We were lucky to catch up with Franchesca Schaefer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Franchesca, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I found a love for pictures at a young age. My Mammaw (grandmother) kept so many pictures in the house and I would look through them all the time. Myself and my siblings at various ages, my mom and her siblings when they were kids, wedding pictures, graduations, she had them all there. The memories and lives of people I knew and loved and some I only ever met through their pictures. I knew that those little pieces of paper held something so dear. Eventually, I learned that I could help supply those images for others. I could capture that graduation shot, the engagement moment, someone’s first kiss at their wedding. And I was hooked.
Being part of people’s lives has brought me so much joy! I have gotten to see families grow and loved ones rejoice. I have even had the honor of capturing the last photographs of various people.
Learning photography came easy to me. A lot of what I learned came from skilled professors through my degree. I’ve also done some online courses, been part of group photoshoots and learning opportunities, and spent many hours in the field growing and learning as I go.
The most essential skill I would have to say is to have a passion for it. That might not sound like a skill, but I can promise it is.
As for obstacles, man or man, it would have to be that there are simply never enough hours in the day! I have continued to work a full time job as I grow my photography, and finding time to shoot and edit can be a challenge. But it is absolutely worth it every time.

Franchesca, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Who am I? My name is Franchesca Schaefer, though some know me simply as Frankie. I grew up in a small town in rural Louisiana and was raised for a lot of my life by my grandparents. They instilled in me a love for life and others. That very easily spread into my love of photography. My first gig was a high school friend and it was her wedding, believe it or not! I look back on some of those images and just have to marvel at the growth from then to now.
Present day, I am a photographer. I have dabbled in several different types of photography and processes, but I continue to find myself where the people are. If it’s a big moment in your life, I want to be there to help capture those memories.
It is so important to me that we have images of ourselves to leave behind for future generations. Once our bodies fade back to the earth, those pictures become so precious to those we leave behind. And I plan to contribute as many images to be left as possible.
My most proud moments are when I get to see you be awesome! I remember looking back at a wedding that I was not even meant to be photographing, but I took one of my all time favorite images there for the couple (friends of mine) when their photographer had to leave. That image still hangs in their living room if I am not mistaken.
If I could tell any potential clients, or friends and family anything, it would be to hire the photographer. Maybe that is me,maybe it’s nott, but it is such a worthy investment. You will be so glad to have those pictures, or your family will when you aren’t around.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of what I do is knowing I get to bring joy to the lives of others. That what I do has a lasting impact in this world. I love getting to help people see the beauty in them selves as well as preserve that moment in time.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

The first camera I bought on my own was in college, it was a simple not the oldest or newest, not the best but better than the bottom, simple camera. I was so proud of myself because I had paid for it with my own money! I had worked a summer job with that goal in mind and let me tell you, so great! And then to be able to turn around and pay it off with sessions was the most rewarding thing ever! Since then I have upgraded a couple times, grown my options and equipment collection, and learned so so much!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://franchescaphotography78.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/franchesca_photography?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranchescaPhotography?mibextid=ZbWKwL