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

Chaeney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?

In August of 2023, I had scheduled a photo session with a new client at a local park. That morning we spoke to confirm and all was normal.
As I arrived at the park, I noticed another photographer working with a client across the way. The park was a popular spot for photo shoots, so it’s normal to see someone else there shooting.

Parking my car, I got my gear ready and waited for my client on the sidewalk. I did text her to confirm my arrival but I didn’t receive a response. After waiting for about 15 minutes, I saw the other photographer and her client leave. Confused because I had been waiting so long, I reached out to my client, only to find out that she had already done the photos with the other photographer, mistaking her for me!

This mix-up was a first for me, and I was baffled by how it had happened. My client mentioned she noticed the photographer’s name was different but shrugged it off as a mistake. That evening, I posted onFacebook to seek help in finding the photographer who had taken my client’s photos by accident. It took a day, but we finally located her.

The photographer clarified that she thought she had double-booked herself and failed to record the girl’s name. In the end, my client rescheduled with me, received images from both of us, and was happy with the outcome. But it is still a funny story to tell, so crazy and weird!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi there! I’m Chaeney behind Chaeney Layne Photography.

My passion for photography started a decade ago when I was just 17 years old. While babysitting my niece daily during my teenager years, I found my true passion for photography. I was constantly chasing her with a camera, capturing her smiles and playful adventures, which really ignited my love for photographing kiddos and babies.

As the years went by, I balanced full-time jobs working with children in various capacities – from classroom settings to behavioral therapy, always keeping my photography gigs on the side. Fast forward to 2022, when I was expecting my first daughter, I made the big decision to dive into photography full-time. Since then, my business has only grown and flourished.

I believe what sets me apart as a photographer is my ability to connect with families and children on a deeper level. Patience and building rapport are key elements in my photography sessions, especially when working with little ones. While I do also enjoy capturing couples and portraits, there’s a special magic in capturing the genuine of kids and babies – their quirks, giggles, and unique personalities. The joy of freezing those moments in time, allowing parents to cherish and relive those precious memories forever, is really what fuels my passion for photography.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn in my journey was the constant comparison and imitation of other photographers’ styles. Initially, I dedicated a lot of time studying my peers’ photography pages, meticulously analyzing their techniques and editing processes. I found myself striving to replicate their work rather than finding my unique artistic voice.

While I still draw inspiration from various photographers (I truly love supporting other artists, especially the ones that are local to me! So much talent), I realized the importance of staying true to my own vision. It was crucial for me to break free from the cycle of imitating others and instead focus on discovering what resonated with me and what I wanted to create authentically! Overcoming imposter syndrome, which is so so difficult in this field, was a pivotal moment for me. Embracing my individuality and believing in my own creative abilities truly propelled me to new heights in my photography career. I truly believe this is something almost every artist struggles with from time to time.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

One of the most effective sources of new clients for me is undoubtedly social media. In today’s digital age, where everyone is constantly engaged online, utilizing platforms like Instagram and Facebook has been instrumental in reaching a wider audience. By showcasing my work and engaging with followers, I definitely aim to build trust and connections that can ultimately lead to new clients and inquiries!

However, I really believe that the most powerful source of new clients is word of mouth. (I think everyone probably would agree!) m

Just like when someone raves about a delicious burger from a specific restaurant, or someone tells you where they got their cute shirt at, it sparks immediate interest and curiosity. Similarly, when my clients share their positive experiences with others and recommend me, it goes a long way!
The personal recommendations and referrals from happy clients have been a HUGE part of my business growth, as they create a genuine connection and trust that resonates with potential clients. Word of mouth is really
Important not just for photographers but for all small businesses seeking to expand their reach and establish credibility.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chaeneylaynephotography.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/chaeneylaynephotos
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chaeneylaynephotography