We were lucky to catch up with CC Seder recently and have shared our conversation below.

CC , appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

Contributing to a greater purpose was always very important to me in a job. I wanted to spend my 40 hours a week doing something that I felt mattered, with people who felt the same way. The kind of job that bonds you as you work together to accomplish something. This drive led me to working at a special needs school for 8 years. The things I learned at this job are unbelievable and I absolutely loved working there. I always say I grew up there. I gained so much perspective on life, on hope, and about myself. It’s hard to choose one lesson or experience that I had, as there are so many, but as far as a lesson that changed the trajectory of my life and work, I would say I learned how to lead well. When I stepped into a leadership role, I was incredibly overwhelmed and felt so un-qualified. I truly thought about quitting and I thought it was too much for me, and it’s rare that I feel that way! However, I stuck with it and it 100% changed my life. I was born to lead. Looking back, I had always been a leader and just didn’t see it that way. I learned to problem solve quickly, serve other teachers in love, the importance of encouragement and making both students and teachers feel seen. This also gave me the confidence to run my own business! I was told for your years I should own my own business and my career as a leader in special education gave me the confidence to do so. It also solidified my love for kiddos of all abilities which I have brought to my photography business! I truly enjoy connecting with each kiddo and family I meet!

CC , 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?

My name is CC Seder and I am a newborn and family photographer. I live in Atlanta, GA with my husband, Kevin and out two fur babies – Summit & Everest. It’s hard to say how I officially learned I had a passion for photography. I have always interacted with the world through photography. My first job at 15 was in a portrait studio where I actually worked as a lead photographer! It’s still wild to me that they hired me so young, but I am so glad they did. I have taken photos for friends for years and as someone who loved to travel (25 countries and counting!) I have always loved capturing travel through my lens. All that to say, capturing memories through photogrpahy has been a part of my life as long as I can remember! My Mom always took photos with her 35mm film camera and I remember going to get the film developed. I love all the memories I have of my childhood because of her love for photography as well!

My first job was as a photographer in a studio at age 15! I lived in Hong Kong for a 1.5 years. I was a special needs teacher for 7 years and I LOVED it. I foster puppies. I love travel and languages. Thursday is my favorite day of the week. I love making floral arrangements with TJ’s flowers

The thing I am most proud of in my business is the connection I have with my clients. I have several clients who say they feel I am part of their family, and to me, there is no greater compliment. It is so special to share in all of my families’ milestones. I get to be a part of some very special, sacred moments and memories and it is such an honor to be trusted in capturing these moments.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

It did! I went from side-hustle to full-time in six months and I am very proud of this accomplishment! Here’s why I’m proud. I really thought through the timing of my launch and I had a strategy in mind that I thought would be successful, and it was! I launched when there was demand, in the Fall. I knew families would be wanting photos for Christmas cards. I set a low price and my goal was to get in front of many people as possible, so that I could provide an amazing experience and then get word of mouth referrals from there. My business grew very quickly from here and I was able to raise my prices significantly very quickly. It’s a bit controversial as most say if you start at a low price you can’t increase easily, but that wasn’t the case for me. Getting in front of a lot of people was key and people realized the quality and experience I provided and told friends and family! Super grateful for my business and all of my wonderful clients!

As far as continued growth, word of mouth is by far the greatest way I meet new clients, but posting on social media is a close second! I would advise other entrepreneurs, especially photographers, to view social media as a portfolio. Don’t focus so much on numbers, but post consistently to showcase your work!

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

Some fun facts about CC :) haha There have been a couple times, but the most recent was when I got attacked by yellow jackets. I was photographing a proposal (I do weddings and proposals here and there too!) and at the end I stepped on a yellow jacket nest. Thank the Lord it was at the end. I got stung 7 times and what I didn’t know is I’m ALLERGIC! I was only 5 minutes from home and started having a reaction on the way home. I’ll spare the details, but it was terrifying and an ambulance had to come get me! Wild times! But hey, the pictures were amazing :)

Also, when I was in Germany I went on an icy bridge that was blocked off because I *had to get the shot* from a certain angle lol I am definitely a bit of a risk taker! Makes life fun :)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ccsederphotography.com
• Instagram: @ccsederphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccsederphotography/

Image Credits
They’re all taken by me!