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

Carlie, appreciate you joining us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

Doing the little things like checking in with clients, seeing if my bride needs anything the week of or the morning of her wedding, sending thank you’s letting them know how much you appreciate them, and giving little practical gifts with your client’s favorite items is always something meaningful. I have always received great feedback from clients.

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

I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer by day, an event planner, a location scouter, and a bookkeeper by night. You’d think I’m joking right? I am not. When I am not behind the camera or the computer screen, you can find me at a concert, trying new recipes, fishing, sipping on a beer, or maybe a cold brew.

I’m charmingly sarcastic, yet outdoorsy. But I can promise you you’ll laugh as we create beautiful memories together.

I started photography as an interest in college and now here I am with a full-time business at 26, 5 years later.

Part of what sets me apart from others is the way I photograph. Find me in the corner sneaking the bride giving her grandfather an emotional hug or the couple having a moment during nothing. Unprompted and candid.

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

A few years back, being a 24-year-old, living on my own, and supporting myself financially fully through my business was a risk. I didn’t know exactly what income I would have during down months. Or if clients would reach back out in the fall for family photos. I tended to not say “no” and took on every opportunity that came my way.

Towards the end of the year, I felt very burnt out. I had no desire to go photograph the wedding that was coming. My 17th wedding in 14 weeks….I didn’t have the motivation or was excited to do my job. That is when I knew I was overbooked and could never do this again.

Not that double booked, I overbooked. I took on too much work for ONE single businesswoman to handle. I am the only person that runs this business fully. I do all of the editing, culling, photographing, business emails, calls, location scouting, vendor referring, video calls, meeting with clients, finances, expenses, wedding planning, etc. It’s a one-woman team.

With that being said. Prices were raised and less work was taken and accepted for the next year.

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

No, never bought a business. I have, however, bought lots of expensive equipment for my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: carliekuhlmanphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carliekuhlmanphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carliekuhlmanphotography
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@carliekuhlmanphotography

Image Credits
@carliekuhlmanphotograhy