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

Colette, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you manage your own social media?

Social media is changing the game on how we handle and promote our businesses. My primary form of social media is Instagram, which is connected to my Facebook account. As generations change and evolve there will be different social media platforms and we will have to keep up. I manage my social media account because I believe it is cost effective to do it myself. It is not always easy to figure out how to navigate social media especially with new updates and keeping up with your competitors. I am still learning how to keep up with the new updates, the biggest success with my social media posts is creating reels and choosing the right music to go with, to get the best results. The biggest challenge is posting frequently, I was told to keep your page active, it is best to post at least 5 times a day. Social media is one of the biggest ways to promote your business, if you are thinking about managing your own social media account to promote your business be sure to keep up with what’s current, keep learning, getting new ideas from other competitors and keep posting at least 5 times a week to keep your page active to attract people to your page. If you are a content creator this is where you will shine and your business could grow.

Colette, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I bought my first DSLR camera Canon 3Ti when I was in college, where I studied broadcast journalism. After college, I put my DSLR in my closet and it sat there for years collecting dust. My friend needed a headshot and she asked me to photograph it. I had no confidence in myself at that time but decided to do it anyway. I pulled out my dusty old camera and started practicing how to use it again. After I took her headshot she convinced me to become a professional photographer. In her words “what do you have to lose.” I started practicing with my camera and I took a couple of online classes to perfect my craft. Now I specialize in engagement sessions, weddings, family portraits, headshots, maternity sessions, and events.

I am constantly learning by watching tips and tricks on Youtube to enhance my photography skills. My clients typically struggle with what location to use for a couples engagement session. I help my clients by scouting locations around the greater Cleveland area where they can pick the best location. Most clients are interested in the price and most of the time price shopping, until they find what works best for them. I know they have contacted other photographers and they are looking for a photographer that works with their budget. I make sure my clients know what they are getting for the price and how we can work together to make their dream a reality. I am most proud of how far I have come in my business and the clientele I have. I pride myself in the quality of my work and customer service. I believe in getting quality pictures without breaking the bank. My goal is capturing a collection of moments captured for eternity.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Starting a business can be scary and daunting, there might be times when you feel discouraged or even feel like it is impossible. It is important to have positive people around when starting a business. I was able to fund my business with capital from my full time job. When I started my business I was a legal assistant at a law firm and also in getting a masters degree in adult education. I was able to save some money and buy a second hand DSLR camera and lens. My family and friends supported me by purchasing equipment that I needed. Anytime I was asked what I would like for a birthday gift or Christmas gift I would always say some sort of equipment that I needed or thought I needed at the time. As my business grows I am able to pour back into my business with profit that I have made. When I buy an equipment, I do a lot of research because I do not buy brand new equipments. I have saved a lot of money by purchasing lightly used camera equipments. It is important to fund your business wisely, having a full time job also helps because I am able to pour into something that I am passionate about.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is the look on my clients face and their reactions when I deliver their pictures. I photograph everyday normal people and they tend to be nervous during a session. They open up and explain to me that they need help posing and making sure that they are picture perfect. A lot of them feel like they are not photogenic or they are not used to being in front of the camera. My goal is making them feel comfortable and warming them up into the session. By the time the session is over they know what angles work best for them and how they are to pose. When I show them the raw file they are very happy and cannot wait to see the final result. My goal is to make sure that my clients are pleased with the final product.

Contact Info:

• Website: photoscolette.com
• Instagram: @photos_colette
• Facebook: Photos Colette

Image Credits
Photos Colette