We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Gonzalez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.

Jennifer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Growth is exciting, but from what we’ve seen across thousands of conversations with entrepreneurs it’s also dangerous if costs aren’t watched closely – sometimes costs can grow out of control outpacing revenue growth and putting the viability of the entire business at risk. How have you managed to keep costs under control?

As a photographer, it is really easy to let costs get out of control. For myself, I have attempted to only buy equipment as needed or when I have the funds. I look around at others’ set ups and think, “Oh I definitely need new softboxes and lights!” when in reality, I can accomplish most of my sessions without them or with only one. Because photography equipment is so expensive, it really takes organization and skill to manage while building the business. One type of session I offer are Mountain portraits. I go with my clients to the mountains and we capture some epic images. I decided that I really needed a more powerful flash to really get the most out of these sessions. I waited until I had the funds in my bank account and for a sale during the holidays and then made my purchase. I did not want to put it on my credit card or feel like I couldn’t truly afford it. It is now one of my most valuable pieces of equipment allowing me to take photos during all types of light.

Jennifer, 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?

I am a photographer based in Loudoun County, Virginia. I have always enjoyed photos but really never thought I could be a photographer. However, people kept saying, “That photo is amazing on your phone. Imagine if you used a camera.” So I picked up a Canon 70D and started taking random photos. I focused on nature: sunsets, flowers, mountains, waterfalls. I learned whatever I could, practiced and started selling prints. I also had the assistance of other photographers as I learned. They were invaluable to me and I will always appreciate their help (Chris, Nathan – I am forever grateful). I never thought I would take portraits until one day, a photographer spoke at my photo club.

Kelly Schneider spoke and showed an image of a woman in a beautiful dress on the side of a mountain. To say I was hooked is an understatement. How could I combine portraits with my nature photography? I started to learn portrait photography. I studied with Kelly a few times and joined The Portrait System. I have been doing portraits seriously for approximately four years and love them. My main focus is on senior portraits (high school seniors), sports photography and personal portraits. I believe that my nature photography has set me apart from others in the area because I know light, I know the best locations for sessions, and I do not have to rely on a studio.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

If you ask most any high school student who has worked with me about my sessions, they will almost always say, “That was fun!” Many times teens are nervous to be in front of the camera. They may take selfies, take pics of their friends on their phones but posing in front of a professional is very different. This “fun” gets shared with others and that has given me a great reputation. My Senior VIP program is built around fun. I want them to go to fun places, pick a fun topic, and have fun together in photos. Getting senior portraits taken does not need to be serious. We laugh, we joke, and we form a connection that has them leaving their session still smiling.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I have two sources for gaining new clients. First and foremost is word of mouth. Many parents of high school seniors will tell others about their experience with me and I get referrals this way. I consider it the very best way to source new clients. Second, I get clients through my sports photography. I have been busy attempting to get to high schools in my area to photograph girls sports. This past fall I focused a lot on volleyball which was new to me. I also attended field hockey and gymnastics, again, both new. I get to show my skills as a sports photographer and get my name out to new, possible clients. In the past I have photographed soccer and softball and am looking forward to more of that this spring. An added benefit is making connections with players and coaches who I hope will remember me when they need portraits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jennifergonzalez.com
• Instagram: https://instgram.com/jennifergonzalezphotography

Image Credits
All images taken by Jennifer Gonzalez Photography (me)