Hi Genevieve, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I can happily say that I am earning a full-time living from photography. I didn’t start out thinking that I would give up my career. It was just a “side-hustle” at first. I maintained a demanding corporate job while growing my photography business until one day the decision to go full time was very, very clear.

I started to get good at photography, got some awards and took a critical look at the photography industry. I set yearly goals that exceeded my expectations every time but It was always about the numbers for me. Could I make the same salary working in photography? Being able to do that was really important to me. So I let the numbers tell me what I should do and when I should do it.

When the pandemic hit I very clearly found myself at that fork in the road. I HAD to give something up. The industry I was in was toxic, my sons needed more of me than I had time for and there was no way I was giving up photography when it brought me so much joy. Not when I saw that I could be successful in it.

My company was laying people off and I raised my hand, I made the leap and that year my business BLEW UP. It all just fell into place.

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 background and context?

Sure, I’m A photographer & IT professional. I’m a mom, a wife & a friend. I’m married to a wonderful man and together we have two young, rowdy boys that we have LOTS of fun with. Argentina is my first home and that’s shaped me in more ways than I can explain. I feel a deep rooted connection to people & places and usually wear my heart RIGHT on my sleeve. I like all kinds of photography. I’m based out of Michigan but I do travel for my clients. I photograph weddings, newborns, seniors, families, corporate events and products. All the photography experts tell me that I need to pick 1 maybe 2 niches to be successful in this industry. I say RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN. I enjoy all of it and it keeps me from getting bored and I’m finding that it helps my clients get a better portfolio because I know how to work with ALL KINDS of people.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has been existing ones. I am recommended to friends, co-workers, and family members by current clients quite a bit. To me this is the biggest compliment a photographer can receive and I’m proud to take care of them.

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

Being myself and working hard. I still believe in hard work & continuous growth. When I first started I was so nervous because the photography business can be so competitive but a friend reminded me that “there’s enough for everyone”. I remember that every time another photographer comes to me for help or when I start to measure myself up to someone else. I stay professional, I stay true to myself and my style of photography. I put my whole self out there every single time because if that’s not enough then nothing ever will be. I think that kind of authenticity and grit has brought me more clients than I could have ever imagined and I’m here for it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://genevievedevries.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genevieve_devries_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gdevriesphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-devries-917a9bba/

Image Credits
credits to Genevieve Devries Photography