We were lucky to catch up with Carina Fleckner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Carina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

I truly believe in making investments that not only save you time but also elevate the overall experience for your clients.

One game-changing move for me was getting on board with Honeybook, a CRM system, early in my business journey.

Starting out, I knew I needed a solid system to streamline my workflow and automate those repetitive tasks. Honeybook came to the rescue, letting me create customizable email templates for all my communications so that everything was on-brand – which is super important, especially as a brand photographer!

But it didn’t stop there. I needed features like scheduling discovery calls and planning sessions, handling contracts online, generating invoices, and ensuring secure payments. Honeybook had it all, making it a no-brainer to subscribe. In fact, when I was invited to become a Honeybook Educator, sharing my experience and helping fellow entrepreneurs level up their businesses, I didn’t even think twice!

Honeybook not only transformed my business but also inspired me to help others do the same.

As a HoneyBook Educator, I’m thrilled to offer an exclusive discount on all subscription plans for one year! Simply use my referral link to take advantage of this incredible offer: http://share.honeybook.com/carinabrandphotographer

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.

I’m originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and after teaching English worldwide and pursuing live music photography as a hobby, I decided to dive deeper into the art of photography to refine my skills.

When I relocated to sunny San Diego in 2015, I shifted my focus from capturing musicians on stage to photographing people in the beautiful natural light and stunning backgrounds the city offered. This transition brought a newfound vibrancy to my images, and lifestyle photography became my forte.

I officially launched Carina Fleckner Photography, venturing into family, couple, wedding, live music, and event photography. However, despite my passion, my business remained stagnant for a while. I was oblivious to the concept of personal branding, thinking that my portfolio alone was enough and that my personal identity didn’t matter as long as the images spoke for themselves.

I couldn’t have been more wrong!

When I was building my website, I realized I had no good photos of myself. Selfies just didn’t cut it, and cellphone pictures weren’t an option for something I poured my heart and soul into. Enter Meg Marie, a personal branding photographer who not only did a photoshoot for me but also became my mentor. Using my own photos and showing up more in my business turned out to be what I needed to grow. I transitioned from hiding behind the camera to hiring photographers to help build my brand and online presence.

Now, my goal is to uplift other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges because I’ve been there, done that, and truly understand their journey.

As a personal branding photographer, I assist entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through on-brand images that showcase their brand’s personality, in order to connect with their audience on a more personal level. Authenticity and relatability are key components, but it’s equally crucial to maintain a professional and intentional image when displaying your best qualities and hard work.
What I offer goes beyond a typical photo session; it’s about transformation. The process involves an in-depth planning stage, including a questionnaire where clients share everything about their brand, desired perception, and mission. Together, we plan the photoshoot, considering locations, outfits, props, and key shots that best represent their brand.

On the shoot day, both the client and I are aligned with the goal, the client feels ready and confident, and that creates the desired results. Clients receive an online gallery of beautiful and authentic images ready to enhance their website, social media, and marketing materials, turning their vision into reality.

I believe my work with photography encourages people to become the best version of themselves or, at the very least, reveals that authenticity to the world. My mission is to inspire and empower business owners to step into their brilliance with confidence, using their unique strengths to serve their community and positively impact the world. It’s a ripple effect that creates a chain of positive transformations.

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

I believe what helped me build my reputation as a brand photographer is the entire experience I curate for my clients, starting right from our initial discovery call.

I’m driven by a genuine desire for my clients to feel supported and well-taken care of. I understand that stepping in front of the camera can be a vulnerable experience, and not everyone feels at ease posing.

Ensuring my clients’ happiness and that the whole process exceeds their expectations is my top priority. This commitment has not only shaped my reputation but has proven to be the most effective strategy in expanding my clientele over the years.

It’s a simple truth – when your clients turn into enthusiastic advocates, they can’t help but spread the word about you!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

A key lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the undeniable importance of community. Being immersed in a network of ambitious entrepreneurs, all dedicated to enhancing the lives of others, provides the essential tools for living the dream life.

For me, the best source of new clients comes from referrals within my expanding community and satisfied past clients. It’s incredible to witness the positive ripple effect that occurs when your network believes in your work.

On top of that, I frequently receive inquiries from individuals who discovered my work through Google, and I can’t help but do a little happy dance every time it happens!

I pour a lot of love into my website and blog, and the gratifying feeling of seeing it translate into more people I can serve is simply unmatched. It’s a testament to the power of a well-crafted online presence and the connections made within this thriving community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carinaflecknerphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carinafleckner_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carinaflecknerphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-fleckner-photography/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carinaflecknerphotography
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carinafleckner/ Blog: https://www.carinaflecknerphotography.com/blog

“I only share about companies that I truly believe in, and this is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through it.”

Image Credits
My photo: Renata Terra All other photos: Carina Fleckner Photography