We recently connected with Corey Truesdale and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Corey, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.
I can’t remember the very first client that I got, but I remember a early on client that has grown to a close friend! John Harris of John Harris Basketball and his wife Tequanna Harris Chef of The Vessel. We attended the same church, never spoke before until I recognized Tequanna and I worked at the same company. Then one day I recognized a connection that was growing between her and John at church. Then one Sunday I found out that they had just got engaged! So I offered a free Engagement session at a local park! They loved the photos so much they hired me to do their Wedding at our church! Then they hired me for their family session! We became really great friends, now 8 plus years later John hires me often to travel to Charleston SC to photography his speaking and training events for his business! That connection early on created a long time client and long time friend that I can call family!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am from Newark New Jersey and as a teenager I later moved to Augusta Georgia. I look at myself as a unique individual because it is rare to see someone who has experienced the trials and tribulations that I have, be where I am today. Coming from a broken home to finishing school living with my grandparents taught me at an early age that nothing is given or promised to you. I watched my mother work long hours and struggle to keep the utilities on and maintained. I seen my dad live a lifestyle that was frowned upon, so I learned early that success can only come in one way and that is through hard work. I played two sports growing up basketball and track & field, so I learned the essentials of teamwork, practice, trust, passion, development, and competitiveness. With my photography I now use those same behaviors and characteristics with my art.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The best source of new clients for me comes from word of mouth! A lot of people don’t truly understand the power of just mentioning someone’s business how far it actually goes! Majority of my main clients have come from someone telling them about me. When I started in 2010-2011 I did photos in local clubs in Augusta GA and people loved their photos and referred me to their friends and family and the list grew! Even when you look at social media, nowadays there are groups on Facebook that people can mention your business if someone post “ISO a Photographer”. Also, on Instagram you reels and regular post that can be shared, tagged, saved, reposted, etc. So with all that being said that is the way I have always seen an increase in growth and opportunity for One TrueShot Photography.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The relationships for sure!! I absolutely LOVE the relationships that I cultivate with my business! Prior to my session it is important to engage with the potential client to not only gain a clear understanding of their needs but to earn the trust and to bring any particular “walls” down before shooting. Most people are nervous or anxious before taking photos, some are insecure about certain features, and to take a deeper dive some people have been manipulated and cheated in the past from different businesses so I keep that in mind as well. During the session I make it a point to make it a 2 way dialogue session and not just me doing all the talking. I like to ask questions and I like to share a little more about me and my life to open vulnerability and transparency. After the session my clients are at ease, happy, excited and most likely to return or keep in touch!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.onetrueshot.com
- Instagram: @one_trueshot
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneTrueShot
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-truesdale-009431247/
- Other: TikTok @onetrueshot
Image Credits
Demetris Council of De’Veilope Events Angela Roy Arianna Arnold Jeremy Jones Ruka Ibegbu Lex-Jordan Ibegbu Shabnaz Suchocki Risa Ademola Althea Heart