We were lucky to catch up with Ivy Bencheck recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ivy , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
When I think about the most meaningful project that I’ve worked on thus far, my new work is first in line. I have recently come out as pansexual, a lover of all if you will, and decided that my business needs to reflect who I really am. It only took a night of binge watching Queer Eye to open my eyes that I want to do more with my work. Fully in tears, I began calling all my queer and trans friends and offered them branding sessions, styled elopements, and couples sessions. Being able to show queer and trans representation in the wedding world is super powerful to me because it’s not easy to find. It’s all white gowns and heteronormative models. Love has such a wider spectrum than just your average girls on this side boys on that side. Sick of the traditional gender norms, together my friends and I showed off what all love looks like. One couple had never imagined that they’d ever have the opportunity to get her hair and make up done by professionals or wear a gorgeous wedding gown that fit like a glove! I’ve learned so much by being open to learning and hearing their stories. Changing gears to openly supporting and providing a safe and inclusive business means the world to me. Everyone deserves their special day just the way they’ve always dreamed of. I am so proud that I can be apart of that story.
Ivy , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got into photography as a young kid, I just loved it. I think it was my way of expressing my love. Even though my models weren’t always thrilled about being models (my mom mainly) it’s my way of saying, “In this very moment, your beauty was so radiant I couldn’t help but want to remember it forever.” She had boxes and boxes and albums of every moment. I enjoyed hearing about where the pictures were taken, why grandma had a mullet, and who is that, and that, and that?! The quality time, the memories, laughs, tears, excitement that photos brought to me and her filled my heart. I always knew that I’d be a photographer. Being able to offer the way I see your love, and show it to you, will never get old to me.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience, more like rebellion. When I went to college, getting a degree in Art or photography was way out of the question. No parent, friend or councilor was directing me to this path. But I found a way. It was a long road but here I still am, writing to you about my journey. Anything is figureoutable, and my passion for my work is how I refuse to give up. I don’t care if I don’t make a fortune from this, I’m so happy when I’m with couples, exploring new areas, meeting new photo friends. I refuse to stop and I truly believe that’s the key to success. Just keep going.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Great question! I am myself! I use to think of the wedding industry as a fancy party and I was Cinderella, an imposter. At midnight they’d all see that I didn’t belong and my business would collapse into a rotten pumpkin. Ok, so I’m no princess but I’ve accepted that I can be unapologetically authentic and people will feel it. They see me and our time together is so much more fun because of it. We’re all comfortable being silly and weird and who cares because we’re in it together. I guess if you call that a strategy…
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ivybencheckportaits.com
- Instagram: @ivybencheckportraits
- Facebook: @ivybencheckportraits
Image Credits
Photography by Ivy Bencheck Portraits