We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Caroline Brackney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Caroline below.

Caroline, appreciate you joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

I would have started sooner. I. had the passion and started my journey in photography long before I actually took the plunge and called it my full-time job. Fear, the unknown, and a mountain of student loan debt were the biggest factors that played into my decision for photography to not be my full-time focus (at that time). I stuck with what felt safe over a decade, which in my case were two different corporate sales. I got to build up my portfolio and experience without the pressure of feeling like my entire income depended on my passion and love for photography. I learned a lot and feel incredibly fortunate to have had the work experience that wasn’t photography-focused; it taught me a lot and in ways prepared me to run my own business. I don’t have any regrets because I know that every experience has been a stepping stone and part of my journey to where I am today. I’m not sure I’d do things differently because I’m confident those experiences are part of my story. I guess if I were starting over, I’d tell my younger self not to worry and to trust that everything works out. I’d tell her that life would surprise her and that you can in fact make a really good living doing what you love.

One thing I would have invested in earlier on is education vs. expensive gear. Yes, professional camera gear is important. But that is only such a small factor of what makes a good photographer. Learn how to run a business. Create a customer experience that is un-matched. Collaborate and connect with your peers in the industry. Invest in a business coach. Attend workshops. Pour your heart into what you do & continue to invest in yourself. Never stop learning.

Caroline, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always had a love for people and the deep desire to make people feel comfortable. Growing up, I was the girl who couldn’t stand to see somebody eating alone. My parents divorced when I was under the age of five & being the proud daughter of a gay man in the South gave me a front row seat to the realities of a society that didn’t embrace inclusivity. In ways, I think our childhoods shape us into how we view the world and how we “show up”. I can remember even as a kid noticing people who were being left out and asking questions to draw them in, always filling awkward silences. I guess I’ve always just wanted to make people feel happy and accepted and at ease. I think in a lot of ways that my family and early life experiences produced in me a blend of compassion, sass and a unique ability to read the room. Carrying that over into photography, I’m confident it’s my greatest strength. What I’m most proud of is my ability to connect and make people feel comfortable. Because that shows up in the final images.

The most common thing I hear from my past clients is how easy, natural, and fun it felt after their session or wedding. Everyone loves the candid and effortless looking photos – I think there is a lot that goes into achieving that and in my opinion it’s about comfortability and working with someone who can bring that out.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Making people feel comfortable and documenting moments in time that can be forever cherished.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Relationships. I love people and as an entrepreneur I’m always networking and am eager to connect. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to create and have this sense of community with other creatives and business owners. Building genuine relationships and showing my passion in my work and creating a positive customer experience through every interaction possible are all factors that have helped me build my reputation within the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carolinebrackney.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/carolinebrackney
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinebrackneyphotography/

Image Credits
Caroline Brackney