We recently connected with Bobbi Symone and have shared our conversation below.

Bobbi, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

When I first started as a photographer, I mainly did self portraits and photoshoots that featured my close friends. While I was more focused on photography as an art, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity for extra income- especially doing something I enjoy. I had upgraded my camera, purchased a high quality lens and figured it was time to start pushing for paid clients. I ran an ad for senior pictures special on instagram and was connected with my first client, a woman needing senior photos for her niece, who ended up being one of my favorite clients. I was excited and nervous. The entire family was present and we had spent weeks planning out the locations and themes. My friend who normally helped with all my shoots wasn’t with me so I was extra nervous to be doing it on my own. But I was also confident. I knew that if they trusted me to deliver great photos, I had no other option but to make it happen.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At the age of 18, I began modeling. I lived in Atlanta at this time and was pulled in many different directions. I was in-between sizes so I was constantly being told to either lose or gain weight and because of my figure, I was often overly sexualized. As I got older and after a few memorable negative experiences, I wanted to have more control of executing my creative visions. During lockdown, I set up all sorts of photoshoots using items I had around my apartment and my iphone. I was blessed to be able to get my first camera, a Nikon D3200, and within a few months I was using that not only to take my self portraits, but portraits of others as well.

It was exciting for me to photograph others because it allowed me a lot more freedom to explore. I was able to get varying angles, adjust lights and most importantly, not have to worry about hiding my remote! As I grew as a photographer, it also helped me to grow as an influencer. I could produce higher quality content and I was in control of the turn around time. Whenever I worked with a brand, I was always excited to put together my own photoshoot for whatever items they sent me and see my visions come to life. This in turn also helped me gain popularity as a photographer. I showed the process I went through setting up for my own shoots and how images looked before I edited them. My best friend and assistant, Kelsey, would assist me with my portraits as well and was always willing to model when I needed practice.

As I continue to grow, the most exciting thing is always seeing people share my work. I’ve been featured in multiple magazines but honestly feel more excited seeing my clients, friends and followers share my work. I tend to be over critical of my work so it’s reassuring to see others enjoy it. I take pride in my work, both for myself and my clients. I always work with my clients to make sure they are more than happy with their photos and feel confident they can call on me for any future photo needs.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I never considered myself much of a sales woman. I always felt if somebody wanted it, they would buy it. This was an absolutely terrible attitude to have as an influencer, trying to get people to purchase items and as a photographer trying to gain clients. I thought that all “sales people” were pushy and annoying and I didn’t want to be that. I had to let go of my bias towards sales people and learn that I should use my bad experiences to create good ones for others. I didn’t have to be pushy to get businesses to partner with me or to get clients to book with me. I also had to unlearn that following up was annoying. Just because I remembered things, didn’t mean everyone did.

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

The most rewarding aspect is seeing my creative vision brought to life. Whether I simply imagine it or create a mood board, it’s always amazing to see it go from just a thought to an image I can share with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: TheBobbisymone.com
• Instagram: Personal: @bobbisymonee Photography: @thrubobbislens
• Twitter: @bobbisymonee