We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Camille Leigh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Camille below.
Camille, appreciate you joining us today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?
It started on a balcony after a frustrating wedding event. I was talking to a friend about how I wished vendors would communicate with each other more, outside of just figuring it out on a wedding day. I wanted other vendors, who weren’t familiar with my job as a photographer, to understand what I needed to give my clients the best I could, without being stressed out or frustrated due to complications from fellow vendors. I was frustrated at vendors who had no clue what was going on, and that was my fault because I didn’t speak up. I didn’t take the time to have a conversation with them, or maybe I didn’t explain myself well. My frustration was my own because I didn’t make it known how I needed them to support me in my job.
So the idea of the Fireside Chat was born. I wanted to bring together a large group of vendors so we could all have a candid conversation about vendor-to-vendor relationships and how we could support each other on wedding days. Learn things that we could be ignorant of when it came to each other’s scope of work on the wedding day. We gathered a year ago and have done so twice since. Each time, I’m touched by the connections made by vendors who had never met the people they were working with on the wedding day. Now, those company names and Instagram handles were real people standing in front of them, and actual connections could be made.
The Fireside Chat has not only strengthened my connections within the industry but has also enriched my communication skills with my clients and as a business owner. I have taken steps to learn different methods of communication and conflict resolution when dealing with people and actually listening for comprehension rather than just delivering a response. It’s a testament to the power of innovation in driving business success and personal growth.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey to where I am now was definitely not planned. Armed with a degree in Spanish and Philosophy from the University of Memphis, I initially set out on a different path. I soon found myself drawn to the art of visual storytelling.
Today, with over a decade of experience behind the lens, I’ve become known as one of Memphis’ most sought-after photographers. My passion lies in capturing authentic moments and creating timeless memories for couples and small businesses alike.
What sets me apart is my ability to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for my subjects, allowing their true personalities to shine through in every photograph. I believe in destigmatizing people’s beliefs about their photography skills, empowering them to overcome their fears and self-doubts.
Beyond photography, I’m deeply committed to nurturing the future of the field. Through mentorship programs and hands-on training, I guide aspiring photographers to develop their skills and serve others with compassion and integrity.
During the height of the pandemic, I embarked on a new venture by opening Greenhouse Beauty Lounge, a thriving endeavor that led to the creation of the Greenhouse Collective. This collaboration of female entrepreneurs aims to empower women to feel confident both in front of and behind the camera.
My dedication to excellence has been recognized by the Urban Elite 40 under 40, and I’ve been honored to be inducted into the prestigious class of leading professionals. Additionally, I’m passionate about fostering a more positive local wedding environment through my “Fireside Chat” initiative, bringing together vendors for open communication and shared knowledge.
In 2023, I expanded my reach further by launching the “Pop The Question” podcast, where I educate couples on wedding planning through realistic conversations and valuable insights.
My work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Southern Bride, Munaluchi, and B Collective, showcasing my exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to my craft. I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with small businesses on projects with JP Morgan, Bunker Labs, and Goldman Sachs.
I’m proud of the impact I’ve made in the lives of my clients and the community, and I’m excited to continue my journey of creativity, growth, and service.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation in my market is my unwavering commitment to creating a comfortable, relaxed and fun atmosphere for my clients. From the outset, I’ve believed in destigmatizing people’s beliefs about their photography skills, empowering them to overcome their fears and self-doubts. They would say they couldn’t take great photos and I challenged them to let me prove them wrong.
For years, I’ve advertised myself as “making awkward beautiful,” a mantra that resonates deeply with my clients. Many individuals have approached me feeling relieved that someone would be there to guide them through the process of taking photos and being in front of the camera.
I’ve encountered clients who sought me out after unpleasant experiences with previous photographers. They described feeling uncomfortable and unsupported during their photoshoots, ultimately resulting in dissatisfaction with the entire experience and the final images.
In contrast, I’ve built my reputation on being a photographer who not only delivers stunning photographs but also ensures that my clients feel comfortable, seen, and valued throughout the process.
I firmly believe that taking photos shouldn’t be complicated. Instead, it should be an enjoyable and stress-free experience for my clients. By prioritizing their comfort and well-being and leveraging my expertise to put them at ease, I’ve been able to provide exceptional service and create lasting memories that exceed their expectations.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Looking back on my creative journey, one resource I wish I had known about earlier is the power of saying no. For far too long, I operated under the belief that I needed to say yes to every potential client that came my way. Whether it was due to excitement at the prospect of someone wanting to work with me or the fear of missing out on future opportunities, I found myself taking on projects that weren’t the right fit for me.
It took me some time to realize that not every client was meant to be mine. The saying “all money isn’t good money” rings especially true in the creative industry. I learned the importance of listening carefully to potential clients and paying attention to my own instincts and doubts about whether a project was the right fit for me.
I shifted my mindset from simply working for clients to working with them as a team. It became crucial for me to collaborate with clients who were willing to listen, engage in constructive dialogue, and find solutions together. Setting boundaries around how I wanted to be treated in professional relationships also became a priority.
Understanding that I had the power to choose which clients I wanted to work with, rather than feeling obligated to accept every opportunity, has been transformative. It has allowed me to invest my time and energy into projects that align with my values, interests, and creative vision, ultimately leading to more fulfilling and successful partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://camilleleigh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camilleleighphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamilleLeigh17
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-leigh-60306b198/
Image Credits
Camille Leigh Photography