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

Caitlyn, appreciate you joining us today. 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?

In an age of technology, nearly everyone can snap a decent photo at any point in time. Being a photographer at a time where most content in transitioning towards video format can be really difficult and hard to maintain a consistent clientele. You really have to focus on differentiating yourself from the overwhelming amount of other talented photographers, especially if you’re in a populated area.
Focusing on finding your niche, marketing yourself to clients in a personable and professional way, and always trying to learn and gain new skills can be those factors that make you memorable to potential clients.
Not only is marketing a quality and consistent work important, You have to make yourself appealing and relatable to your consumer base. They have to fall in love with you and your work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a plant loving, Florida Native who moved to Nashville in 2011 and fell in love with the amount of artistry and talent that surrounds this city. I currently live with my long time partner and our two dogs, cat, and bearded dragon. I received my degree in Graphic Design and while I love doing it. My real passion set in when I started doing Makeup Art and would photograph my friends or whoever wanted to be my muse. I have so many passions and interests, I want to be able to indulge in as many as I can and being able to combine Graphic Design, Make up, and Photography into one as been a dream. It allows me to share my creativity with the world and gives me the chance to make my clients feel amazing about themselves and their photos.

I offer services for a wide range of photoshoots because I enjoy the challenge of photographing so many different moments of life.
Family sessions: I like to focus my family sessions around interactive shoots where we get to play while capturing genuine emotion. It keeps kiddos and adults entertained and makes for an overall smooth session while making memories.
Creative/Fantasy Session: Lately, I have been gearing my work towards a more fantasy and creative portrait sessions. I want to immerse my clients in whatever ethereal realm they want to reside in. Creative and Fantasy shoots are some of my favorite sessions because we get to be magical and whimsical while having fun. Watching my clients blossom with confidence throughout the sessions is what I live for.
Event Sessions: Wondering through crowds and capturing the small and beautiful moments between attendees is what I focus my event sessions on. I want to make sure my client has documentation of all the wonderful moments in time experienced at an event they host.

I strive to create a safe and welcoming space for ALL of my clients regardless of how familiar they are with getting photos taken. As a member of the Alphabet Mafia I take great care to make sure all of my clients feel comfortable being themselves and I will gladly shoot people of all different backgrounds. So have no worry because I intend to make your photo taking experience a memorable one and to ensure you feel your best.

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

While social media has been a huge factor in growing my business. I would say word of mouth has been my biggest contributor. Getting out in your community and making a memorable impression on everyone you meet is the best way to market.
Not only do you gain a wonderful reputation in the community for supporting and giving back, but you also gain word of mouth recommendations and loyal clientele that keeps coming back.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is being able to meet so many different people with all different backgrounds, as well as capture moments in time.
I think back to a couple years ago I saw a news article about a family that was sitting on a bench eating ice cream together. A stranger noticed how cute the moment was and walked up to ask to snap a picture. A few days later, unfortunately, the wife had passed away and unbeknownst to that stranger that was the last family photo they had together and the family cherished it greatly.
We aren’t put on this earth for a long time so we might as well make each moment one to remember! Capturing pictures is like capturing those moments in time for generations to appreciate and immerse themselves in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.caityscaptures.com
• Instagram: @caityscaptures
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caityscaptures
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/caitys-captures-murfreesboro