Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hallie Fry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Hallie, thanks for joining us today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?

I have been very fortunate in my career to be a published photographer in magazines like Harper’s Bizarre, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. I am a published author in multiple magazine articles. I’ve been a keynote speaker at the Wed Midwest conference, and have been nominated in top categories for my business in my community. But how did I scale up? What have I learned in my 10+ years of business? This ONE thing is what took my business to the next level, but first, how did it all start…

I started my photography journey in the fall of 2012 and by starting I mean I bought a camera but didn’t know how to use it. I was working full-time as a graphic designer and always loved taking photos growing up. I was always that friend with the disposable camera, then upgraded to the glamorous, canon point-and-shoot and filled shoeboxes full of memories. I’ve always known the importance of freezing moments in time and holding onto those memories. At the young age of 13, I lost my father, and photos are now a way to relive those days. So in some ways, you could say he has helped spark my success.

Fast-forward to the fall of 2013, I spent the beginning of the year practicing with families and friends. My cousin was brave enough to allow me to photograph his wedding. Yes, I was the inexperienced cousin, but we all start somewhere, right?

Still working full-time, I truly found my calling in Photography. I started to attend bridal shows to meet couples. I had friends and family refer me to other couples that they knew and I started doing family sessions to fill in the gaps. I was charging anywhere from $50-$100 for a session, delivering them on a CD, had no idea what presets were and if you can believe it, Instagram was mainly used for in-the-moment photos taken on your phone and slapping a terrible filter on it. I was only using Facebook to market my business and thankfully I had a wonderful support system cheering me on.

Business was good. I was charging $1200 for a wedding and could never fathom being one of those photographers to charge multiple thousands of dollars for a wedding. I was going to be the “affordable” photographer, especially since this was a “hobby” and all – I had my full-time job supporting me, but little did I know the life events that were about to take place…

I married my amazing husband in 2015 right when my business was really starting to take off. In 2016 we welcomed our first son. I was traveling for work now, a new mom, AND running a busy photography business. It all started to wear on me a bit, but I kept pushing forward. In 2017 we got pregnant again only to lose him at 21 weeks. In business, no one really shares the struggles – physically, emotionally, and mentally that you personally go through when trying to chase your dreams. You really only get a glimpse into people’s successes and their highlight reels. It’s so important to know as you’re chasing your own goals and dreams that you’re going to be tested. Things won’t always go as you planned, what you hoped for, or at the pace that you think it should take and that’s OK.

After experiencing this loss, I started taking on less photography – only doing enough to fill my creative cup. We were then blessed to welcome another son in 2018. And as wonderful as it was, I needed a reality check.

I was already tired. I had zero boundaries. I was so unorganized, burnt out was an understatement and I was about to give up on something that had brought me so much joy.

Until, one late-night conversation that changed everything… I remember it so clearly, it was March 2019. We had just gotten the kids to bed and we were in the kitchen, I looked at my husband and said, “Something has got to give! What if I put all of my efforts into photography – quit my job and become a full-time photographer?!?”,  without hesitation, he said, “do it! I believe in you and fully support you!!”

And then the real work began…

I had already signed up for a bridal show where I met and networked with some incredible local vendors – shout out to Kate Smith Soiree! That show was literally a kickstart to both of our successful businesses. At that show, we talked about something called a styled shoot, and I was instantly hooked.

I then came across an Instagram post for an out-of-town-styled shoot. It had been a while since I had a bunch of fresh new content and I knew if I was going to solely rely on Photography, I needed to raise my prices (I could no longer be the “affordable” photographer – I needed to know my worth) and I needed new content.

It wasn’t until I actually attended the workshop that I found this community of amazing photographers, who were also trying to grow their business and something clicked. I needed to cultivate a community like this in Kansas City!

In May 2019, Kate, the other vendors, and I had our first wedding-styled shoot.

In June 2019 with the help of my photographer bestie, Rachell Stierly Photography – Styled and Curated was born (formerly called The Foto Foundry) which was a workshop for photographers. Our first workshop was for photographers who wanted to attract their ideal clients which happened to be high school seniors. Each month after that we hosted a workshop for photographers in niche photography like maternity, family, newborns, couples, and weddings. Fostering community and growth.

So what helped scale my business? Building community! Now, I’m not saying every Photographer has to go out and host a styled shoot. What I am saying is that you have to shoot and create the content that will attract your ideal client. Along the way, you will network with talented small businesses in your city – you won’t be growing your business alone, you’ll be growing alongside your peers! You’ll be featured on their social media accounts and now your exposure went from your profile to multiple profiles with thousands of followers. More visibility for your business.

In the fall of 2019, I was able to call myself a full-time photographer. Despite the pandemic and the challenges that it placed on a lot of local businesses, my business has grown more successful year after year and I continue to fill my calendar with the most amazing clients.

I continue to help photographers gain confidence and teach them how to get out of their own way, to know their worth, and to know that there’s room for each and every one of them out there and that they too can grow a crazy successful photography business.

From guides, courses, 1-on-1 coaching, content days, or being a part of the Made for Growth Community. There is something to be learned at any stage of your photography journey.

From a photographer who was about to give up on her dreams and now runs a multiple-6-figure business to another photographer, who might be feeling like giving up too… My advice is simple. DONT. Success does not happen overnight. Keep believing in yourself, make a commitment, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You’ll always have a friend in me – always cheering you on – always being your biggest hype girl!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hallie Fry is a wedding photographer, business coach, speaker and industry leader. She has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, a keynote speaker at the Wed Midwest Conference and featured in articles with Modern Capture and The NYC Journal. Hallie has spent the last 5 years helping photographers build their dream photography business to six figures through branding and marketing.

Hallie helps photographers gain confidence and teaches them how to get out of their own way, know their worth and know that there is room for each and everyone of them to grow a crazy successful photography business. Hallie believes wholeheartedly in the power of community and networking. She provides a library of knowledge and resources for photographers to dive into. Whether it is guides, courses, 1 on 1 coaching, content days or being a part of the Made for Growth Community, there is something to be learned at any stage of your photography journey.

Hallie has taken what she has learned from going all in on her business to 6 months later, leaving her 9-5 and running a thriving multiple six figure business. It is a decision and commitment that you make to yourself, some messy action and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable – but the best part is, you have her alongside you hyping you up and guiding you to the successful photography business you desire.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Putting every dollar back into your business! Ok, maybe not every dollar, but your first year in business shouldn’t be about profit. It should be about investing in ways to make your business a solid foundation. Whether that be reliable equipment, guides, email templates to ensure that you have a good workflow and an amazing client experience! Purchase courses on lighting, posing, find a mentor that will help you grow your business into a crazy successful one! The limits and opportunities are endless, but if you want to see massive growth in your business – then massive action is required!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

From my own experience and now teaching my students about the effects of Social Branding – which refers to the process of strategically shaping and managing your brand’s identity, perception, and presence across social media platforms. It involves leveraging social media channels to build and cultivate relationships with target audiences, establishing brand authenticity and personality, and to drive engagement and loyalty.

Social branding encompasses various elements, including content creation, community engagement, reputation management, the effectiveness of hashtags, keywords, being in your stories, reels and honing in on your brands voice and then creating consistent content based of your offers.

Consistency is key and the best way to set yourself up for success is planning out your content.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.halliefry.com
• Instagram: Education: @thehalliefry Photography: @halliefry_
• Other: Made For Growth Membership: https://made-for-growth.mn.co/plans/384005?bundle_token=93d55d17a4dd1aaf5b1f99b3e5491dfa&utm_source=manual

Image Credits
Instagram: @joandlyndon