We were lucky to catch up with Christen Talley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Christen, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I’m a boutique photographer specializing in families creating beautiful wall-art and bringing families closer together. I offer a fully immersed experience where I hold your hand through the entire process; from planning every detail of your session, what art will look best in your home, to the ordering session where I help make the big decisions so you have a stress and worry-free experience. Every time you see your portraits, you’ll get a warm and fuzzy feeling while being reminded of the memories you’ve made with your loved ones. I feel like I come by my passion honestly. My mother always loved capturing those memories between me and my sister. She’d get them printed on little 4×6 copies and stash them away in boxes underneath our beds. It wasn’t very often that we got to go through them, life can get busy. When we did, we got that warm and fuzzy feeling every time – but it wasn’t often to find the time. So I asked my past clients what they did with their digital galleries and I received the same answer every time. They admitted that they posted them on social media and got their 15 minutes of fame, but soon after saved them on a flashdrive and stashed them away in a junk drawer. It wasn’t very often that they got to go back through them. That’s when I realized that digital files on a flashdrive in a junk drawer really is no different than little 4×6’s stashed away in boxes underneath our beds.
That’s why now it is my passion to help serve my clients to the fullest and to get the most out of their session. I help my clients spotlight and showcase the love they have for their families so they have that same warm-fuzzy feeling every day when they walk by their portraits, bringing families closer together by making their house feel more like a home.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been photographing families for more than 7 years. In a market that is saturated by hobbyists, it is imperative to offer our clients the highest service they deserve. I teach my families that portrait sessions don’t need to be a stressful experience. That capturing those memories can be fun and will be remembered for years to come. A boutique session is like fine dining – being catered to every need. A 5-star chef would never send their guests home with an uncooked meal. Imagine walking into a beautiful restaurant and being handed a bag of ingredients that you’re expected to know how to cook on your own. That’s insane! Instead, you’re greeted immediately and wined and served to your content. You’re given a delectable dish with an alluring presentation, where your only responsibility is to enjoy this experience. My clients deserve the same! A boutique experience would never send you home with unfinished product, or digital files, and expect you to know what to do with them. To serve my clients at a higher level, it is my duty and passion to deliver a polished portrait from start to finish. My clients only responsibility is to enjoy making these memories with their families.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Sarah Petty is the real deal. If I could take only one thing from her programs, it is the philosophy that you are worth every penny. The work that goes into being a portrait creative and servicing your clients at the highest level goes much deeper than many hobbyist’s understand. This industry should focus on catering to our clients while also educating them on the importance of print and what we do to offer this higher service.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing your clientele is creating relationships. Remembering little things about your clients, finding and filling a need, and treating them like you’d expect to be treated. I always send little notes of joy to newly formed relationships to let them know how I’ve enjoyed their presence in my life. I stay involved in their journey through life as well and celebrate their wins so they know someone always cares. We are all more apt to doing business with people that we trust; this is also true about referring your own friends to trustworthy business owners. So build trust with your inner and outer circles by reminding them that you are there for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christentalleyphotography.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/christentalleyphotograph
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Christen Talley Photography Sarah Petty Photography