We were lucky to catch up with Heather Cahoon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Heather thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I grew up as a ballet dancer. I started at a “dolly dinkle” dance studio in Texas, and after moving at the age of six to South Carolina was placed in a classical ballet studio. I was always a performer but never felt comfortable in front of my peers at the ballet studio. I admired the dancers who played Odette in Swan Lake, and Sugar Plum in our Nutcracker, but I never thought I could be that person. I wanted to quit fairly early thinking my future and my path was set and it wasn’t on ballet. Eventually, at the age of 12, I went to a sumer intensive for 5 weeks 2,000 miles from home. I went there for two reasons: I didn’t have to audition and it was far away enough I knew I wouldn’t run into my peers there and stay hidden in the corner of the studio like I always do. I came back from that experience a different dancer and ultimately a different person. Ultimately, the change in attitude and effort led to me dancing professionally in amazing companies located in Austria, Israel, Hungary and Charleston, SC. Since then, I’ve never been afraid to pick up and learn something new or to start over. I took that and embraced multiple shifts, going back to school for my bachelors (and now the masters program I am about to finish). Picking up the camera and starting what has become a stable solid photography career. And even walking into the classroom to teach teenagers (talk about intimidating 😂). Long story short, if you have a growth mindset, a willingness to learn and make mistakes, you will absolutely grow into your successes and your dreams.

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.

I began working as a photographer in 2016 while I was finishing up my bachelors. I was uncertain of what direction I would take my History degree and had always been intrigued by the artistic possibilities of photography. I am also a mom of three and with the man I was made for. I believe what sets me apart is that I am deeply empathetic and have so much passion for turning a client’s memory into a beautiful photograph. I also will go above and beyond for my clients. No matter who they are all clients deserve a beautiful photography experience.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As I said, I go above and beyond for clients. This has been a difficult thing to create boundaries for. In the beginning of my business I felt that I had to say YES to every client, email right away, bend if they willed it. This led to burn out very quickly. It made it difficult for me to keep going. Eventually, after learning more about the business of photography through experiences and coursework, I learned the value of pricing my work at my value and maintaining healthy expectations in client communication. This has been a huge game-changer for me. It may be possible not everyone can afford me, or that my work life balance offends some clients, but those who understand and still value my work are the clients worth working for!

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

I feel as though I have done this the wrong way and finally figured out the right way. When I began photography, I charged little to nothing. For my practice/portfolio clients I did not choose with any brand in mind what the clients would look or dress like. This ultimately let to clientele primarily looking for a cheap photographer who got work back quickly. It was running me into the ground and not sustainable. Many years after that time a fellow photographer told me I didn’t have to choose everyone that volunteered to model and should not be uncomfortable with dictating the clothing. This completely shifted my brand and the expectations that clients have even for themselves. If they are drawn to what I post then they fit into the market I’ve built. The issue of brand identity will be one of the most important steps in building your business and getting the following you want.

Contact Info:

• Website: Heathercahoon.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/heathercahoonphoto
• Facebook: Facebook.com/heathercahoonphoto
• Other: TikTok: heather_cahoon

Image Credits
Heather Cahoon Photography