We were lucky to catch up with Chase Fleming recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chase, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

As I embarked on the journey of building my freelance photography business, a crucial goal for me was to maintain a commitment to serving the underserved even as my professional focus evolved. During my research into volunteer opportunities for photographers, one opportunity stood out – the chance to assist in connecting children available for adoption with loving families in Central Texas.

Coming from a family deeply affected by adoption, I have developed a strong desire to shed light on the often overlooked community of foster children. These children face unique challenges, and it has become increasingly important to me to advocate for their recognition and support.

A professional portrait is more than just a photograph; it serves as a window into a child’s soul, and has proven to be an important tool to help connect families interested in adoption to select children in the care of Child Protective Services that seek relational permanency. These portraits stand as a testament to the remarkable strength, resilience, and potential within foster children. They provide these young individuals with a profound sense of identity, offering a tangible reminder that they are valued and cherished, regardless of the paths their lives may take.

Through a close partnership with Partnerships for Children (partnershipsforchildren.org), I leverage my expertise in portrait photography to bring to life the beautiful personalities of these foster children, capturing their essence in ways that words simply cannot convey.

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?

Over the last ten years, I’ve worked on marketing teams in both brand and global agency environments within the sports and fitness industry. This extensive experience, combined with my inherent ability to frame images and anticipate developing narratives, empowers me to create captivating content.

My objective is to transform my clients’ vision into reality, whether it involves conducting an on-body product photoshoot for an upcoming footwear or apparel launch, engaging in photojournalistic storytelling of a race or event, or capturing candid portraits that convey emotions and narrate a larger story.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a Photographer involves a combination of self-expression, connection with others, and the joy of exploration and creation. Photography is a powerful form of visual storytelling, and Photographers have the opportunity to express their creativity and vision through composition, lighting, and subject choice.

Personally, I find deep satisfaction in freezing moments in time through the lens. Whether it’s a candid smile, a breathtaking landscape, or a significant life event, being able to capture and preserve these moments is always rewarding.

Photography is a field where there is always room for improvement and learning. I find it especially fulfilling to continually refine my skills, experiment with new techniques, and grow as an artist. The process of pushing boundaries and pushing one’s own limits can be exhilarating and intellectually stimulating. It encourages continuous growth and learning, making the creative journey itself a deeply rewarding experience.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Word-of-mouth is far and away the most effective strategy for growing my clientele. Satisfied clients are more likely to refer my services to others, helping me gain new clients through positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Building and maintaining relationships takes time and genuine effort. By being authentic, listening to my clients’ needs, and prioritizing excellent customer service, these relationships have become a significant source of referrals and new clientele for my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chaseflemingphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaseflemingphoto/

Image Credits
@chaseflemingphoto