Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jill Baumann. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jill, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
It is important to value your worth as a photographer! I’ve discovered that clients who truly appreciate professional photography are willing to pay you what you deserve. Keep in mind that a one-hour photoshoot involves around nine hours of editing work that goes unnoticed by clients. Photographers invest a lot in equipment, editing programs, websites, props, wardrobe, lighting, cameras, and lenses – the list goes on. Charging only $300 for a photo session means constantly working and burnout. I recommend calculating your cost of doing business (CODB) before deciding on your prices. This will help ensure that you’re properly compensated for your hard work and expenses.
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 started photography at age 14, became a nurse & worked in the adult ICU for 5 years, then switched to photography full-time. I specialize in maternity, birth (my favorite!), newborn, cake smash, branding, and family photography. With my nursing background, I feel that my clients can easily trust me to capture their favorite moments, whether it’s giving birth to their first child, documenting the details of their new baby, or celebrating their little one’s birthday. My photo studio is located in SW Houston, and I offer in-home, in-hospital, and outdoor sessions.
The final artwork you receive isn’t the only part that matters, it’s also about the experience & friendly customer service that you enjoy throughout the process. I offer custom wall art, albums, keepsake prints, and more to keep your favorite moments in your mind and hearts forever.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
During COVID, I worked as an ICU nurse in Houston, Fort Worth, Abilene, and El Paso, TX. I was a travel nurse, and I worked 6 12-hour shifts a week for over 6 months straight. ECMO, dialysis, tracheostomies, ventilators, vasopressors. paralytics… it was all so exhausting mentally & physically. After March 2022, I quit nursing & took a 3-month break. During this time, I used my savings to build my dream business, JBTX Photography. I wanted to focus on what brings me joy & make a living doing it.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Word of mouth, hands down. When my clients post my work on their social media or share with friends and family, it helps out tremendously. Collaborating with like-minded business owners (birth centers, doulas, OBGYNs, ultrasound technicians, nurses) has helped my business grow significantly as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jbtxphotography.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/JBTX.photo
- Facebook: Facebook.com/JBTX.photo
- Other: Booking site: https://book.usesession.com/i/tuRkXL4tZ
Image Credits
jbtxphotography.com