We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Casey Hendrickson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Casey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.
As most starting out, I offered to photograph some close friends and family just to see how it was. After I felt a little more comfortable, I offered three FREE sessions to anyone, three at 50% off my base rate, and then three at 25% off. By doing this it ensured I was gaining that experience needed while also sticking to a business model so I wouldn’t feel the pressure to give everyone free sessions. After completing the sessions, I got the reputation for providing previews within 24 hours, and 12 years later I still do this for every client. We live in a world that enjoys instant gratification, and by providing professional images to someone most likely celebrating a milestone, they are most likely going to share those immediately and also tag you, not to mention the vendors who are involved with weddings eat up previews, and you are likely to impress those who will refer you. My biggest tip is start off low and slowly go up to match your experience and quality. Every 3-5 clients booked, increase in increments. When I first began weddings my rate was $1,000 for 8 hours, and I increased by $200 every 5 weddings until I got to a point I felt comfortable charging what I was worth.
Casey, 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 actually went to school with full intentions on becoming a psychiatric Physician’s Assistant with plans to work in the ER. While in school, I kept being drawn back to taking photos for fun in any spare time I had, and a good friend encouraged me to take on clients and see how it went. At that point I had worked in the hospital for 6 years, and it was emotionally draining since most people we interacted with were there for their worst days. Between that and dealing with sick children, I wasn’t sure I was cut out for that line of work. This friend went ahead and set up some bookings for me on the side without me really knowing anything about it, and everything blossomed from there.
When it came to even learning how to run a business, I really dove into blogs and educational materials offered for free off Creative Live. I was able to gain SO much insight from that, and pushed to discover the ins and outs on my own so I could fully understand them.
I think what sets me apart is not only my preview turnaround time, but the experience I provide my clients. My goal is to have them interact with one another and enjoy their session. I don’t want anyone to ever feel bored or anxious – I want them to feel like they are just with their partner for a nice night out having fun.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Connections are KEY. Tag your vendors, share to your stories with them tagged, keep those relationships strong and lovely, and you’re on your way. Along with that, I worked for years on publications, which also really helped with making those connections and getting my name out there, but it also awarded me the opportunity to talk at WPPI in Las Vegas one year about publications.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Honestly it’s knowing that these moments I capture for others are some of the most important ones of their lives, but could also be some of the last photos shared with someone. These are treasures people will forever look back on, and that value is immeasurable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.caseyhphotos.com
- Instagram: @caseyhphotos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyHendricksonPhotography