We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Debbie Mcfarland. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Debbie below.

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, I’m Debbie McFarland! For the past 25 years, I’ve been helping people see their own beauty and worth through my lens. My passion as a portrait photographer is to capture the true essence of each person—whether it’s the connection and love of a family, the playful innocence of a child, the joy and strength of a high school senior, or the warmth and personality of a small business owner in a branding session. I don’t just take photos; I create custom artwork that celebrates my clients’ unique stories and I guide them every step of the way, from choosing the perfect location and outfits to designing artwork that looks amazing in their homes. I believe that everyone deserves to see how incredible they truly are.

Beyond photography, I’m the founder of Sparks of Kindness, a kindness movement that’s grown to be a source of hope and compassion for many across the globe. It is not only about spontaneous acts of kindness but also about planning deliberate ones, small sparks you can do to bring a smile and hope for someone. —showing up for people in need with purpose. We can change the world one spark at a time, changing one person’s world. Locally, we organize everything from helping families in crisis to hosting kindness drives for over 600 people experiencing homelessness each winter. My goal is to inspire kindness wherever we go. It might be as simple as leaving bubbles at the playground, quarters on a vending machine or hot chocolate to the crossing guard.

After years of my own self-growth, I was inspired to take my work a step further, creating workshops and retreats for women and young girls at our art studio on our flower farm. These classes are designed to empower and build skills that help people feel deeply valued and excited about life.

One of my favorite projects is the Tween Empowerment Photo Experience, born out of my heart to show preteens how remarkable they are—inside and out. These sessions go beyond the camera. Each one includes heartfelt messages from loved ones, sharing qualities they admire in the child, and it’s amazing to watch how this changes their confidence. Inspired by the impact I’ve seen over the years, I also host Tween Empowerment Events, where over 50 girls come together for a day of encouragement, fun activities, professional photography, and all the little extras that help them see this as the awesome age rather than the awkward one. Seeing these young people stand a little taller after an experience like that is the best feeling. It is my passion and desire to maybe help just one person.

And then, there’s our U-Pick Flower Farm in Brooks, GA—a place where people come to pick flowers, take a deep breath, and just soak in the beauty. It’s been a space for connection and healing through community events, photography sessions, and workshops. Whether through capturing special memories, teaching life-affirming skills, or simply creating spaces for kindness, everything I do is about helping people see and celebrate the beauty in themselves and in each other.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Kindness and Empathy:

I believe my reputation in this market has grown over the past 25 years because I approach each client relationship with kindness, warmth, and genuine care. From the moment we begin planning a session, I work to show each person just how incredible they truly are. During the free consultation, I help clients plan every detail—location, outfits, mood, style, poses, and props—so they feel confident and excited. I often visit clients’ homes before the session to see their wall space firsthand, helping with colors, sizes, and ideas for how the finished artwork will complement their space. This extra step isn’t just about the final product; it’s about making sure each session feels completely tailored to their unique vision.

When clients arrive for their session, I want them to feel like they’re visiting an old friend. I’m there to greet them, run out to help with bags, and offer a warm welcome with candles, lemonade, and cookies. I guide them every step of the way to make them feel comfortable and beautiful in front of the camera, capturing their genuine selves.

After the session, I create a custom slideshow and guide clients through the design process, helping them select artwork that not only showcases their beauty and personality but also fits perfectly in their home. The entire experience is designed to be stress-free, personal, and full of joy.

Giving back to my community has been an essential part of my business—not for marketing, but out of a genuine desire to make a difference. I’ve offered free sessions for cancer survivors, prom and cap-and-gown photos for the Class of 2020, and organized a “Beautiful Baby” contest and calendar that raised over $20,000 annually for the local cancer society. During the pandemic, I featured local heroes and businesses to celebrate their contributions.

Through these efforts and word of mouth, my business has become about so much more than just photography. It’s about creating meaningful experiences, empowering people to see their beauty, and giving back to the community I love. This genuine care is what has helped me build a reputation that I’m deeply proud of.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Staying connected with my clients is incredibly important to me. I believe in going beyond just a business relationship and building genuine friendships, so I stay in touch in small but meaningful ways. For the holidays, I love sending personalized Christmas ornaments with their family photo, as well as 5×7 “thinking of you” prints that remind them they’re cherished. I send cards for lots of ocassions, like congratulatory cards when I see something on social media. If a client is going through a difficult time, I send cards, and if they lose a loved one, I bring flowers or even a home-cooked meal to show that I’m there for them.

I want my clients to feel like they’re part of a family, and this kindness and care keep them coming back. I’m not just their photographer—I’m a friend they can count on, someone who truly values their well-being and happiness. This genuine connection and support have been the foundation of my brand loyalty.

I also send email newsletters with tips and upcoming events, I want to stay on their mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cedarhillstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestudioatcedarhill/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CedarHillStudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-mcfarland-64703819/