled with guilt and shame, feeling like I hadn’t achieved anything significant for him to witness. There was a moment when I almost gave up on photography and abandoned my vision entirely.

However, by the grace of God, I found the strength to keep going and continue pursuing my passion. Trusting in God has been a vital resource during times when the path has been, or is, uncertain, providing me with the courage and faith to keep moving forward. Although I’m still in the early chapters of my entrepreneurial journey, I believe that the most exciting and rewarding parts are just ahead. This experience has taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships, but also about finding strength in faith when navigating through cloudy situations.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was my tendency to people-please. Growing up, I was taught to put others before myself, which is a valuable principle. However, when you embark on an entrepreneurial journey, there are times when you need to prioritize your vision and goals, even if it means making decisions that aren’t aligned with others’ expectations. It’s not about letting people down, but about staying true to your path and ensuring you’re giving your best to what you’re building.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lunarlensstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunarlensstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunarlensstudios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Image Credits

The image of me was taken by Jordan Scritchfield, mediabyjordan on instagram