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

Benjamin , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

Scaling up a business from the ground up is never an easy task. It takes determination, dedication, commitment, communication, and so many other factors that both make the person running the business strong and in turn the business strong as well.
My strategies for scaling up my business included: word of mouth, photographing people for free to build my portfolio, making and creating business deals, and working towards a more positive outcome for everyone that I work with.
I started photography back in 2011 and had been shooting nature and landscape photography for about 12 years. At the beginning of 2024, I was asked to do a photoshoot collaboration for a dear friend of mine who had been building her personal makeup brand. I went in with my head held high and with the attitude of “never knowing who you’re going to meet”, I met some amazing people.
From then on, back in January, I have been shooting models and also at several other events along the way.
I am happy to pronounce that my scale up story has paid off so much in a way that I am booked until Oct. 12th of 2024 and I know there is so much more in store for my business and for me!!

Benjamin , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Good Afternoon!!
I have been in the photography industry as a hobby for more than half of my life. It all started when a little kid wanted to mix marine biology with photography and went to a sea camp in Galveston, TX and the love for photography just grew exponentially. My discipline for this hobby came much later as I matured into who I am today and with that growth came my experience, my knowledge, and my passion for this craft.
I provide photography services. I am open to many different subjects being behind the camera and have an ability to capture amazing memories in any environment I find myself in.
There have not been any issues with any one of my clients, however; if there ever was and will be I would approach it with a level of professionalism that would shock anyone. In those moments I have to remember to remain calm and collected and allow myself to be in their shoes and really meet them where I can in every instance.
I am most proud of my growth and expertise that has grown even over the 8 months of 2024. I have learned so much.

One thing that I am proud of for my business and for me is that I have been published in magazines and newspapers and I am about to published again on the 24th of August.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of my major pivots in my career was when I went from a restaurant server position to my current position at this engineering firm.
I had been working at the restaurant for nearly 4 years through college and I had graduated in 2022 and was still working there in 2023 while looking for an occupation that was more fitting to my needs.
I eventually found what I was looking for and went from a very loud, customer oriented, people pleasing, and outgoing environment to an environment that is the complete opposite.

It was hard to switch because I had a learning curve, the environment was much quieter, the people were very quiet, there was not the need to go and talk to customers at tables anymore.

It hindered me because I am a very socially active person and to see that change happen so quickly, it really made me question whether or not I should stick with it.
I did stick with it and I am more happy now than I was at the restaurant due to life changes and other things.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

This goes hand and hand with the last answer.
Funding my business has always been a priority and has always come out my own earnings. I do not have a business loan or any other line of credit (business wise) that has helped me financially.

My belief is that
“If I can not afford it in that moment, I will save up until I am able to acquire that item”

Are there downsides to this belief?
Absolutely! Never let it be said that I am unable to finish the job until it’s complete even with the equipment I may have available to me in that moment.

I do not allow myself to get down in the dumps or let myself or others down because of what I can and cannot afford in that moment. I take everything and make it work.

Contact Info:

• Other: https://dot.cards/profileThis link has my business card and all the above information attached.