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

Bethany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I began my love affair with photography when I was just a teenager, when I carried a disposable camera around in my bag everywhere I went. Back when you had to wait an hour at the local pharmacy for them to develop your film – kids today will never understand that level of anticipation!

The desire to capture moments and preserve memories is in my blood. Though I am the first to pursue it in a professional capacity, the love for art and photography has been there for generations.
I am completely self-taught in the craft. I tinker around on a camera until I feel comfortable behind it. Photoshop and Lightroom are my choice editing programs and I used the trial and error method in learning to use them as well.

Ultimately I believe that no amount of training or education can give someone the “eye” for photography. Though education is truly valuable-it’s not always necessary when it comes to an artform like photography.

Bethany, 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 Floridian to the core. Born and raised in central Florida, I have had the luxury of beautiful scenery and equally beautiful people all around me me whole life. For years I have had the honor of photographing all sorts of moments for people from weddings to births to graduations and all sorts of other milestones. I recently narrowed my focus and began to primarily work with brands on creating social media content and headshots. I also love to plan the occasional boudoir session.

Brands need content. This is a simple fact. We live in a digital age where businesses thrive online. Social media is used to cultivate relationships with clients both existing AND potential. Content is crucial. Posting and engaging on different platforms often is part of modern business practice.

Boudoir photography is an entire artform in itself. It is intimate and beautiful. Women have come to me for years wanting to plan their own session for many beautiful reasons. Some are celebrating birthdays, weight loss, a new husband, etc. These sessions give me life. Seeing these women sit thru hair and make up and transform into their most camera-ready self and literally come alive during their session is incredible. More than that I love the moment that they get to see their images and sit in disbelief that it’s really their likeness staring back at them in the most gorgeous and sometimes sensual way!

I am blessed that different times of year tend to offer up opportunities to work with families, expecting parents and sometimes even high school or college seniors/graduates. I view photography as a necessary artform. It goes beyond basic portraiture and preserves emotion and history at the same time in a beautiful way.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Clients tell me all the time that I am fun to work with. Having done a few photoshoots with fellow photographers-I can understand how important it is to enjoy the process. It’s more than just smiling for the camera. A good photographer can take a good photo. But a great photographer captures the essence of the person. When the subject they are photographing can be themselves and enjoy their photoshoot- you can get a sense of knowing them or even hearing their laughter when you see an image. It can be intimidating to be in front of a camera. Especially if the photographer isn’t communicating with their client. I’ve been on that side of the camera and I am incredibly awkward!!! I know how much it helps to get direction or at the very least-feedback from the photographer. So fellow photographers out there-be sure to connect and communicate with your clients! Direct them. Applaud and encourage them. It really helps!!!!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Helping my clients.

That sounds cliche but it’s the absolute truth. I genuinely love seeing my clients thrive using their images to grow their business online. The most rewarding moments are when I get to really use my creativity and create for them or WITH them. Seeing a vision come to life and loving what we see is very rewarding.
Having a client give me a request and allowing me the freedom to create for them is the best part of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bethanymayphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanymaybranding/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandPhotographerBethany
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-may-blanton-618a7846/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BethanyBlanton8